Pi Kappa Alpha - Missouri State University

thE ZEtA ChI PIKELINE 2 P i Kappa Alpha has helped pave the road for mark Landwehr '70 in multiple aspects of his life. What started with Bob feigenbaum '69 convincing him to become rush chairman, led to Mark believing he could sell anything including the Zeta Chi experience. This budding confidence in sales was solidified when mac Humphries '71 introduced Mark to his father, who then hired him as a salesman. Forty-three years later, Mark is still working at Jones & Vining. Incidentally, he was also introduced to his wife, Karen, through Tim elder '71. "There is no double that I've enjoyed my life more as a result of the lifelong friendships I've shared with my brothers," he said. "As I've aged, I've become more aware of the impact that Pi Kappa Alpha has had on my life. I am so proud to be associated with wonderful men who care for one another even more today than we did when we were initiated." Ten years ago, Mark was informed about a brother's sickness. He and a few others decided to contact as many brothers as they could and bring their ill brother lunch for Christmas. A handful of brothers showed up, and after a few moments of formalities, the years melted away and the men were reminiscing their years as Pike actives. The lunch became an annual event, and Mark has organized the Christmas luncheon each year since. "Among the best moments for me is when a brother attends for the first time. The look of absolute joy on their faces is priceless," he said. "I witness every year that the garnet and gold will never grow old in the heart of every Pi Kappa Alpha." As an outgrowth of the Christmas luncheon in St. Louis, Mac has started one in Kansas City. Bruce sassmann '69 and John ruck '71 began hosting an annual retreat on Bruce's farm, and two years ago, mike Todd '70 flew in from Virginia to attend. A few months later, Mike passed away, and a memorial fund was created. Mark and Mac co-chair the effort, and Mark says he is proud of the support brothers offered Mike's wife during this time, and of those who generously contributed to the fund. A room will be dedicated to Mike in the new Pike house, and a dedication ceremony will take place in October. "As the brothers of my era have aged, I know we've all discovered what a wonderful privilege it is to be a part of something much larger than ourselves," Mark said. "I plan on visiting the chapter house for the dedication of Mike's room. It's meaningful to demonstrate to these young Pikes that they are part of a great tradition." Mark and Karen have been married for 37 years. They have three children, Jennifer, Amanda, and Matt; and three grandchildren, Jake, Zach, and Abbi. Each Sunday, the family gets together for dinner, and Mark says his family is the most rewarding "hobby." Mark lives in Wildwood, Mo., and can be reached at markljv1@gmail.com. A hEArt fuLL of GArNEt ANd GoLd Mark Landwehr '70 Treasures Pike Friendships and Membership I n 2005, a phone call from Jim roebuck '81 explaining the status of Pi Kappa Alpha on Missouri State University's campus sparked an interest in Bill Perry '83 to reconnect with Zeta Chi. Upon graduation, Bill immediately went on active duty in the Army for four and a half years. Thereafter, he worked for a global company that kept him traveling regularly and ultimately led to his disconnect with the chapter. However, since Jim's influence on him in 2005, Bill assisted with the recolonization of Zeta Chi, has contributed to the annual campaign, and serves on the MSU College of Business Board of Outside Advisors. "Jim's passion to recolonize is what brought me back. Everything that has happened for Zeta Chi didn't happen overnight," Bill said. "I'm sure many alumni were skeptical about recolonizing, but here we are 10 years later, back on campus is a much bigger way." Since reconnecting, Bill has stayed in regular contact with Jim, Craig Niederstadt '74, and Jim Wilson '81. Seeing his brother's dedication to Zeta Chi motivated him to contribute to the annual campaign. He believes alumni had great ideas on how to better the chapter, but finding and restoring the fire truck sparked a greater interest in alumni to donate, as the truck serves as a big part of Pike lore and had a psychological impact on many members. "Like any campaign, it needs to be sustained," he said. "I believe connecting alumni with the active chapter is what can sustain Zeta Chi for many years to come." When Bill reconnected, he was also introduced to marketing professors at MSU's College of Business through Jim Roebuck. From there, he was invited to guest lecture in marketing, management, and accounting classes. This year, Bill received the Golden Bear award for his service to the College of Business and his work with Accenture, a global management consulting, technology, and outsourcing firm. Bill is the deputy chief operation officer for Accenture, and is specifically responsible for business performance. He travels for more than half of the year, and has worked in 35 countries during his time with the company. "I was extremely flattered by the recognition from the College of Business. It's ironic, but it all started when Jim got us together in 2005 for a reunion." Bill lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Heather, of 19 years. They have a 15-year-old daughter, Sophie, who is active in the school band and color guard. Bill can be reached at wdperry@tx.rr.com. rediscovering Brotherhood Bill Perry '83 Reflects on His Reconnection with Zeta Chi - f f l www.zetachipikes.com Alumni: Zeta Chi Alumni Association Undergraduate: Pi Kappa Alpha – Missouri State University @MSU_Pikes

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