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PI KAPPA ALPHA The Lambda Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity is a relatively young fraternity at the University of Dayton, but the chapter has grown rapidly, with a present membership of 100 brothers, making it the largest fraternity on UD’s campus. And as the fraternity has grown, it s members have assimilated the Marianist spirit of service and ministry. The fraternity numbers among its members and alumni Presidents of UD’s Student Government, including the newly elected President Peter Cajka, leaders in the School of Business’ entrepreneurial ventures, leadership of and involvement in the Campus Ministry retreat programs, and intercollegiate and intramural athletics. But more significant than these notable accomplishments is the fraternity’s commitment to supporting the work of the Marianists with the poor, first in Bangalore, India and now also in Karonga, Malawi. Beginning in 2004, the fraternity committed itself to set aside for philanthropic activities approximately one half of all funds raised by their annual auction as a part of the fraternity’s activities during the University of Dayton’s Parents Weekend. These funds have been instrumental in assisting the work done by the Play Schools in Bangalore, India’s poorest neighborhood. Kevin Fitzgerald, a former President of the chapter and a 2006 graduate of UD, volunteered in Bangalore during the summer of 2006 and spoke of his experiences with the Play Schools at this year’s Parents Weekend. Matt Maroon, a former President of UD’s Student Government and a chapter member, presently serves as a volunteer with the Marianists in Karonga, Malawi. Their personal experiences have motivated the fraternity to continue their efforts in Bangalore and to add Karonga as part of their philanthropy. The current officers, President Jeff Heisler, Vice-Presidents Peter Cajka and Matt Doherty, Secretary Will Brennan, and Treasurer Andrew Stuckenschneider, have all worked with the chapter to increase the chapter’s awareness of the work in India and Africa. The Faces In India DVD was featured at this year’s Auction Dinner, along with Kevin Fitzgerald’s talk so that parents in attendance could see where their sons’ efforts were having a positive impact. This year the auction proceeds resulted in $3,500 being donated to the Marianist Mission, with half going to support the Play Schools in Bangalore and half to support the work in Karonga. But that was not the end of the chapter’s efforts. In conjunction with the Xavier-UD basketball game, the brothers dribbled a basketball from Cincinnati to Dayton, with sponsors for their efforts donating funds in support of Bangalore and Karonga. The brothers’ efforts resulted in $2,220 being raised. So, over the past three years, the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha have generated nearly $10,000 to sustain the work in Bangalore and Karonga. The chapter pledges itself to the work of the Marianists in India and Africa as an integral part of their commitment to the creed of Pi Kappa Alpha and to the spirit of the Society of Mary. |