We have reached the point in time where our number 1 objective-Re colonize Zeta Chi-is about to unfold. This is the email I have been wanting to send for almost 6 years. Let there be no question that without the alumni, Zeta Chi would not be returning to Missouri State University in the Spring of 2011. Great job ZX alumni, thanks for your support!!!
 
This Spring PiKA National will come to MSU and recruit the colony for Zeta Chi. Recruiting will be done with referrals from professors, coaches, VIP’s on campus, alumni and others. These young gentlemen will be the building blocks for Zeta Chi and its future.
 
Zeta Chi alumni have been there from the very beginning. Whether it was joining the Zeta Chi Alumni Association (ZXAA), renewing annual memberships, attending the annual meeting or local event, contributing to Rally Around the Truck, words of encouragement, or giving of time and effort, ZX alumni stepped up and made our success. We are a special group.
 
We now need your help in finding and recruiting SLAG’s. Scholars, Leaders, Athletes and Gentlemen. Please send me an email with the name, address, age, phone numbers, and email of any ZX prospects you may have that are attending MSU or may in the future. This list will be given to the PiKA National recruiters coming to MSU this spring. The best source of referrals comes from within our own. Let me know who you think may have interest in the re colonization process of ZX. You can email me at jcr4362@sbcgloblal.net.

Much more will be sent to you on the re colonization process as it unfolds. I look forward hearing from you with your referrals. From the entire ZXAA committee, Merry Christmas and have a Great New Year!
 
Jim Roebuck, President
Zeta Chi Alumni Association

Congratulations to ZX’s Nick Russo, coach of the Springfield Catholic Lady Irish Cross Country team in their 1st place finish in the State Meet this past weekend. Great job Nick!

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101107/SPORTS01/11070350/1002/SPORTS/Catholic-High-School-girls-bring-home-state-cross-country-title

Jim Roebuck, President
Zeta Chi Alumni Association

Zeta Chi lost a founding charter member in G. David Smith. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-leader/obituary.aspx?n=g-david-smith&pid=146257316&fhid=12405

Jim Roebuck, President
Zeta Chi Alumni Association

We are saddened to learn the news of the passing of Richie Meredith. Below is a message from Patrick McFadden on the plans in place:

Brothers,

We have lost a close friend, Richie Meredith (ZX 1990) died Monday the 20th. in an automobile accident. There will be a memorial service this Friday the 24th at 2PM at the Aurora, MO High School.  I am working with Jeff Laymann to set up a trust account for Jennifer and the kids.   Feel free to call me with any questions at 314-614-1449.  The familys address is 1309 S. Madison Aurora, MO 65605 for cards etc.

Patrick M. McFadden
Bird Dog Industries, Inc.
4515 North 2nd Street
St. Louis, MO 63147
phone: 314-601-3670
fax: 314-601-3673
www.benchmarkfluids.com

Rick has returned home and provided this link for updates on his status.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rickpetree/mystory

Let’s continue to offer prayers for Rick and his family.

Jim Roebuck, President
Zeta Chi Alumni Association

This was sent to me this morning (07/16/2010) regarding Rick Petree. All of us need to keep Rick in our thoughts and prayers. We will keep everyone updated as we learn more.

—

Rick is traveling by air ambulance this morning to Barnes Hospital in St Louis. Earlier this week. Rick was treated for blockage in his coronary arteries. During the course of the treatment he began to lose blood. Cancer of the esophagus was discovered to be the source of the bleeding. It had spread to the liver and the lymph nodes. It is stage four. The immediate problem is the need to keep his blood thin to prevent clots and a possible heart attack or stroke. Yet they need to control the bleeding. They have decided to treat the vascular problem and worry about the cancer later. Please remember Rick and family in your prayers. Also please pass this along to the others. I do not have my Pike list serve on my phone.

—

Jim Roebuck, President
Zeta Chi Alumni Association

Click here for the full newsletter release.

Dear Zeta Chi Pike Brothers,

I was honored when Jim Roebuck asked that I write the April 2010 newsletter for our association. I have always had a special place in my heart for Pi Kappa Alpha and the Zeta Chi Chapter. We all have fond memories of the camaraderie we shared as undergraduates at Missouri State University. I feel especially blessed as I reflect on the impact that Zeta Chi has had on my life. I can honestly say that becoming a Pike has truly enriched my life. Not only did I make lasting friendships that I still enjoy today, but I met my wonderful wife, Amy, at the Pike House. In addition, I owe my current career as the Director of Program Management for American Power Conversion to the connections I made through Pi Kappa Alpha. When I was close to graduating, I recall Chis Lee (Fall 89, St Louis) telling me that I would be a great fit for a small software startup company that fellow Pikes from the University of Missouri Rolla had recently started. It was actually Andrew Waddell (Fall 90. St. Louis) who took my resume to St. Louis and put it in the mailbox of my future company’s founder. After two acquisitions, I have gone from an employee of a small startup to a $20+ Billion global corporation. How blessed am I to truly have friends who believe in the bonds of Pi Kappa Alpha. Good times, good friends, and many wonderful memories.

Jeff Counts (Fall 1989 Zeta Chi initiate)

Zeta Chi Pikes Reunion – September 17-18, 2010

As we learned in the March newsletter, a date has been set for the 2010 Zeta Chi Pikes reunion. The reunion will be held September 17-18, 2010 at the Oasis Hotel in Springfield, MO. The plans have been finalized and will be communicated in the May newsletter. Please mark your calendars now to celebrate 5 years as an association and our upcoming re-colonization.

We are also pleased to announce that Vicky Knox is planning activities for the wives and significant others. A Ladies brunch will be the Saturday morning of our meeting including a get away to the Branson Landing. The ladies are also planning to have koozies and T-shirts available to those attending. Final details will be forthcoming in the May newsletter along with a link to register for the event.

I implore all alumni to attend. With the upcoming re-colonization of the Zeta Chi Chapter, now is the time to re-engage. I especially encourage the brothers from my era (late 80’s and early 90’s) to show their support. When I was active, we had a large 117 man chapter consisting of scholars, athletes, and gentlemen. I am convinced that the association will be stronger if we get more participation from my era.

Our Reunion Committee would like a projection of the total number attending: Please click here and leave a reply with your name if you will be attending.

Update: Membership in the Zeta Chi Alumni Association

March 1st ( Founders Day for Pi KA) was the annual membership renewal date for all members. Dues are still only $50 per year and provide the capital for our association to operate. Renewing your membership or joining for the first time is vital. If you have not done so, please renew your membership today. To the 22 members that have renewed, we thank you for your continued support. However, we are well short of our goal to have 200 paid members. Again, I call on all alumni to support our association. Renewing is easy using PayPal. Click on the attached link. It’s EASY.

Update: Rally Around the Truck

Rally around the Truck” fundraiser is continuing with a goal to have our fire truck operating in time for the September reunion. To date, we have received donations of $1,275. Our goal is to raise $5,000, so we still need your help to get the funds necessary. Kim Hancock has volunteered to oversee the restoration process and the truck is in the shop getting a damage assessment and cost estimates. The initial feedback is that the truck is in bad shape and parts will be hard to find. However, we cannot wait to take it for a test drive once it is operational. Please consider a donation to this worthy cause.

The attached link will allow you to join in the “Rally around the Truck” fundraiser. It’s easy to join.

Craig Smith’s funeral is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 14th at 1:00 at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church located at 9300 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66207 (913-642-9100).

Craig will be cremated prior to the service. His ashes will be interned on the church property after his “Celebration of Life” service. He did donate his organs and about 55 people will benefit from his donation.

There will not be a visitation, but a reception following the service.

I understand Kathy Jackson called Craig’s wife, Diane, yesterday and Diane said they had a good talk – THANK YOU KATHY!

The minister is looking for some stories of Craig to share during the Celebration of Life service. If you have any you would want to share, please send to me and we’ll try to get it to the minister.

The following is a link to the KC Star Newspaper Obituary for Craig Smith:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=craig-t-smith&pid=141771513

Again I share unhappy news on the passing of Craig Smith on Saturday April 10, 2010 from a heart attack. We have no other details to share at this time, but will do so when they become available. Please keep Craig’s wife Diane and son Christopher in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Yes, a date has been set! September 17-18, 2010 at the Oasis Hotel in Springfield, MO and you are all encouraged to attend. They’ll also be activities for our spouses (like wet Pikes Peaks T-Shirt contests, etc). Let’s relive our good times and begin to plan for Zeta Chi’s return to MSU. More details will follow! Let us know if you are thinking about attending and catch up with the past. Our Reunion Committee would like a projection of the total number attending.

If you will be attending, please leave a reply below. Please include your email address, full name, and how many will be attending including their names.