Pi Kappa Alpha - Missouri State University

THE ZETA CHI PIKELINE 2 Alumni Advisory Board Sets Goals for Zeta Chi More Volunteers Needed to Sustain Leadership T here is no doubt that you are aware of the Zeta Chi Alumni Association. In the fall 2015 issue of the Pikeline, we told you about Baxter Hall Properties, the entity formed to enter into legal contracts, like the lease we just entered for the chapter's new house on Elm Street. However, a third alumni organization is also critical to the long-term success of the Zeta Chi Chapter—the alumni advisory board. Implementing a long-term strategy and sustaining exceptionalism is a near impossible task if we rely solely on undergraduate leaders who serve for one or two years, graduate, and then, understandably, begin to focus on their careers. In addition, the demands placed on today's leaders of the active chapter are daunting and require experience and expertise that only comes with being out in the working world—skills in leadership, financial, management, marketing, and risk awareness are needed regularly to succeed. That's why the alumni advisory board is critical. Most of you are aware of the unwavering dedication Jay Nicholson '75 has provided to the active chapter as chapter advisor. While the most visible and time-consuming position, the chapter advisor is just one part of a team that provides critical perspectives, expertise, and role models to the leaders of the active chapter and, most importantly, sets and oversees the long-term strategy of the chapter. Each member of the board contributes toward the overall vision of the chapter through participating in board meetings as well as direct interaction with chapter officers in one of six areas— leadership, operations, finance, new member education, scholarship, and safety/ brotherhood. Since agreeing to serve as chairman of the alumni advisory board late last year, I have been working with current and recent leaders of the active chapter and interested alumni to structure and assemble a board that will ensure that our achievements to date are sustained and set a course for future success. We need your help! If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact me. Fraternally, Jim Wilson '81 jwilson@ingressinvestments.com (713) 628-6870 (Left) Alumni still enjoy taking the fire truck out for a drive around Springfield. "O nce a Pike, always a Pike." These are words that Tim Inman '96 has taken to heart. His experiences with Pi Kappa Alpha have remained with him and influenced his life ever since he joined the fraternity 20 years ago. "Both my brothers, Tom '92 and Matt '94, were Pikes. Through their membership, I saw a glimpse of what Pi Kappa Alpha was about." Tim took full advantage of the opportunities Pike offered him. "I am who I am today because of Pi Kappa Alpha," he shares. "It prepared me in ways I didn't know existed. It taught me how to take care of myself and take care of others. I took full advantage of the experience." He shares that many of the friendships that he enjoys today are there because of Zeta Chi Chapter. Tim stays in close contact with his brothers, particularly Brett Davis '95, Chad Bisbee '95, and Brian Baumgart '95. "Our friendship and bond has been wonderful. We all live in different cities today, but you'd never know. We've went through great and wonderful times, and hard times." Tim is also actively involved with the Zeta Chi Alumni Association. "As an active alumnus now, I hope we can continue to get better and stronger!" He encourages others to get involved with the chapter, alumni association, and realize the importance of giving back to Zeta Chi. "Let's not let what happened in the late '90s and early '00s ever happen again." Tim works for Schnuck Markets, Inc., in St. Louis, Missouri, where he and his wife, Alexandra, and his son, Theodore Matthew, live. He enjoys spending his free time with Theodore, who, as a 1 year old, keeps Tim and Alexandra very busy. He also enjoys golfing, cooking, and watching Cardinals baseball. You may contact Tim at timlinman@yahoo.com. Once a Pike, always a Pike Tim Inman '96 on Why He Stays Involved Many alumni gathered for our annual meeting during the 2015 Homecoming weekend.

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