theta alpha - fall 2010

Pi Kappa PhiTheta Alpha Chapter The University of Southern Mississippi Spring 2010

Academics

The Theta Alpha chapter continues to take pride in the academic success of the active and associate members’ commitment to academics. For the Fall Semester, three campus chapters, including Pi Kappa Phi, ended the semester with a cumulative grade point average of 2.9. The Theta Alpha chapter earned more academic credit hours than all other chapters in the fraternity system and Pi Kapp earned three times the number of quality points than the next highest chapter.

The annual academic dinner, held each October, recognizes chapter members who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In 2008 the chapter recognized 22 men. In 2009 the chapter recognized 26 men. Currently the chapter has a total of 37 actives and associates above a 3.0. No other Southern Miss fraternity can compare. Pi Kappa Phi has more members above a 3.0 than nearly 6 of the 10 chapters have in total chapter membership. Congrats Pi Kapp members and families on a job well done!

The third annual academic dinner will be held this October. The dinner has received phenomenal support from parents and alumni. Plans are to hold the dinner again at Brownstones and you can be assured the men love and appreciate the dinner. The dinner has been funded totally through contributions. Anyone nterested in supporting the dinner can contribute to Gary Kimble, 118 College Drive #5064, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 with a check made payable to Pi Kappa Phi.

Chapter MembershipThe Theta Alpha chapter leads all Southern Miss fraternities in the number of active and associate members. The chapter’s current size is 69 surpassing the next closest chapter by nearly ten men. The current average size of a chapter at Southern Miss is in the mid-30’s. These figures continue to demonstrate the success of our recruitment efforts. Membership though is much more than about numbers. Quality is essential and Pi Kappa Phi has proven to be a leader in that category as well. This should be clearly evident from the information throughout these updates and a source of pride to each member of the Theta Alpha family.

PUSH AmericaThe Theta Alpha chapter has a strong tradition of support to our national philanthropy, PUSH America. Last year the chapter finished in 3rd place nationally for its fundraising efforts earning a “Gold Star Chapter” recognition at Pi Kapp College in Charleston, South Carolina. The chapter is on its way to match or exceed last year’s total in the effort to make a real difference to the lives of persons with disabilities.

Meet the Chapter’s Officers:President Andrew BrownVice President Rudy ChopinHistorian Will StringerChaplain Mark HamrickSecretary Myers MarshallTreasurer Justin RolandWarden Thomas SchmidtPUSH Chair Luke Post

Pi Kappa Phi C.L.A.S.S. Notes Faculty Advisor Update

November 2010

Certainly, one of the most exciting aspects of a new school year is the recruitment of a new class of Pi Kapps. Few things are more important than maintaining the “lifeblood” of our fraternity. Identifying and recruiting bright and involved potential members has been a trademark of the Theta Alpha chapter and the 2010 class, the CHI class, follows in our long-standing tradition of excellence. Included in the information is each man’s hometown, high school and birthday. If you are an alumni member and happen to live near one of these outstanding men, please take a minute to make a contact and introduce yourself to him. Should you need any contact information, please do not hesitate to call.It is both an honor and with a deep sense of responsibility to insure each member’s achievement at Southern Miss, that we introduce them. The following represents what Joe Paul always reminds us…a group that will leave Southern Miss “better than they found it.”

Garrett Ball - Picayune Memorial High School – Picayune, MS - February 3Patrick Bierdeman – Madison Central High School – Madison, MS - March 13

Chris Brewer – Clinton High School – Clinton, MS - September 20Trace Brown – McGill Toolen Catholic High School - Mobile, AL - September 29

Kevin Buckley – Columbia High School – Columbia, MS – December 2Zach Carr – Picayune Memorial High School - Picayune, MS – October 17

Will Craft – Simpson Academy – Mendenhall, MS - August 19Alex Doleac – Presbyterian Christian High School – Hattiesburg, MS – February 28

Kevin Gardner – Northwest Rankin High School – Brandon, MS – October 23Nick Gates – Spanish Fort High School – Spanish Fort, AL - January 7Daniel Graham – Hiram High School – Hiram, Georgia – December 11

Clayton Harmon – Presbyterian Christian High School – Hattiesburg, MS – July 19Elliott Harper – Biloxi High School – Biloxi, MS - January 2

David Ishee – West Jones High School – Sharon, MS - January 3Cody Kaar – Brandon High School – Brandon, MS - November 30

Kalen Kenney – Baker High School – Mobile, AL – July 18Reid Kilborn – Daphne High School – Daphne, AL - June 19

Kevin Lamb – Brother Martin High School – New Orleans, LA – September 9Tyler Lewis – Spanish Fort High School – Spanish Fort, AL - February 21

Austin Maynard – Murphy High School – Mobile, AL – May 18Gabe Miller – Lamar Christian School – Hattiesburg, MS - September 18

Brady Mitchell – Brandon High School – Brandon, MS - April 19Steven Panepinto – Brother Martin High School, - New Orleans, La – August 8

Seth Pinney – Brother Martin High School – New Orleans, LA – January 6Will Regan – McGill Toolen Catholic High School – Fairhope, AL – July 26

Kevin Roberts – McGill Toolen Catholic High School – Daphne, AL - January 18Garrett Robinson – Fontainebleau High School – Mandeville, LA – April 10Robby Smith – McGill Toolen Catholic High School – Mobile, AL – March 4Zach Spencer – Annapolis Senior High School – Annapolis, MD - October 13

Taylor Stork – Petal High School – Petal, MS - October 29Owen Terry – West Jones High School – Laurel, MS – October 10

Patrick Trainer – Daphne High School – Daphne, AL - December 24 1


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Push America… “Journey of Hope”If it is true that “Life is a journey, not a destination,” then three members of the Theta Alpha chapter had an experience of a lifetime on their “Journey of Hope.” For myself, I cannot truly envision or imag-ine what the Journey of Hope experience entails. The commitment, the discipline, the determination and physical challenge alone that this act must entail is beyond my comprehension. The fact that this chapter has individuals who step up each summer to ride from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. is simply mind blowing.

When you talk to Tyler Peterson, Zack Wilcox or Tom Schmidt though what you hear is how reward-ing of an experience it was for each of them to be able to touch the lives of the persons they met with disabilities. They never mention the pain or hard-ships endured or the personal sacrifice to spend their summer on the road. You never hear any mention of the difficulty and work fundraising in order to have the opportunity to ride as a team member. This goes to the heart of what it means to be a man of C.L.A.S.S.: a member of Pi Kappa Phi. This is just one more example of how this fraternity builds bet-ter men. To each of our former riders of the Journey of Hope and to those who have applied for the sum-mer of 2011, we truly appreciate you and thank you for such an unselfish commitment to our chapter.

Chi Class Donates ACT Funds to Push AmericaEach October, members of the Associate class are given the opportunity to work the ACT to raise funds toward their Push America goal. This year was no different as over $1800 was raised by the men. Had the number of prospective students need-ing to take the ACT been greater this month, more

Associates could have worked this exam date. As there is another ACT in December, those unable to work this test will have the opportunity to add to the total.The membership of the Theta Alpha chapter has had a remarkable opportunity for a number of years to work the ACT as test administrators and hall proctors and been able to utilize the funds earned for various per-sonal reasons. Beginning in 2010, the American Test-ing Center has increased the number of times the test is offered at Southern Miss to six times a year from the previous five times. Routinely, the chapter has more than thirty members earning the $81 - $100 for their work, and now the ACT will be administered in February, April, June, September, October and December.

Push America & the Ellisville State SchoolThe Theta Alpha chapter has had a long standing relationship with the Ellisville State School and its residents. Each year, the chapter visits the school for mentally challenged individuals for community service. Events such as pumpkin painting and the annual Ellis-ville State School prom are highlights for the residents of the school and to be really honest, just as much a highlight for the men of Pi Kappa Phi. As meaningful as these experiences are for the men of Pi Kappa Phi, as well as the residents of Ellisville, the sense of compas-sion and appreciation for life could not be reinforced more by these visits. Each year, Push America returns a portion of the funds donated to the chapter. At the con-clusion of the event scheduled at the school, the chapter makes a check presentation to support the institution. This year, the Theta Alpha chapter will present a check for $1,700 to the Ellisville State School.

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Pedal For PushOn October 19 – 20, 2010 the men of the Theta Alpha began a new fundraising activity under the leadership of Luke Post, Push Chair. For a period of twenty-four hours, men took turns riding stationary bicycles at an hour or two each. Financial pledges and gifts were accepted as well as a competition between the Greek sororities. The chapter raised $350.00 for Push America and is on its way to achieving this year’s goal. Other events scheduled for the year include, the annual Pi Kappa Classic basketball game and a number of events throughout No Boundaries Week. Watch for upcoming events or ask about ways to support the chapter’s fundraising efforts.

“Godfathers”One of the new initiatives begun this semester is a program to provide additional support to the members of the Associate class. Selected alumni members, called “godfathers” have each taken a small group (six or seven) of the Associates and serve as mentors to them. The program aims to have the alumni members support the new potential members in any manner which helps meets the individuals’ needs. Each godfather has been working to get to know his members. Some have met with their men both individually and as a group with the intent to helping each in his progress toward initiation and with academic, personal, time management, or financial counseling.

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Patrick Trainer rides in Pedal for Push.

Cully Leist, Gerad Buffington and Jonathan Robinson at Pedal for Push.


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Songfest 2010Each November, the members of Chi Omega sponsor their philanthropy, Songfest. Songfest is a singing competition with winners selected in both the fraternity and sorority divisions, as well as an overall best. The chapter selected as the overall best opens Songfest the following year. Although there are no losers in this fun, pre-Christmas holiday event, the men of Pi Kappa Phi will this year, be defending their 2009 fraternity division victory.

Chi Omega’s Songfest is the oldest Southern Miss campus event. This year the women of Chi Omega celebrate their 58th year.

For an enjoyable evening and an opportunity to support the Make a Wish Foundation, please consider joining us on Monday, November 29, at 6:00 pm in the Reed Green coliseum. I can assure you the evening will leave you in the holiday spirit and you will witness the talents of the men of Pi Kappa Phi which might even surprise you.

Pi Kappa Phi Men of C.L.A.S.S.

Being a man of C.L.A.S.S. is something you will hear

often from the membership of the Theta Alpha chapter.

It is not a term used lightly or for which lip service

is given, but has intense meaning for the men of Pi

Kappa Phi. It is a fundamental goal that we strive to

“Build Better Men” within our chapter. Being a “Man

of C.L.A.S.S.” is a constant reminder, just as our

creed, that each man has a responsibility to himself,

his brothers, and his fraternity to be ever mindful of

his role. It is why I have chosen to title my

newsletter “CLASS Notes” as it is equally important

to me to always remember that Character, Leadership,

Academics, Sportsmanship, and Service must be es-

sential components of my life to role model for the

men of our chapter.

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Important Upcoming Dates2010Sunday, November 7 Chapter Elections for the 2011 Executive OfficersMonday, November 29 Chi Omega “Songfest” at 6:00 pm in Reed Green ColiseumDecember 6 – 10 Fall Semester Final ExamsFriday, December 10 Pi Kappa Phi “Founders Day”. College of Charleston, SC, 19042011Tuesday, January 18, 2011 First Day of Classes Spring Semester, 2011March 7 – 11, 2011 Spring BreakApril 22 – 25, 2011 Easter HolidayMay 19 – 12, 2011 Spring Semester Final Exams


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The Student Creed of Pi Kappa PhiPrior to the beginning of each weekly meeting and special events, the men of the chapter recite our Creed. The creed is important to each man as he com-mits to the values and beliefs of our fraternity and is a constant reminder of the ideals of being a man of CLASS, and a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Thank You Andrew Brown and the 2010 Executive CommitteeAs this is my final newsletter for the fall term, I want to take a personal minute to especially thank Andrew Brown for his fantastic leadership as President of the chapter, and for that of the members of the 2010 Executive Committee; Rudy Chopin, Tom Schmidt, Myers Marshall, Justin Roland, Mark Hamrick, Will Stringer and Luke Post. Under Andrew’s leadership, and with the support of his amazing team, the chapter grew to be the largest male Greek letter fraternity on campus. In addition, with Andrew at the helm, we ex-perienced the largest Associate class in the history of Theta Alpha. Andrew worked with the members of the executive committee to create a truly memorable year for our chapter. Andrew brought to the role of President fantastic communication skills, an enhanced sense of respect and confidence, and respect from members of the campus community as never before seen. His intel-ligence, genuine sense of caring and his ability to man-age situations served our chapter well and increased our standing among the Greek system. The entire chap-ter owes Andrew a huge thanks and appreciation for his tireless efforts. We hope he enjoyed the experience serving as President and wish him the best in his future endeavors. We hope he also thinks back on his term as one of his best and most positive times at Southern Miss.

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THE STUDENT CREED OF PI KAPPA PHI

I Believe that the ideal chapter is made up of men

Who are bound together in a common loyalty

which transcends any personal selfishness.

Who realize that membership means personal responsibility

in bearing their share of the financial burden

of the chapter and the national organization.

Who bring credit to the fraternity by striving to attain

the highest possible standards of scholarship.

Who safeguard the reputation of their chapter

by keeping careful watch over their personal conduct.

Who uphold faithfully the

traditions and activities of their college.

Who prepare themselves diligently to shoulder their

full responsibility as citizens.

I Believe that my chapter can become an ideal chapter,

and I shall do my share to make it so.

Chapter President Andrew Brown (Right)addresses families at

the Pi Kapp House.


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Family Day 2010Without compare, the Theta Alpha chapter’s 2010 Family Day pot luck luncheon was the largest in our chapter’s 12 year history.

Under a blazing sun, the families enjoyed the company and camaraderie of each other and a wonderful opportunity to experience Pi Kappa Phi.

On behalf of the active, alumni and Associate members, who each genuinely appreciate the support of our families, the day could not have been better and to each we offer thanks. The only thing more impressive than our numbers was the quality and quantity of food prepared. Our families never cease to amaze and astound which is undoubtedly why the same can be said for our men.

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3rd Annual Academic DinnerOn Tuesday evening, October 12, eleven chapter members (Thomas Barton, Zeke Baucum, Daniel Brauner, Gerad Buffington, Ben Hollywood, Jared Hunsucker, Cully Leist, Myers Marshall, Jordan Mathews, Carson Shomaker, and Zach Webb) were recognized for their academic achievement and presented with a Theta Alpha “Challenge” coin. The coin, designed in collabo-ration between Pi Kappa Phi and Southern Miss, has the Pi Kappa Phi Star Shield on one side and the Lucas Administration Building dome on the other. The chapter owes a debt of gratitude to both USM President Martha Saunders and Brandon Belote (Pi Kappa Phi National Office) for their support of the creation of the coin. The history of the challenge coin has its origin during World War I. It was used by soldiers parachuting behind enemy lines as proof of their nationality.

The use of the challenge coin continued through the Second World War and later became a means of recognition by numerous branches of the armed services. Today, organizations worldwide have continued this tradition and Pi Kappa Phi has adopted the use of the coin for many special ceremonies. This special “Theta Alpha Challenge Coin” was designed for the chapter’s academic dinner and has been presented to nearly 50 men since its development.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not offer a tre-mendous thank you to each of the parents, family members and alumni members for their financial support to fund this year’s dinner, as well as the for the past two years. For these brothers to come together around an amazing meal simply rein-forces not only their accomplishments, but the pleasure of each other’s company. This dinner would not be possible without your support.

Daniel Graham of Hiram, Ga., with his family at the Pi Kappa Phi House during Family Day.

(Right) Tyler Peterson & his grandfather,

Richard, in front of the house on Family Day.


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Members of Pi Kappa Phi enjoy Homecoming 2010

7Family Day on the Deck with Pi Kappa Phi.

Chi Class members Alex Doleac, Robby Smith and Zach Carr enjoy the Homecoming Day Parade from the tailgate.

Taylor Stork, Will Craft, Trace Brown and Kalen Kenney participated in the Homecoming Parade with many of their Chi Class members.

Chi Class members Zach Spencer, Austin Maynard and Reid Kilborn enjoy front row seats at the Homecoming Parade.

Trace Brown, Jonathan Robinson, Patrick Bierdeman,

Tyler Peterson, Stew Deen, Justin Moreira, Zach Wilcox,

Jimmy Aitken, John Sesera, Keenan Dollar and Todd

Theis enjoy Southern’s Homecoming

“Friday Night at the Fountain.”

theta alpha - fall 2010

Documents

highest chapter

closest chapter

total chapter membership

pi kapp members

gold star chapter recognition

theta alpha family

pi kapp college

annual academic dinner