While there are hundreds of Pi Kappa Alpha chapters across the nation, there is one that year after year seems to stand above the rest. Some chapters tend to be more focused on specific areas such as academics, social Involvement, philanthropy, or athletics. The PIKE chapter at Florida State University consistently excels in all of these categories
and more.
Talk to any involved PIKE nationwide and they will have heard about the FSU chapter. Let's take a look at what makes this group of gentlemen so exceptional.
The House
The PIKE house at FSU is the largest fraternity house in the nation. Having said that, it is obviously one of their greatest assets. The courtyard in the middle (which is astro-turf by the way), serves two purposes: a field to practice sports and a place to throw outdoor events (more on this later). The inside is modern and well designed with granite counter tops and upscale flooring. To satisfy the members' media entertainment needs, the house has multiple plasma TVs and an outdoor screen and projector for movie nights.
- Bedrooms - 57
- Size (est) - 15,000+ Sq Ft
- Cost (est) - $7.5+ Million
Athletics
The chapter's members participate in several sports at FSU - and they are very good at them. So good, in fact, that five of them were potential draftees in the 2013 NFL Draft. PIKE athletes at FSU routinely go on to play their respective sports at professional levels. Furthermore, having a turf at their house to practice helps them consistently win 1st place in intramural tournaments.
Philanthropy
Zachary Goldstein/FSView
Each year, the chapter raises thousands of dollars for student scholarships, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Additionally, they give gifts and devote their time to under privileged children during their annual "Christmas For The Kids" event.
Social Involvement
4th of July Party
Setting up Hot Tubs to fittingly watch the movie "Hot Tub Time Machine 2" - via
While participating in philanthropies and performing well in athletics is important, social involvement is also a necessary part of being a well rounded gentleman. FSU Pikes consistently throw some of the best parties on campus, allowing them to have a great relationship with the other Greek organizations. Their courtyard is known as one of the best places to tailgate for football games.
Awards
The Delta Lambda chapter of PIKE has received numerous awards recognizing excellence in various categories:
- 13 Consecutive Smythe Awards (PIKE's highest honor)
- 2013 National PIKE House of the Year Award
- 2013 Raymond L. Orians Excellence Award
- 2013 Chapter Programming - Recruitment Award
- 2011 and 2012 FSU IFC Chapter of the Year Award
Note: This is the first of a series of Chapter Spotlights that will be featured on Greekrank. Pi Kappa Alpha (National and Local) has not been contacted or informed about the writing of this piece and all research was performed independently.
