Current & Future Active Events
AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT JUSTIN A. BUCK
Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You - a response to EVP Justin A. Buck by Matt Hauser '77
Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You - a response to EVP Justin A. Buck by Matt Hauser '77
Men:
Today, I wish I were coming to you with news about the great work by our chapter at Murray State receiving the Governors Service Award, or our Auburn Chapter raising money for the Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation; the countless other philanthropies, and other outstanding work by our chapters and provisional chapters, and the rechartering of some of our historic chapters. But I’m not.
Instead, I am here to share with you the historic action that occurred this past Monday. For the first time in its history, Alpha Chapter at the University of Virginia had its charter suspended and revoked. Yes, for the first time since March 1, 1868 – we no longer have an Alpha Chapter. The Chapter was also expelled from the UVA Campus for a minimum of four years.
This action was taken following the confirmed abhorrent and detestable hazing activities by individuals. I will not share the details of those activities here, but with the transparency laws which exist in the State of Virginia, you will be able to read about them for the next 10 years on the University of Virginia’s website. We will have a constant reminder of the embarrassment which these men have caused. However, it will not be the names of these men who will be listed on this website, although it should be. It will be the name of our Fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, which will be further sullied and degraded.
That is why the Fraternity fully supports the individual pursuit by the University of Virginia against over 20 men, many of whom will be facing expulsion from the university. That is also why every initiated member of the chapter will be suspended, with many having their membership expelled. The Fraternity will also be pursuing individual, civil litigation against the president, new member educator, the new member education team, and others directly responsible for violating the terms of their individual membership agreement as well as financial and reputational damages.
Actions have consequences. I must also share with you that this past Monday, the charter of our Theta Chapter at Rhodes College was also suspended and revoked following reported hazing. Rhodes College also suspended the Fraternity’s recognition. Theta Chapter was the second oldest continuously operating chapter since 1878.
April 15, 2024, will forever be a historic day in Pi Kappa Alpha. but not a day we will celebrate. It will be a day we remember for losing the two oldest, and longest continuously operating chapters, in our history.
We must do better. We must uphold our values of friendship, love, and truth. For the many of you who do – I thank you. For those of you who have challenges that need to be addressed within your chapters or with specific members – now is the time to do it.
This past Monday, the Supreme Council further announced that all chapters will be expected to have a full alumni advisory board in place next academic year or will be subject to a charter suspension. A consistent theme among all the chapters who have had issues in recent history has been a lack of local alumni engagement. As is too often the case, alumni are eager to come to the table to do what is necessary in attempt to save their chapter – but by then, it is too late.
Men, we will have much to celebrate this summer at our International Convention in Oklahoma City, but we will also have some important decisions to make which will impact the future of our Fraternity. As the leaders of this Fraternity, I ask that you come to the Convention ready to engage and discuss these important matters.
The destiny of Pi Kappa Alpha rests today with all of us.
Thank you,
JUSTIN A. BUCK
Executive Vice President
Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You - a response to EVP Justin A. Buck by Matt Hauser '77
Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You - a response to EVP Justin A. Buck by Matt Hauser '77
Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You - a response to EVP Justin A. Buck by Matt Hauser '77
Brother Buck/Justin,
At the end of this week when you have had to deal with much upsetting news, I write to share some good news in an effort to cheer you up. I believe after you experienced our Epsilon Upsilon 60 Years of Pikes at Gannon celebration you referred to our Alumni and Actives as "PIKE done right!"
The Epsilon Upsilon Alumni Advisory Board met last evening remotely. While separated by distance, we offer support and guidance to our Active Gannon University Brothers. Support that Pi Kappa Alpha National Fraternity recognizes as vital to the future viability of all Chapters.
Earlier this week Gannon announced Service Award winners:
Community Impact Award - The PIKES
Advisor of the Year - Pike Advisor Dr. Carol Amann
Rising Star - Andrew Pius, joined Pike in his Junior year
Fraternity Medal of Honor - Pike Past Chapter President Ryan Popovich
Student Government Association Elections
New SGA President - Pike Matt Nichilo (Junior)
Past SGA President (2 years) - Pike Joe Pfleger
Interfraternity Council Elections (IFC)
President - Pike Ian Dufala
Pikes were elected to three of the remaining five IFC positions
Epsilon Upsilon Brothers just completed a 20 mile charity walk and raised approximately $3,000 for Emma's Footprints, a charity to assist families with the loss of a young child.
Tomorrow Alumni and Actives will enjoy a golf outing and fellowship.
Our Lake Erie Pike Alumni Association, under the leadership of Rich Kujawinski, has received two Nester Awards. Rich facilitates monthly Zoom calls for Alumni and Actives so we can stay engaged and up to date on fraternity news. Guest speakers have included the University President and most recently, Dr. Horner, who explained the total eclipse that would darken Erie, PA and the scientific experiment he was conducting along the eclipse path from Texas to Maine.
Gannon University just finished its Giving Day Campaign. Donations were made to the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship has continued to grow since its inception in conjunction with our Chapter 50th anniversary to over $350,000. In the most recent academic year, three Pikes each received a $4,100 scholarship based upon their demonstrated leadership and academic achievements.
Epsilon Upsilon Brothers contribute to the Pike Now Campaign to support Pike National programs and the Gannon Chapter. We have increased the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Endowment Fund to approximately $20,000 so the Actives can receive financial assistance to attend Pike University leadership events.
Alumni and Actives are working together on our Pike House Landscaping and Grounds Beautification Project. Alumni have been purchasing engraved bricks to raise money to finance improvements. On International Work Day, an old shed and fire pit were demolished and a shed base was constructed. When weather permitted a new shed was assembled. Alumni and Actives worked together. Pike Pride and Brotherhood increased as a result of work well done. Later this year, a new fire pit and engraved pavers will be installed. Pictures attached.
The Pike Brotherhood is strong. Stuff happens, and most of it is good stuff. Hope our Epsilon Upsilon good news cheers you up.
Proud to be a Pike,
Matt Hauser
Epsilon Upsilon 1977
An Open Letter to Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Actives & Alumni
Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You - a response to EVP Justin A. Buck by Matt Hauser '77
An Open Letter to Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Actives & Alumni
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Epsilon Upsilon Brothers,
I'm writing to you today for three reasons:
1) to inform you that Alpha Chapter, University of Virginia, where PiKA began, has been suspended and had their Pike
charter revoked. Thus, my letter of positive Epsilon Upsilon news to Justin Buck, Pike Executive Vice President, at the start of this email chain.
2) to inform you of the accomplishments of our Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Actives and Alumni and the Lake Erie Pike Alumni Association (Rich Kujawinski deserves the credit for keeping our Gannon Pike Alumni connected and informed) detailed in the letter. The reply from Justin Buck confirms that Epsilon Upsilon is Pike Done Right! and
3) to THANK YOU for your contribution to our Engraved Brick Campaign which is funding the Pike House Landscaping and
Grounds Beautification Project. As a status report of sorts, I've attached some pictures showing the old shed which has been demolished, the construction of a solid shed base, and the assembly of the new resin shed (after a weather delay).
Erie area Alumni and the Actives collaborated on the work that has been done. However, VERY SPECIAL THANKS is due to Rick and Doreen Petri (construction managers), Joe Kloecker (Pike House onsite delivery supervisor and laborer), Rich Beattie (material order processing with Military discount to stretch our dollars further), and Andy Tellers who performed
manual labor when he should have been resting (take care of yourself, Big, Big, Big Brother).
We have sufficient funds in reserve to purchase the bricks you have ordered for yourselves and others. We need to sell
60 or more bricks to fully honor our Charter Members and those now in Chapter Eternal. My expectation is that we will
order the bricks in late August and have them installed around an attractive new fire pit (already delivered and waiting
construction) before Gannon Homecoming weekend this fall. Please spread the word to your Pike network to Buy a Brick - Build a Legacy.
In the Bonds,
Matt Hauser
Fall 1975
Cell 410-905-6393
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Justin A. Buck <jbuck@pikes.org>
To: Matt Hauser <mhauser2000@cs.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 09:18:29 AM EDT
Subject: RE: Epsilon Upsilon Pike News to Cheer You
Matt,
Thank you so much for sharing. And yes… Epsilon Upsilon remains an outstanding example of PIKE Done Right!
Of course, a big reason why is because of the involvement and example shown by the alumni on this email, and many
others. I appreciate the eƯort to “cheer me up” While it has been a disappointing week, I am well aware of the
tremendous work and incredible experiences the vast majority of our brothers are having.
That said, the actions this past week have provided me with the right motivation (and just the right amount of mad) to
want to work even harder and make PKA even better.
I hope my message had a similar impact on others.
Thank you for all that you do!
ITB,
Justin
JUSTIN A. BUCK
Executive Vice President
901.333.2789
April Scheduled Zoom Meeting
Pike House Grounds and Land-scaping Beautification Project
An Open Letter to Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Actives & Alumni
Thekuj@msn.com's PIKE/ALUM Zoom Mtg.
When: Friday, Apr 26, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Areas of discussion
- BRICK PROJECT UPDATE
- BACKYARD RENOVATION
- ACTIVE NEWS
- PIKE NATIONAL
- LEPAA UPDATE
- GU NEWS
- MISC JOCULARITY
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82825986848?pwd=Zml6dWhibFFxWHlvZi92eTVUekV0dz09
Meeting ID: 828 2598 6848
Passcode: 186340
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Pike House Grounds and Land-scaping Beautification Project
Pike House Grounds and Land-scaping Beautification Project
Pike House Grounds and Land-scaping Beautification Project
The Lake Erie Pike Alumni Association invites Alumni and Active Members to purchase an engraved commemorative brick so you can cement your legacy at the Pike House forever!
Once a Pike – Always a Pike
Thank you for your consideration,
support, and generosity.
"This Is Gannon," the podcast is here!
Pike House Grounds and Land-scaping Beautification Project
Pike House Grounds and Land-scaping Beautification Project
"This Is Gannon," the podcast is here! Episode one is available now, give it a listen and let us know what you want to hear in future episodes.
Dr. Iwanenko and Dr. Ewing discuss why a college education still matters (1:10), Gannon’s service standards (3:55), how Gannon University helps both graduate and undergraduate students make connections that last (6:40), the relational and educational advantages that Gannon, as a small liberal arts university, provides that many larger universities simply can’t (8:45), the role of faith and community service in today’s college setting (11:34), Gannon’s commitment to diversity (14:15), rooting interests for this year’s Golden Knights sports teams (17:23), plus the types of careers and post-grad education Gannon alumni pursue (19:40).
Help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship
Help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship
Help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship
Brothers,
Celebrate Gannon Day of Giving is on April 18-19 from 8pm-8pm!
Your gift during Celebrate Gannon Day of Giving will help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship which is awarded annually to current brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha at Gannon. This is another chance for us to help grow our chapter’s scholarship fund and make it the largest fraternity scholarship on campus!
Please consider making your gift early by clicking the link below.
An anonymous donor will donate up to $30,000 when we reach 500 donors on Celebrate Gannon Day of Giving.
I hope you’ll join me in participating in Celebrate Gannon Day of Giving as we inspire and transform the next generation.
Rich “Kuj” Kujawinski, President
Lake Erie Pike Alumni Association, (LEPAA)
Pike International Work Day ~ UPDATE 4-7-2024
Help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship
Help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship
Pike International Work Day will bring together Epsilon Upsilon Alumni and Active Brothers to begin work on the first phase of the Pike House Grounds and Landscaping Beautification Projects. Construction of a new shed and other needed outdoor tasks will take place the weekend of March 23rd. Pictures to follow. Donations from our Engraved Brick Campaign are funding these activities. Please consider adding your name to an engraved brick. Thank you to the Brothers who have already purchased engraved bricks for themselves and other Brothers they chose to honor. The names of the following Brothers will appear on engraved bricks surrounding the new fire pit.
Once a Pike – Always a Pike
Thank you for your consideration,
support, and generosity.
UPDATE 4-7-2024 - by Matt Hauser
There has been progress on the backyard beautification project as well; Rich and Doreen Petri and Joe Kloecker constructed a base for the new shed and the Actives demolished the old shed and cleared the fire pit area; weather was too cold for resin shed construction that weekend but it won't be long now; we still need more donors for engraved bricks !
Dr. Keith Taylor ~ Friend of EU
Help grow the Pi Kappa Alpha Endowed “Power” Scholarship
Dr. Keith Taylor ~ Friend of EU
"Work hard. Be humble, hungry and focused on serving the needs of others. When our hearts and minds are sincerely listening to the needs of others and our efforts are directed toward meeting those needs, we are destined to do great things and make a difference. Build a good team. Work tirelessly and collaboratively in an authentic and transparent way and others will do the same and join the adventure."
Keith Taylor's 12 years as president of Gannon University ends June 30. The Erie Times-News asked him to reflect on his career and look to the future.
Alumni News
Memo from Your President
Folks… One of our own, Jim Chunko Spring 72 is not doing well. I know Jimmy would love to hear from his Pike Brothers… If you can take a few minutes from your busy day, how about dropping Jim a little note or card… I know he would love hearing from us and it would definitely lighten his spirits. Jims’s address is:
Jim Chunko
3644 Harbison Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
TIA,
The Kuj
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