Pi Kappa Alpha's
2008 International Convention
July 31-August 3, 2008 • Memphis, Tennessee
by Kyle Beulke (Rockhurst, Kappa Epsilon ’05)
The end of summer marks an important time in the life of a PiKA. It indicates a preparation time for the start of school, along with a time to cultivate the way for a successful year of recruitment and development. More notable, the end of summer signifies a time to stop and celebrate another successful year for all Pike chapters.
In between the waves of sweltering heat and tremendous Memphis humidity, more than 800 undergrads, staff, and alumni paraded into the historic Peabody Hotel much like the famous ducks for which the hotel is known. The entrance of so many Pikes into one place could only mark one thing, the beginning of the 2008 International Convention, and the start of a noteworthy week for the Pi Kappa Alpha history books. Pike’s premiere event was filled with recognition, learning, and passion. As a recap of all the historic events seen in Memphis at the convention, ask yourself one question… were you there?
Were you there to celebrate our grand Fraternity’s 140-year anniversary?
Since the first gathering of six gentlemen at the University of Virginia, our Fraternity has seen tremendous quality growth throughout all of North America, reaching more than 250 schools and establishing itself as the leader in expansion development.
Were you there to visit the Memorial Headquarters on its 20th anniversary, and witness the dedication of a new War Memorial remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice?
The Gold Star Memorial, recently refurbished at the Memorial Headquarters, is located in the front entrance rotunda and beautifully complements the portraits of the Founders located on the walls. Spanning the length of the front entrance, the Memorial was constructed out of beautiful oak and encases eight uniforms, representing all of the wars in which a fellow Pike brother has fought. Across the front of the display are all the names of those who lost their lives, along with their respective chapter designations. Patrick Haynes (Arkansas State, Delta Theta ’81), executive director of the Educational Foundation, remarked, “This beautiful facility has always been called the Pi Kappa Alpha Memorial Headquarters, but until the addition of this magnificent memorial, we really had not done justice to the name, or more importantly, to the valiant brothers to whom it is dedicated. The new Gold Star Memorial is now the centerpiece of our headquarters, and most appropriately grounds it as a proud memorial to those brothers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.”
The Gold Star Memorial dedication occurred on Friday August 1st, and was attended by members of the Supreme Council, Educational Foundation, Headquarters Staff, Gold Level Certified Undergraduates, and many alumni attending the convention. Welcoming those attendees was president of the Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation, Edward Pease (Indiana, Delta Xi, ’71). He discussed the sacrifice that the new memorial represents, in addition to acknowledging his tremendous appreciation for the four Pi Kappa Alpha brothers responsible for the funding of the stunning structure. The benefactors who graciously donated to the endeavor were Mr. and Mrs. George W. Levert Jr. (Louisiana Tech, Gamma Psi ’65), Mr. and Mrs. John L. Lisher (Indiana, Delta Xi ’71), Dr. and Mrs. Carl A. LaBella III (Delta State, Zeta Beta ’94), and Mr. Daniel Corah (Colorado State, Epsilon Theta ’83).
Following the welcome and opening remarks, Brother Pease made a special recognition of those student members present from various branches of the military. Those brothers on hand were Cody Coughlin (Southwestern, Alpha Omicron ’07) representing the United States Coast Guard, George Huyke (Southern California, Gamma Eta ’05) on behalf of the United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force representative Benjamin Riggles (Rose-Hulman, Iota Delta ’05). The Gold Star Memorial is an outstanding addition to the Memorial Headquarters and will be a constant reminder of those who have sacrificed so that we may live in freedom.
Were you there to witness the tribute and remembrance of a life gone too soon?
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D. Mark Anderson (Wofford, Nu ’76) was a man who freely gave his time and treasure to the Fraternity. His untimely death on October 8, 2007 shook the entire Fraternity. It was only fitting that we capped his lifetime commitment to Pi Kappa Alpha and recognized his benevolent nature by honoring him posthumously with this year’s Loyalty Award. To receive this award, Brother Anderson’s widow, Jane Orahood Anderson, was on-hand to give a strong and uplifting speech on how Anderson has been a model for all people to follow. To conclude the Loyalty Award reception, Anderson’s nephew and fellow initiate, Thomas Weaver (Wake Forest, Gamma Phi ’08) shared a personal prayer by Mark Anderson about being grateful for life and appreciating all it has to offer.
Were you there to partake in the recognition of five outstanding individuals into the Order of West Range, the Educational Foundation’s highest honor, and the Robertson Award for Outstanding Undergraduate?
To lead off the Educational Foundation awards, Joe O’Shea (Florida State, Delta Lambda ’04) was honored with the Robertson Most Outstanding Undergraduate Award , presented annually to the Fraternity’s most outstanding graduating senior. O’Shea is the epitome of what it means to be a True Pike. An outstanding individual, he has been heavily involved with his community and has shown strong campus leadership during his undergraduate years, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He was selected as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and will begin that program this fall. During his speech, he discussed how his brothers were there for him, and will always remember how Pike has benefited him when he needed it most. (Click here to read more about Joe O’Shea.)
Following up the Robertson award was the presentation of the Order of West Range honorees. Founded in 1986, the Order of West Range recognizes those Pi Kappa Alpha alumnus members who have gained distinction through career accomplishments, service to society and/or service to the Fraternity. This year’s recipients represent the most renowned and successful alumni Pike has to offer. Receiving the award this year were James R. Holland (Oklahoma State, Gamma Chi ’63), James W. Thomas (Florida Tech, Zeta Sigma ’69), Jamie Wolff (Eastern Washington, Zeta Nu ’67), Andrew M. Coats (Oklahoma, Beta Omicron ’54), and Robert G. Certain (Emory, Beta Kappa ’67). (Click here to read more about the Order of West Range recipients.)