Pi Kappa Alpha
Pikes contribute to American Diabetes Association with Murray Tug
By: Robyn Smith
Issue date: 3/31/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
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Pi Kappa Alpha wants students to think back to their playground days and engage in a friendly game of tug of war.
The Pikes' philanthropy, Murray Tug, will be held at the old Pike Lodge April 29, and is open to all campus organizations. It also will be a competition between Greeks from nine universities in six states.
Mike Brown, senior from Henderson, said he hopes the event will be a huge success.
"Western's teams are pretty hardcore tug," said Brown, Pike vice president. "They practice for six months in advance. Hopefully, a lot of them will come down here and bring the tug mood and the tug momentum they have from their competition."
Proceeds from Murray Tug benefit the American Diabetes Association, the Pikes' main philanthropy. One of the chapter members has diabetes, so everyone relates to the cause.
"In addition to the greater cause, which would be the fundraiser for juvenile diabetes, the event encourages organizations from the nine universities to participate as to cultivate the true spirit of camaraderie and fellowship between our institutions," Brown said.
Pi Kappa Alpha, founded in 1868 at the University of Virginia, came to Murray State May 17, 1958. Epsilon Lambda, the Murray State chapter, was the first fraternity at Murray State. The chapter hopes to receive the Most Improved Chapter award from the national organization in August.
Brown believes getting involved in any Greek organization can give students opportunities they might not have otherwise.
"It is easier to find community service and leadership opportunities within a group of people that is serving a common goal," Brown said.
It is clear that Pikes value leadership, he said. They have eight members in branches of the Student Government Association, which is more than any other fraternity on campus.
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