Alumni Notes
KANSAS
Beta Gamma
Joe Leary ’01 and his wife, Katie, welcomed their son, Collin, on March 11, 2008. The family resides in Kansas City, Kansas, where Leary is a financial analyst with Cerner Corporation. He may be reached at tridn@hotmail.com.
KENTUCKY
Omega
Jared Shoemaker ’90 and Marc Wampler ’90 founded Pocket Aces Racing LLC in 2005. Pocket Aces Racing LLC creates and manages thoroughbred racing partnerships. Shoemaker also serves as assistant director of athletics with Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he may be reached at jshoemaker@shawnee.edu.
Michael Vaughan ’58 is a chief pilot for Southwind Air. Prior to this job he flew commercially for 33 years for Braniff Airlines, Piedmont Airlines and US Airways. Vaughan is a retired Air Force Lt. Col., former president of the National Guard Association of Arkansas and the former president of the Germantown Youth Athletic Association in Germantown, Tennessee. Vaughan’s son, Michael ’88 and his grandson, Robert Wolfe ’07 were both initiated at Tennessee’s Zeta Chapter.
LAMAR
Epsilon Kappa
Daryl Gray ’86 has had a career change and is now a teacher in the Port Arthur Independent School District in Port Arthur, Texas.
Breaux Greer ’95 has been playing the character “Hurricane” on the American Gladiators television show. He has also participated in MMA cage fighting events in Arizona. Greer is currently taking some time off from javelin throwing to allow a shoulder injury time to heal.
LOUISIANA STATE
Alpha Gamma
Brian Stacy ’96 is the Spanish Department chair at Parkview Baptist School in Baton Rouge. He will be teaching Spanish I, II, III and IV in addition to administering the National Spanish Exam and sponsoring the National Spanish Honor Society. He may be reached at bstacy1036@aol.com.
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
Theta Eta
Rick Majchrzak ’89 served his chapter in a variety of capacities throughout his undergraduate years, and was the Golden West regional vice president in 1991. Majchrzak is with the District Attorney’s office in Riverside County, specializing in real estate fraud and economic crimes. He and his wife, Christine, live in Corona, California.
Michael Miskel ’79 is a 27 year veteran in the financial services business and a retirement planning specialist at UBS Wealth Management in Oxnard, California, where he serves as vice president. He has been active with Lions’ Club International through their Ventura Downtown Club and is a past president there, as well as chairman of the annual Ventura County High School all-star football game. Miskel loves backpacking in the Sierra’s and running marathons and ultra marathons He and his wife, Eydie, live in Ventura with their daughter, Kiana, and he may be reached at ichael.miskel@ubs.com.
MARYLAND
Delta Psi
Andrew Morton ’88 began a new career in May 2008 as the general counsel and director of government relations for the DC office of a Denver-based software development company called Newdea, Inc. With a mission to lead the trend toward impact-driven philanthropy, Newdea has created a software solution to manage, measure and report the true success of charitable activities. Its approach is designed to support the entire philanthropy community, with a suite of interconnected products for the full range of users – nonprofits, foundations, private donors, financial institutions, corporation, governments, professional advisors and philanthropy consultants. Not surprisingly, the company has experienced significant growth since rolling out its innovative software, with a goal of one day soon becoming the industry standard for our nation’s 1.6 million nonprofits. Having spent much of the past eight years engaged with the nonprofit sector – first through a variety of pro bono projects at Latham & Watlins, and then as executive director of FilmAid International – he believes that Newdea’s technology is a powerful tool that resolves the growing demand for impact-based reporting, and he is thrilled for the opportunity to contribute through an executive leadership role. Morton may be reached at amorton@newdea.com.
MASSACHUSETTS
Theta Mu
Darryl Hubbard ’79 was recently promoted to global procurement manager for the Reference Labs Division of IDEXX Laboratories. IDEXX is a leader in companion animal health, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with innovative, technology-based offerings, including a broad range of diagnostic products and services. IDEXX operates a growing network of 40+ veterinary labs worldwide. He lives in Damariscotta, Maine, with his wife, Sara, and their children. He would enjoy hearing from fellow Theta Mu alumni at 4hubbs@tidewater.net.
MIAMI
Gamma Omega
Devang Desai ’03 was named as an Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of Miami’s 2008 Alumni Awards Reception.
Pablo Hernandez ’96 and his wife, Jenna, welcomed their son, Kellen Joseph, on January 13, 2008.
Brotherhood Has No Borders
Lucas is in his mid-20’s, which translates to being invincible if I recall correctly… We’ve all been there. Lucas was backpacking in Barcelona when he sustained serious injuries from a fall off of a high embankment. We got word he was injured through Kat’s grandparents – a hospital interpreter called their house – the only phone number Lucas could pull from memory (Lucas had no cell phone or contact numbers with him). To make matters worse, the interpreter did not leave any contact information and we were left guessing as to Lucas’ location and condition. The situation sounded grim and we needed to get over there fast or find someone on the ground to help locate Lucas. Emil dropped everything and stepped in. With some help from the U.S. Embassy we located Lucas. Emil lives and breathes the local healthcare market and we were happy to hear that Lucas fell near one of the best hospitals in Barcelona. Emil rushed over to see Lucas and report on his condition. Instant Messenger is a wonderful tool, but it is especially useful at 3 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Spanish time.) Even in potentially stressful times, we Pikes never lose our sense of humor – and we needed it. Kanary,James [3:21 AM]: Hey man. Buenos dias. Lucas was stabilized, but needed surgery. A medical flight back home was not an option. Also it turned out that Lucas had no health insurance coverage (why would you need that in your 20’s?) and could not speak a lick of Spanish, let alone understand it. Not only was he scared out of his mind, but he needed to make some medical decisions about the best treatment plan, options for getting back to the US, etc. Emil helped us navigate through everything with the doctors, but equally important he provided much needed comfort and support to Lucas. My wife referred to him as our Spanish Angel (Sorry, Emil...). When we finally caught up with Lucas, he was stable and highly medicated. He couldn’t stop talking about how cool Emil was. (Now if you know Emil, you know this is in fact due to his magnetic and engaging personality, not the effects of the medication.) We could now communicate with Lucas directly through the spare cell phone Emil gave him to use. Emil brought books and other things for Lucas to do while he was laid up in the hospital. He took time to visit with Lucas and just hang out. None of what Emil did after locating Lucas was “necessary” and we never needed to ask. He acted as our patient care advocate and saw to it that Lucas was cared for as if he were Emil’s own blood relative. Thankfully, the surgeries were a success and Lucas was given clearance to fly home in a wheelchair. Emil then helped us work through the discharge process and arrangements with the hospital, then helped get Lucas to his flight on time. James Kanary is client results executive for strategic clients for Cerner Corporation, a leading supplier of clinical and management information systems and software to the healthcare industry. He and his wife Katrina reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, with their daughter, Katherine Grace, and son, James “Jack” Ronan Kanary III. Cerner’s Chairman of the Board/CEO is also a Pike brother, Neal L. Patterson (Oklahoma State, Gamma Chi ’68), a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation’s Order of West Range, and recipient of Pi Kappa Alpha’s Distinguished Achievement Award. |
The Fraternity we grew in and benefited from as undergraduates can bring about special connections long after we leave our college campuses. I have a true story about this special bond that I would like to share with all of you.
There is literally only one person I know in Barcelona: SMU Pike, fellow Pike Headquarters former staffer and Cerner International’s sales leader for Spain – Emil Peters (Southern Methodist, Beta Zeta ’92).
MIDDLE TENNESSE STATE
Eta Zeta
Joe Hill ’95 lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he is an account services coordinator with Textron Financial.
Brent Lashlee ’85 was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the third highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense. Only the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor rank higher in significance. The medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by non-combat outstanding achievement or meritorious service. The DMSM is usually awarded to those serving in leadership positions and performing exceptionally outstanding work. Lashlee, who has served as the NCOIC of Finance & Disbursing Agent for the Balkans Theatre, is currently stationed at Camp Butmir Bosnia until he returns home sometime in December 2008 or early 2009. Lashlee’s military deployment tours have taken him to the Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnian Theatres as well as service in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-91. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal while serving in Kosovo in 2007.
MILLSAPS
Alpha Iota
William Carroll ’72 was named associate dean of the School of Music at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in July 2007. Prior to this position, he served as director of choral activities and vocal division chair at the University, where he has been for 23 years. He has also served as guest conductor for numerous workshops, honor choirs, and clinics such as the North Carolina High School Honors Chorus and All State Chorus and the Lake Junaluska Music Week. He has given presentations for the Eastern Division American Choral Directors Association Convention, the Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians National Conference, and the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses Association National Convocation. For 15 years, Carroll served as conductor of the Choral Society of Greensboro. In addition to his University responsibilities, he is the educational consultant for Hinshaw Music, Inc., and edits his own choral series.
Frank Ezelle ’70 is a volunteer with the Millsaps department of athletics as a photographer for sports events. In 2006-07 he photographed approximately 80 events, providing the college with around 13,000 photographs. Ezelle also maintains a website that features over 15,000 of his sports photographs. He is a computer programmer with Mississippi Valley Title Insurance Company in Madison.
Douglas Minor ’74 is senior vice president and a financial advisor with the Jackson office of the regional investment firm Morgan Keegan and Company, Inc., which he joined in February 2007.
Whitaker Rayner ’80 was inducted in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Rayner is an attorney and shareholder with the Jackson office of Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A. He is also chairman of the firm’s litigation practice group. His areas of litigation include trademark and copyright, commercial litigation, and computer law and e-commerce. Rayner is a member of the board of directors for the Willowood Developmental Center in Jackson and the Mississippi chapter of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership organization, for which he served as board president from 2005-2007. He is also a member of International Trademark’s U.S. Legislation Committee and the advisory board for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. From 2003-2006, Rayner taught current issues in intellectual property law through the University of Mississippi Center for Continuing Legal Information in Jackson and Natchez. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of Mississippi School of Law, Mississippi College School of Law, and Millsaps. He was selected as one of the best intellectual property lawyers in the United States in 2006 by The Best of the U.S. LLC. Rayner is also featured in the 2005-06 edition of Who’s Who Legal USA-Trademarks.
Benjamin Wynne ’81 is the author of Mississippi, an On-the-Road Histories series guidebook, published by Interlink Books in November 2007. The book sketches Mississippi’s development from primarily native settlements and wilderness to industry-driven cities; examines the importance of slavery, agriculture, and the resulting devastation that followed the Civil War; follows the slow transition from segregation to equal rights marked by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s; and discusses the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Mississippi’s continuing struggles to rebuild today. The book also covers the state’s cultural contributions to the world through music and literature. Wynne is an assistant professor of history at Gainesville State College in Georgia and the author of a number of works on Mississippi and the South.
MISSISSIPPI
Gamma Iota
Ryan Waters ’94 is the co-owner and lead guide with Mountain Professionals. He recently climbed to the summit of Everest for the second time. After a hectic start in which the company had to switch from the Tibet side of the mountain to the Nepal side just two weeks before departing for Asia due to the unrest, protest and subsequent closure of Tibet to foreigners by China stemming from Olympic protests. Waters led himself, three clients and three Sherpas to the summit on May 21, 2008. He has climbed both the Tibet and Nepal sides of the mountain. This was his tenth Himalayan Expedition to mountains in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan, including Everest, and he has had many more worldwide climbs including over 25 expeditions in the Andes of South America. In 2009 he will attempt to climb both Everest and K2 in a single year. He may be reached at ryanwaters@mtnprofessionals.com.
Pikes in PrintMissouri Historian Recounts the Story of the 7th Infantry Regiment
Acclaimed historian John C. McManus (Missouri, Alpha Nu ’84) takes us through the amazing history of this ever-present regiment in modern warfare, from Korea to our current toils in the Middle East. More than anything, McManus’ narrative tells the tale of those ordinary infantrymen who have always made up the 7th. These soldiers have usually been unremarkable, ordinary individuals, but they have always been, and probably always will be, the heart and soul of the United States Army. This is the first of a two-volume chronicle telling the modern-day story of the 7th Infantry, a regiment which has seen more active service than any other over its 200-year history. McManus begins with the Korean War. The 7th came ashore in late 1950, meeting the onslaught of Chinese forces. After bitter fighting, it returned to the front in South Korea to participate in bloody offensives. Only one battalion of the 7th fought in Vietnam, and the author recounts its four years of conflict before moving on to the war in Iraq. There, the 7th inflicted great damage on the foe but rarely suffered a casualty. The 7th is a vital part of our military tradition. And McManus gives a complete account of their struggles, anguish, fears, sacrifices, triumphs, and pride. McManus’s narrative of the 7th provides a compelling glimpse of not only the infantryman’s journey through American history, but the shaping of our nation as a whole. John C. McManus is an associate professor of U.S. Military History at Missouri University of Science and Technology. The author of six previous books, he is a leading expert on the history of Americans in combat A member of World War II magazine’s editorial advisory board, McManus was recently named to History News Network’s list of Top Young Historians. He currently serves as official historian for the 7th Infantry Regiment Association. The second volume on the 7th Regiment, American Courage, American Carnage; The Story of the 7th Infantry’s Combat Experience, 1812 Through World War II, will be published in 2009. McManus lives in St. Louis with his wife, Nancy. Visit his website at www.johncmcmanus.com to learn more about the author and his works. |
The 7th Infantry’s motto, “Willing and Able,” speaks volumes about its past. Throughout America’s history, the soldiers of this regiment have proven through their sacrifice, their bloodshed, and their sweat that they are willing and able to fight America’s wars. At practically every crucial moment in America’s wars, the 7th has been there, shaping the future of the country and, by extension, the world.MISSOURI SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Alpha Kappa
Al Wentz ’54 (far right) hosted an event at his home in Evansville, Illinois, for the Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation on May 1, 2008. Brothers representing five chapters were in attendance.
MONTANA STATE
Gamma Kappa
Cisco Romero ’90 (at right in photo) plays drums for the alternative rock outfit, Mad September, which released its debut EP “She’s a Sin” in March 2008. The group licensed the entire EP to a TV production group in April and a portion of the song “One Less” was aired in June on MTV’s The Real World: Hollywood. The band continues to play shows in the Northern Colorado Front Range area while writing material for their next release. For a sample of their music, visit
www.myspace.com/madseptember.
Gamma Kappa Chapter
at Montana State
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MONTEVALLO
Theta Beta
Joe Hill ’85 has been named vice president of Human Resources for HCA Carolina Market. The HCA Carolina Market consists of four acute care hospitals which include Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center, Colleton Medical Center and Grand Strand Medical Center. It also includes ambulatory care and diagnostic centers throughout Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Horry and Colleton counties in South Carolina. Prior to this position, Hill served as the director of Human Resources at StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna, Tennessee. He may be reached at joe.hill@comcast.net.
MURRAY STATE
Epsilon Lambda
Robert Weatherly ’96 is the center director for Velocity Sports Performance, a business he has been with since its opening in 2004. He resides in Cordova, Tennessee, and may be reached at robertweatherly@velocitysp.com.