Pike Connection
Fall Semester 2012, Issue 2
Pike Connection Published by the Gamma Xi Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Washington State University Pullman, Washington
November 30, 2012
New Ad vis ory Board Membe rs M eet in Seat tle On Monday, November 12th, Ben Boden (Alumni & Volunteer Officer from the International Fraternity) and Dan Miller (Northwest Region President) joined several Gamma Xi Alumni in Seattle. The purpose of the meeting was to restructure and EXPAND the Alumni Advisory Board and appoint a new slate of officers. One of the foremost indicators for the success of a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter is the presence of an Alumni Advisory Board. While the Fraternity’s Constitution and Chapter Codes do not require chapters to have an advisor, most chapters do have one and find the service of an effective advisor to be invaluable. The most
effective advisors are also part of a team, through the formation of an alumni advisory board. Gamma Xi is fortunate to have benefited from outstanding member service and leadership throughout its history. Today, with the increased scrutiny of the Chapter, qualified alumni support is more valuable than ever. The undergrads warmly welcome the newly appointed Alumni Advisory Board Members, listed below with their corresponding Chapter Exec Officer counterparts.
Chapter Advisor/Alumni Board Chairman – Ed Murphy, ’81 (Rick Gombotz, President)
External Operations Advisor – Greg Swanson, ’79 (Harrison Diemert, External VP)
Internal Operations Advisor - Scott Stewart, ’85 – (Sam Gillis, Internal VP)
Financial Advisor – Dan Shuler, ’77 (Joe Feather and Tyler Hunt, Co-Treasurers)
Recruitment Advisor – Nate Ivie, ’05 (Jake Steed, Recruitment)
Educational Advisor –
The Advisory Board and undergraduates are scheduled to convene a Goal Setting Retreat over the Winter Break on Sunday, December 16th, in Seattle. If you are interested in getting more involved in the Alumni Advisory Board, please contact Chapter Advisor, Ed Murphy, on (425) 301-8791 or via email at [email protected], or current Alumni Association President, Dan Studer, on (425) 333-5230 or [email protected]. Additional details can be found on the Gamma Xi website, wazzupikes.chapterspot.com.
Kevin Pazaski, ‘81 (Blake Nakatsu, New Member Education)
Inside this issue: Risk Awareness Advisor – Mike Mathy, ’80 (Kahlen Sheehan, Sergeant At-Arms and Risk Awareness)
House Management Advisor – Kraig Knutzen, ’82 (Kyler Meek, House Manager)
Communication Advisor – Dan Studer, ’92 (Justin Crane, Secretary)
(Kraig Knutzen, Ed Murphy, Mike Cappetto, Chris smith, Greg Swanson, Dan Studer, Stu Thomas, Mike Mathy, Dan Miller, Kevin Pazaski)
Page 1
New Advisory Board
1
Exec Officers Headed to Memphis, TN
2
Dad’s Weekend Recap
2
Chapter House Wifi Upgrade
3
Probationary Period Progress Updates
3
Chapter Endowment / Rush Updates
4
Pike Connection
Presid ent, Treasu rer an d Recruitment Ch air Headed to Memphi s for Ch apter Executi ves Conferen ce Rick Gombotz (President), Joe Feather (Treasurer) and Jake Steed (Recruitment) are headed to Memphis, TN to attend the annual Chapter Executives Conference from January 10-13, 2013. The Chapter Executives Conference, held at the historic Peabody Hotel, is designed specifically for presidents, treasurers and recruitment chairmen and not only teaches Pike’s best practices,
but provides education on effective leadership and motivation. Pike’s best and brightest will leave empowered and motivated to create change within their chapters. The conference is divided into educational tracks for each different officer (president, treasurer, and recruitment chairman), as well as a host of
general sessions. The Alumni Association, via the Gamma Xi and Phil Lighty endowments, is contributing $2,000 towards the travel costs associated with the trip.
Underg rads Ho st Pi zza Party on Dad’s Weeken d On the afternoon of November 10th, Dad’s weekends at WSU, the undergrads hosted a pre-game pizza party at the Chapter House. Approximately 90 current members, their Fathers and Alumni enjoyed the pizza prior to the Cougars versus UCLA Bruins football game.
particular live-in Alumni Advisor Ed Murphy, for helping Gamma Xi navigate this difficult period in its history and beginning the process of re-instilling the true values of Pi Kappa Alpha. Also many Dads claimed they had never seen the Chapter House so clean!
While the Cougars came-up short in their valiant comeback efforts, falling to the number 17 Bruins 44-36, the pizza party was a success! Many Dads expressed their sincere appreciation for the active intervention of the Pike Alumni, and in
Prior to the pizza party, several members of the Alumni Advisory Board met with the newly elected Exec Officers. The group discussed several key topics, including new member education, risk management and recruitment.
Undergrad Exec Officers and Alumni Advisory Board members meet in the Phil Lighty Memorial Room prior to Dad’s Weekend Pizza Party at the Chapter House on November 10th in Pullman, WA.
Page 2
Pike Connection
Chapter House Set to Receive Wifi Upgrade The Pi Kap Building Corporation has identified and prioritized several enhancements to the Chapter House, including a much needed upgrade to the existing wifi internet system. Given the critical role that internet access plays in the day-to-day life of students at WSU, including communication with professors, collaborating with fellow students and submission of assignments, the upgrades to the wifi system will be implemented in early December. Total investment will be approximately $5,500.
stricted. The other side is for “play” where Chapter members can use any site they wish. The new system will eliminate any disruptions to internet service and a majority of the available bandwidth will be dedicated to "work" vs. "play". Based upon feedback from other fraternities and sororities, this method has worked well
The new services will provide a brand new internal wireless network for Gamma Xi, offered thru First Step Internet, the region’s largest an most trusted service provider, which is based in Moscow, ID. This new network will be split in two. One side will be for “work” or homework, where streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple Itunes and Youtube will be re-
and they haven’t had any issues getting or staying connected to the internet. In addition to the wifi system upgrade, the Building Corporation is focusing on several other Chapter House improvements. One important project is the upgrade of the existing fire suppression system in the kitchen. Another key project is the replacement of the outdated flooring in the dining room and bathrooms. Finally, in an effort to repurpose the party room, the Building Corporation is having the space professionally cleaned and repairing the heating and ventilation system. Over the next couple of months the Building Corporation will be reaching-out to Alumni to request their financial support for the Chapter House improvement projects. For more information please contact Dan Studer, on (425) 333-5230 or [email protected].
Underg rad Probationary Period Progress Report Gamma Xi continues to make progress against the conditions that were placed on it’s Charter by the International Fraternity
1. On October 18th, introduced Ed Murphy as a the new live-in Alumni Advisor. 2. On October 20th, 15 undergraduate
through August 31, 2013. The conditions
members traveled to Spokane to partici-
were the result of a number of WSU stu-
pate in the Pike University event.
dent conduct policy violations during the 2011/2012 school year and the resulting loss of Gamma Xi’s recognition with the university until at least August 2017.
3. On October 29th, the Alumni Advisory Board appointed new Chapter Officers. 4. On October 31st, the first monthly update newsletter was distributed.
Since October 10th, when the conditions
5. On November 12th, new Alumni Advi-
were imposed, the Chapter has accom-
sory Board Members were elected.
plished the following:
Page 3
6. On November 15th, a revised New Member Education program was established. 7. On November 30th, a revised Risk Awareness/Crisis Management Plan was created. Additionally, updated Chapter Bylaws were submitted to the International Fraternity. The undergrads appreciate the continued support of Gamma Xi Alumni, family and friends during this period of many positive changes and improvements.
Pike Connection
Gamma Xi Endowment Surpasses $52K!
Rush Referral
Did you know that the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation has established a restricted endowment fund for Gamma Xi? Currently (as of December 31, 2011), the Foundation manages $1,477,528 restricted to specific Pike chapters. Gamma Xi currently maintains the largest endowment fund with over $52,536. The endowments fund academic and leadership scholarships granted annually to chapters and students for attendance at educational programs under the PIKE University umbrella (e.g., The Academy, Chapter Executives Conference, Leadership Summits and International Convention). Once a specific chapter endowment fund reaches a $10,000 threshold for one fiscal year, the Foundation annually awards 3%-5% of the corpus amount. As the balance grows, so does the size of the grant (e.g., $10,000 at 5% = $500 or $25,000 at 3% = $1,250). The endowments are funded by gifts received to benefit respective chapters specifically through the undergraduate giving society (φφka Club) or any gift received designated by the donor to his respective chapter. You too can support the Gamma Xi endowment fund by making a restricted gift today! Contact the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation to donate or inquire about giving to this important program:
Fill out this information and e-mail to the Rush Chairman, Jake Steed, at [email protected] or 425-308-5585 if there is a rushee you would like to recommend for recruitment:
Rushee Name _______________________ Home Address_______________________ ___________________________________ City ________________________________ School Address_______________________ ____________________________________ Email _______________________________ Phone ________________________________________ Comments___________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________
THE PI KAPPA ALPHA
____________________________________
FOUNDATION
____________________________________
8347 West Range Cove
____________________________________
Memphis, Tennessee 38125 Phone: 901.748-1948
____________________________________
Email: [email protected]
____________________________________
Website: pikefoundation.org
____________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS Winter Break
12/15/12 - 1/2/13 Seattle, WA
2013 Goal Setting Retreat
12/16/12
Chapter Executives Conf.
1/10 - 1/13/2013
Memphis, TN
International Work Day
Spring 2013
Pullman, WA
Mom’s Weekend
4/12 - 4/14/12
Pullman, WA
th
24 Annual Golf Tourney
June 2013
Willows Run – Redmond, WA
The Academy
8/1 - 8/4/13
Memphis, TN Page 4
We’re on the web! Check-out our site at
www.wazzupikes.cha pterspot.com or follow us on Facebook at
Wazzu Pikes
Pike Connection Published by the Gamma Xi Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Washington State University Pullman, Washington
November 30, 2012
New Ad vis ory Board Membe rs M eet in Seat tle On Monday, November 12th, Ben Boden (Alumni & Volunteer Officer from the International Fraternity) and Dan Miller (Northwest Region President) joined several Gamma Xi Alumni in Seattle. The purpose of the meeting was to restructure and EXPAND the Alumni Advisory Board and appoint a new slate of officers. One of the foremost indicators for the success of a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter is the presence of an Alumni Advisory Board. While the Fraternity’s Constitution and Chapter Codes do not require chapters to have an advisor, most chapters do have one and find the service of an effective advisor to be invaluable. The most
effective advisors are also part of a team, through the formation of an alumni advisory board. Gamma Xi is fortunate to have benefited from outstanding member service and leadership throughout its history. Today, with the increased scrutiny of the Chapter, qualified alumni support is more valuable than ever. The undergrads warmly welcome the newly appointed Alumni Advisory Board Members, listed below with their corresponding Chapter Exec Officer counterparts.
Chapter Advisor/Alumni Board Chairman – Ed Murphy, ’81 (Rick Gombotz, President)
External Operations Advisor – Greg Swanson, ’79 (Harrison Diemert, External VP)
Internal Operations Advisor - Scott Stewart, ’85 – (Sam Gillis, Internal VP)
Financial Advisor – Dan Shuler, ’77 (Joe Feather and Tyler Hunt, Co-Treasurers)
Recruitment Advisor – Nate Ivie, ’05 (Jake Steed, Recruitment)
Educational Advisor –
The Advisory Board and undergraduates are scheduled to convene a Goal Setting Retreat over the Winter Break on Sunday, December 16th, in Seattle. If you are interested in getting more involved in the Alumni Advisory Board, please contact Chapter Advisor, Ed Murphy, on (425) 301-8791 or via email at [email protected], or current Alumni Association President, Dan Studer, on (425) 333-5230 or [email protected]. Additional details can be found on the Gamma Xi website, wazzupikes.chapterspot.com.
Kevin Pazaski, ‘81 (Blake Nakatsu, New Member Education)
Inside this issue: Risk Awareness Advisor – Mike Mathy, ’80 (Kahlen Sheehan, Sergeant At-Arms and Risk Awareness)
House Management Advisor – Kraig Knutzen, ’82 (Kyler Meek, House Manager)
Communication Advisor – Dan Studer, ’92 (Justin Crane, Secretary)
(Kraig Knutzen, Ed Murphy, Mike Cappetto, Chris smith, Greg Swanson, Dan Studer, Stu Thomas, Mike Mathy, Dan Miller, Kevin Pazaski)
Page 1
New Advisory Board
1
Exec Officers Headed to Memphis, TN
2
Dad’s Weekend Recap
2
Chapter House Wifi Upgrade
3
Probationary Period Progress Updates
3
Chapter Endowment / Rush Updates
4
Pike Connection
Presid ent, Treasu rer an d Recruitment Ch air Headed to Memphi s for Ch apter Executi ves Conferen ce Rick Gombotz (President), Joe Feather (Treasurer) and Jake Steed (Recruitment) are headed to Memphis, TN to attend the annual Chapter Executives Conference from January 10-13, 2013. The Chapter Executives Conference, held at the historic Peabody Hotel, is designed specifically for presidents, treasurers and recruitment chairmen and not only teaches Pike’s best practices,
but provides education on effective leadership and motivation. Pike’s best and brightest will leave empowered and motivated to create change within their chapters. The conference is divided into educational tracks for each different officer (president, treasurer, and recruitment chairman), as well as a host of
general sessions. The Alumni Association, via the Gamma Xi and Phil Lighty endowments, is contributing $2,000 towards the travel costs associated with the trip.
Underg rads Ho st Pi zza Party on Dad’s Weeken d On the afternoon of November 10th, Dad’s weekends at WSU, the undergrads hosted a pre-game pizza party at the Chapter House. Approximately 90 current members, their Fathers and Alumni enjoyed the pizza prior to the Cougars versus UCLA Bruins football game.
particular live-in Alumni Advisor Ed Murphy, for helping Gamma Xi navigate this difficult period in its history and beginning the process of re-instilling the true values of Pi Kappa Alpha. Also many Dads claimed they had never seen the Chapter House so clean!
While the Cougars came-up short in their valiant comeback efforts, falling to the number 17 Bruins 44-36, the pizza party was a success! Many Dads expressed their sincere appreciation for the active intervention of the Pike Alumni, and in
Prior to the pizza party, several members of the Alumni Advisory Board met with the newly elected Exec Officers. The group discussed several key topics, including new member education, risk management and recruitment.
Undergrad Exec Officers and Alumni Advisory Board members meet in the Phil Lighty Memorial Room prior to Dad’s Weekend Pizza Party at the Chapter House on November 10th in Pullman, WA.
Page 2
Pike Connection
Chapter House Set to Receive Wifi Upgrade The Pi Kap Building Corporation has identified and prioritized several enhancements to the Chapter House, including a much needed upgrade to the existing wifi internet system. Given the critical role that internet access plays in the day-to-day life of students at WSU, including communication with professors, collaborating with fellow students and submission of assignments, the upgrades to the wifi system will be implemented in early December. Total investment will be approximately $5,500.
stricted. The other side is for “play” where Chapter members can use any site they wish. The new system will eliminate any disruptions to internet service and a majority of the available bandwidth will be dedicated to "work" vs. "play". Based upon feedback from other fraternities and sororities, this method has worked well
The new services will provide a brand new internal wireless network for Gamma Xi, offered thru First Step Internet, the region’s largest an most trusted service provider, which is based in Moscow, ID. This new network will be split in two. One side will be for “work” or homework, where streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple Itunes and Youtube will be re-
and they haven’t had any issues getting or staying connected to the internet. In addition to the wifi system upgrade, the Building Corporation is focusing on several other Chapter House improvements. One important project is the upgrade of the existing fire suppression system in the kitchen. Another key project is the replacement of the outdated flooring in the dining room and bathrooms. Finally, in an effort to repurpose the party room, the Building Corporation is having the space professionally cleaned and repairing the heating and ventilation system. Over the next couple of months the Building Corporation will be reaching-out to Alumni to request their financial support for the Chapter House improvement projects. For more information please contact Dan Studer, on (425) 333-5230 or [email protected].
Underg rad Probationary Period Progress Report Gamma Xi continues to make progress against the conditions that were placed on it’s Charter by the International Fraternity
1. On October 18th, introduced Ed Murphy as a the new live-in Alumni Advisor. 2. On October 20th, 15 undergraduate
through August 31, 2013. The conditions
members traveled to Spokane to partici-
were the result of a number of WSU stu-
pate in the Pike University event.
dent conduct policy violations during the 2011/2012 school year and the resulting loss of Gamma Xi’s recognition with the university until at least August 2017.
3. On October 29th, the Alumni Advisory Board appointed new Chapter Officers. 4. On October 31st, the first monthly update newsletter was distributed.
Since October 10th, when the conditions
5. On November 12th, new Alumni Advi-
were imposed, the Chapter has accom-
sory Board Members were elected.
plished the following:
Page 3
6. On November 15th, a revised New Member Education program was established. 7. On November 30th, a revised Risk Awareness/Crisis Management Plan was created. Additionally, updated Chapter Bylaws were submitted to the International Fraternity. The undergrads appreciate the continued support of Gamma Xi Alumni, family and friends during this period of many positive changes and improvements.
Pike Connection
Gamma Xi Endowment Surpasses $52K!
Rush Referral
Did you know that the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation has established a restricted endowment fund for Gamma Xi? Currently (as of December 31, 2011), the Foundation manages $1,477,528 restricted to specific Pike chapters. Gamma Xi currently maintains the largest endowment fund with over $52,536. The endowments fund academic and leadership scholarships granted annually to chapters and students for attendance at educational programs under the PIKE University umbrella (e.g., The Academy, Chapter Executives Conference, Leadership Summits and International Convention). Once a specific chapter endowment fund reaches a $10,000 threshold for one fiscal year, the Foundation annually awards 3%-5% of the corpus amount. As the balance grows, so does the size of the grant (e.g., $10,000 at 5% = $500 or $25,000 at 3% = $1,250). The endowments are funded by gifts received to benefit respective chapters specifically through the undergraduate giving society (φφka Club) or any gift received designated by the donor to his respective chapter. You too can support the Gamma Xi endowment fund by making a restricted gift today! Contact the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation to donate or inquire about giving to this important program:
Fill out this information and e-mail to the Rush Chairman, Jake Steed, at [email protected] or 425-308-5585 if there is a rushee you would like to recommend for recruitment:
Rushee Name _______________________ Home Address_______________________ ___________________________________ City ________________________________ School Address_______________________ ____________________________________ Email _______________________________ Phone ________________________________________ Comments___________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________
THE PI KAPPA ALPHA
____________________________________
FOUNDATION
____________________________________
8347 West Range Cove
____________________________________
Memphis, Tennessee 38125 Phone: 901.748-1948
____________________________________
Email: [email protected]
____________________________________
Website: pikefoundation.org
____________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS Winter Break
12/15/12 - 1/2/13 Seattle, WA
2013 Goal Setting Retreat
12/16/12
Chapter Executives Conf.
1/10 - 1/13/2013
Memphis, TN
International Work Day
Spring 2013
Pullman, WA
Mom’s Weekend
4/12 - 4/14/12
Pullman, WA
th
24 Annual Golf Tourney
June 2013
Willows Run – Redmond, WA
The Academy
8/1 - 8/4/13
Memphis, TN Page 4
We’re on the web! Check-out our site at
www.wazzupikes.cha pterspot.com or follow us on Facebook at
Wazzu Pikes
