USD Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity receives highest international award for second consecutive year
The USD PIKES received the awards last month at Pi Kappa Alpha’s 69th International Convention in Baltimore, Md. The Smythe Award is the highest international honor bestowed on the top percent of Pi Kappa Alpha chapters. There are nearly 230 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. The Smythe Award recognizes a chapter that has excelled and set the standard of excellence on their collegiate campus—and also internationally. During the 2013-14 academic year, the USD PIKES produced the following accolades:
- Donated more than $31,500 for philanthropic causes
- Dedicated over 11,140 hours to community service
- Earned a chapter GPA of 3.023, with more than 35 men named Dean’s List scholars
- 100 percent campus involvement amongst members
- Hosted more than 60 campus leadership roles
- Sent nearly 70 men to international events through PIKE University, Pi Kappa Alpha’s educational arm
The Smythe Award honors the work of young men who have committed to the meaning of Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, Gentlemen – Pi Kappa Alpha’s four cornerstones – while supporting the community and each other.
“Our fraternity is filled with men who are dedicated not only to USD and the community but to our chapter,” said Pi Kappa Alpha chapter president Amos Meyer, who is a fourth year accounting major from Williams, Iowa. “It is an honor to be part of an organization of passionate, driven and dedicated men.”
The award is based upon excelling in 16 areas of operations: membership recruitment, chapter programming, scholastics, philanthropy, community service, member retention, member and new member education, athletic performance, management, risk awareness, campus involvement and leadership, community involvement, consultant vision analysis scores, and international involvement.
As a result of Pi Kappa Alpha’s success at USD and internationally, the chapter’s Alumni Advisory Board was named Alumni Advisory Board of the Year. Chapter advisor and chairman of the Alumni Advisory Board, Dzenan Berberovic (’11 B.A.), is proud of Pi Kappa Alpha’s many achievements. “PIKE enriches the college experience in many ways. As an advisor, it’s humbling to see a group of young leaders so dedicated to USD, PIKE, the community, and each other.” Berberovic said. “Thank you to our Alumni Advisory Board for providing a great example that Pi Kappa Alpha is truly a lifelong experience.”
Additionally, the USD PIKES were also honored with the Raymond L. Orians Excellence Award, Pi Kappa Alpha’s second highest international honor. The chapter was also a finalist for several programming awards and earned Pi Kappa Alpha’s Scholarship Plate, PIKE University 25 Man Commitment, Excellence in International Fraternity Involvement, and International Work Day recognition, respectively.
For more information about Pi Kappa Alpha at USD, please contact Meyer at (605) 987-7426 or by email at Amos.Meyer@coyotes.usd.edu.
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