[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 38 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E254-E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PI KAPPA ALPHA 150TH ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2018

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and to recognize the 
Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity--a values-based men's fraternal 
organization with more than 225 chapters in the United States and 
Canada, approximately 16,000 undergraduate members, and over 290,000 
lifetime members. In 2018, Pi Kappa Alpha celebrated the 150th 
anniversary of its founding on March 1, 1868 at the University of 
Virginia when six young men joined together and resolved to form a 
fraternity for the establishment of friendship on a firmer and more 
lasting basis. Their commitment to high ideals of scholarship, 
leadership and gentlemanly behavior remain strong to this day.
  In 1868 there were 38 states. Pi Kappa Alpha predates two rows of 
stars on the American Flag. The nation of Canada, home to several Pi 
Kappa Alpha chapters, was founded one year earlier in 1867. The fIrst 
organized baseball and football games were played in 1869. Coca-Cola 
was founded in 1886 and basketball was fIrst played in 1891.
  Pi Kappa Alpha has persevered and grown through world wars, 
generational and cultural changes, depressions, recessions, and other 
challenges on college campuses that have at times threatened its 
existence. Its members have explored space, served as leaders of 
business and industry, filled the ranks of public servants in the 
arenas of education, government and the military; authored books; 
performed on athletic fields and entertainment venues.
  Throughout its history Pi Kappa Alpha has answered the call to arms 
to preserve and protect the United States of America and its friends 
and allies. More than 600 Pi Kappa Alphas are recognized as Gold Star 
Heroes, making the ultimate sacrifIce in conflicts dating back to the 
Spanish American War and including the War on Terror today.
  Pi Kappa Alpha has prepared nearly 300,000 men to lead on their 
campuses and in their homes, communities, and businesses. It has 
endured and it thrives today because valuing friendship, showing love 
for your fellow man and defending the truth of its ideals are timeless, 
lifelong virtues.
  Nearly 16,000 PIKE student members are impacting and influencing 
their campuses and communities today, serving as leaders in student 
government, Interfraternity councils, sports teams and student 
organizations. Collectively, PIKE chapters annually perform over 
360,000 hours of community service and donate more than $3.6 million to 
philanthropy.
  These student leaders are supported by 2,500 men (and women) who 
volunteer to serve on advisory boards and house corporations. Over 150 
alumni associations ensure that the admonition, ``Once a Pike, Always a 
Pike,'' remains true, inspiring the lifetime fraternal experience for 
its members.
  Pi Kappa Alpha seeks to enrich the undergraduate experience and the 
quality of its volunteer support through a comprehensive, industry-
leading educational program that incorporates all aspects of the 
Fraternity including scholastic performance, personal development, 
leadership training, innovative learning, community engagement, campus 
involvement and participation.
  Today, in its 150th year, Pi Kappa Alpha calls upon its members to 
live anew its legacy, to reflect on the principles of its Founders and 
to commit to a strong future for its great brotherhood. As a proud 
member of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity, I would like to 
congratulate the fraternity on its 150 years of success.

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