Pi Kappa Alpha - Missouri State University

THE ZETA CHI PIKELINE 2 REMEMBERING THE THRILL Recent Graduate Tyler Jones '12 Reflects on His Collegiate Experience D uring fall recruitment, Tyler Jones '12 felt most welcome at Pike events and saw first-hand how ambitious the founding fathers were at the time to build Zeta Chi into a top-tier fraternity on campus. But his final decision to join Zeta Chi was based on genuinely believing in the values and the mission that is Pi Kappa Alpha. This belief in ΠΚΑ continued throughout his undergraduate years. While serving as chapter president, he had the pleasure of working closely with alumni and the active chapter to secure the chapter house at 1117 E. Elm Street. "Just thinking about it still gives me a thrill," he said. "Those who also worked closely on the deal will know exactly what I mean. What a proud moment for Zeta Chi when we finally inked the lease." As a May 2016 graduate, Tyler recently entered the workforce and works for Centene Corporation, where he travels to new markets to assist with building the provider network for managed healthcare companies. This summer, he plans on enrolling in an online MBA program so he can develop a wide array of professional skills and networks to keep his career options open. In the future, he hopes to work for himself as a consultant. "Do not ignore God in college," he advises current members. "Yes, have fun, sleep late, enjoy the ample amount of free time that you do not—and will not—realize you have until post-graduation, but do not let such caveats erode your sense of morality." Recently gaining alumni status, Tyler remembers the many alumni who had an enormous impact on him during his college years. Being a new alumnus, he is still close to many of the active brothers and believes there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of Zeta Chi than now. "There would not be enough space in this column to seriously answer how Pi Kappa Alpha prepared me for the future," he said. "It prepped me for life after college in a number of different ways and I am forever grateful." Right now, Tyler enjoys spending his time traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing new cities. When he's on his own, he typically reads, writes, runs, or plays his guitar. Tyler lives in St. Louis, MO, and can be reached at tljones994@gmail.com. Zach Dumas '12 steps up as chapter aDvisor Inspired by Mike Pearson '75 and Former Advisor Jay Nicholson '75 A s a fall 2012 initiate, the opportunity to be a part of a new beginning was inspiring for Zach Dumas '12. A member of the first pledge class since the reestablishment of Zeta Chi, Zach saw a wide open future and wanted to have a hand in the shaping of the chapter alongside its founding fathers. "I watched the chapter grow each semester. The picture I envisioned in the first days of my pledgeship seemed to grow larger and larger with each incoming member," he said. "Out of the lengthy list of lessons I learned from the fraternity, humility is by far the most prominent." During his undergraduate years, Pi Kappa Alpha prepared Zach for life after college by teaching him how to be part of a community with a large group of people who think differently, live differently, and have a story different than his own. In Zeta Chi, he was thrust into an organization that taught him how to explore who he was and what he wanted to succeed in, and it encouraged him to take the first step. As the cards fell, he and his brothers all found a space were they belonged. "Our actions had direct consequences for the organization and we had to come to terms with failure and success alike. Pike taught me how to begin life outside of a university by showing me an example of a community I wanted to be a part of inside a university," he said. After graduating and accepting a job in Branson, MO, Zach remained involved with the chapter and was in and out of Springfield quite often. As an undergraduate, Jay Nicholson '75 and Mike Pearson '75 were instrumental to his college experience, and when Jay decided to step down as chapter advisor, Zach saw that as his sign to step up. After mustering up the courage to talk with Jay about his interest, the two agreed that it was a good idea and the roles have naturally shifted to where they are now. Jay served as chapter advisor since the recolonization of Zeta Chi, and was named MSU Chapter Advisor of the Year in 2012 and the Pi Kappa Alpha Advisor of the Year in 2013. Zach is certain that he would not be the man he is today without Jay and Mike's guidance and friendship during his undergraduate years, and remains in nearly constant contact with both. As he takes over the role of chapter advisor, Zach has two immediate goals he'd like to work on: keeping the sights of the active chapter set on their own success, not the success of others, and shoring up the bridge between alumni and the active chapter. "We know what our community wants and expects," he said. "The alumni association should be our backboard to bounce ideas off and get unbiased opinions. When the relationship between the alumni and the active chapter is free flowing and transparent, everyone wins." Zach sees the active chapter as a highly motivated, diverse group of men. He would love to have alumni reconnect with the chapter and invites alumni to visit the chapter house, meet the active brothers, and become involved with the chapter again. Zach is a building inspector for the City of Branson and lives in Branson, MO. He can be reached at zachariahdumas@gmail.com. Homecoming 2016 (1) Zeta Chi was paired with the women of Delta Zeta for Homecoming 2016. (2) Undergraduate brothers enjoyed hosting the many alumni who visited the chapter house to see the completed renovations, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy Homecoming festivities. Photos courtesy of John Reuss '70 1 2

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