Convention Wrap-Up

[FratAmerica]

Alright, what does everyone think about Conveniton? Legislation, elections, the sessions, etc.? Let's hear it!

[KEPike]

I thought it was great that they added Cornerstones programming that coincided with the Legislative sessions so that others were not out of luck in having something to do. I also really liked having an off day, because, after all, it was in Orlando. I would've enjoyed the convention more if I wasn't in the middle of doctoral work and had a class that took up a lot of my down time.

Firehouse and I had a chance to meet and talk briefly before the International Officers Banquet and Duck Walk...I was glad to have that experience.

The Convention is always a great time, so if anyone hasn't gone, make the commitment to be there in 2008!

[RushIUPiKA]

Hello gentleman, I am the Recruitment Chairman for the PIKE colony at Indiana University. I thought the convention was great, it gave me an opportunity to really establish some strong friendships with fellow PIKES I had never met before and to also network with members of the Supreme Council, Educational Foundation, and people like Charlie Barnes, Ed Pease and John Lisher (Ed and John are Delta Xi (IU) alums).

Events like this really help out people in general, but especially in our situation. With it coming down to the wire on chartering time, the convention really helped me focus back in on what needs to be accomplished and what we have going for us. So often in a situation like this people become complacent and decide that "well nationals isn't going out of their way to help us and we have no support so we're basically going to give up..." but last time I checked a PIKE never gives up.

I joined this fraternity last fall semester (2005) and soon fell in love with the kinds of opportunities that a PiKA man receives, more so than any other organization I have been or am a part of. With events like the Biannual Convention, Regional Leadership Summits, The Academy, Chapter Executives Conference, and The True PIKE Challenge, there is really simply no reason I can think of that a young man would not join.

We have formal rush fast approaching at IU and any and all ideas on events/presentations/techniques are greatly appreciated. I know we will be assisting in move in, just talking to the guys when they move into the Residence Halls and getting our name out there with pamphlets and face to face meetings, I will be hosting bbqs everyday and inviting these guys over, as well as working at a sorority so I am in constant contact with the sisters b/c sorority girls always know guys that are good for your house.

I hope summer has treated everyone excellent and I want you all to look forward to seeing PIKE chartered again here at IU. Don't gamble with your future, Rush Pi Kappa Alpha.

In the bonds,

Kyle Blessinger
Recruitment Chairman
IU Colony

[Firehouse]

Good for you, Kyle! Go get the numbers and build a great chapter.
I did enjoy meeting KEPike and I regret we never had the chance to sit down and talk fraternity over a cup of coffee. Maybe next time.

[RushIUPiKA]

Thank you. As of right now, with week one of recruitment nearing completion, we have signed 12 guys in approximately 5 days. We're looking for a pledge class of 30. Doug Kollmer, an expansion consultant from HQ, came and visited and set some new things that we need to focus upon.

I have 6 recruitment captains now. There is a captain for each of the cornerstones of SLAG, and two freshmen that act as kind of a buffer between myself and other incoming freshmen. I've seen that this really helps us out because it makes many of the new guys feel more comfortable and more down to earth with the rest of us.

Name generation is continually growing and as of last night, I think our greenbook has roughly 200 names in it. I currently work as a waiter at Pi Beta Phi and am always getting names from the girls there. We also have started recruiting in the foodcourts and outside of huge lecture halls. We're pulling out all the stops and the good buzz about PIKE is coming back.

Kyle Blessinger
Recruitment Chairman- IU Colony

[Firehouse]

Kyle, how did it go with the Lacrosse team? You can PM me if you want.