Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation
Five Outstanding Alumni Inducted
Into Order of West Range
Five distinguished gentlemen were inducted into the Order of West Range at the 2008 International Convention. 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.
Each recipient gave candid remarks about his own unique experience with Pi Kappa Alpha. One resounding theme was that despite having different backgrounds, in addition to attending different colleges or universities, they would not be the same men they are today without Pi Kappa Alpha.
First to receive the award was Brother Holland, President and CEO of Unity Hunt, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. He urged the audience to always be determined in your endeavors, set goals and take risks. Second was Robert Certain, who remarked on his unique experience as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He noted how Pike has been a constant part of his life and how he was able to make the transition from POW to minister. Next to receive the honor was James Thomas, who urged everyone to empower others to achieve their best. Brother Thomas will forever be remembered for engaging the audience to help him in cheering on a fellow chapter brother and his family through his video camera.
To follow, Jamie Wolff commented on what has turned out to be a consistent love affair with Pi Kappa Alpha. He shared that throughout his many years with the Fraternity, many small experiences have reaffirmed why he became a Pike. The final recipient, Andrew Coats, was able to captivate the audience through his humorous story telling. By sharing the importance of avoiding poor preparation, he explained that everyone can be successful.
In each instance, these five great men displayed what makes them great and successful Pikes. Pi Kappa Alpha is honored to call them brothers.
Robert G. Certain
(Emory, Beta Kappa ’67)
Brother Certain serves as Rector of St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia. Robert published his autobiography, Unchained Eagle: From Prisoner of War to Prisoner of Christ, in 2003. When former President Gerald Ford died in late 2006, Brother Certain was chosen to lead all memorial services and to preside at his burial in Michigan. Brother Certain and his wife, Robbie, reside in Roswell, Georgia.
Andrew M. Coats
(Oklahoma,
Beta Omicron ’54)
Brother Coats is the Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Prior to his appointment as Dean, Brother Coats was appointed and then elected as the District Attorney of Oklahoma City, where he served from 1976 to 1980. He served as Mayor of Oklahoma City from 1983-1987. A member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Brother Coats was honored in 2002 when the University of Oklahoma named the law school building Andrew M Coats Hall. Brother Coats and his wife, Linda, reside in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
James R. Holland
(Oklahoma State,
Gamma Chi ’63)
Brother Holland has served as President and CEO of Unity Hunt, Inc. since 1991. During his career, James has served as Chairman of the Board of six companies and as a member of the Board of Directors of over 50 companies. Brother Holland is a member of the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame. He has served on the Board of the National Association of Corporate Directors, as well as being a member of the KPMG Audit Roundtable. Brother Holland and his wife, Diane, reside in Dallas, Texas.
James W. Thomas
(Florida Institute of Technology,
Zeta Sigma ’69)
Brother Thomas is the founder and CEO of Coastal Dominion Management Company, a private management services company providing marketing, finance and management services to a select group of companies. As Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of MapQuest.com, he helped manage the transition from a traditional service company to the market-leading Internet mapping company. Brother Thomas and his wife, Monica, reside in Melbourne, Florida.
James A. Wolff
(Eastern Washington,
Zeta Nu ’67)
Brother Wolff is an attorney and partner in the law firm Wolff and Hislop. Jamie has served Pi Kappa Alpha in various capacities for over 30 years, including Chairman of the Housing Commission, Northwest Regional President, and as an officer of his chapter’s house corporation. Professionally as an attorney, he specializes in real property and business matters. Brother Wolff and his wife, Jackie, reside in Liberty Lake, Washington.