Chartering

The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity welcomed the men of Kappa Omega into the bonds of brotherhood on Saturday, December 12, 1998. After seven months of preparation and hard work, 84 men were initiated as founding fathers by Brothers from Theta Omicron (Indiana State) and Iota Delta (Rose-Holeman Institute of Technology). Following their initiation on Friday evening, the men received the designation of Kappa Omega Chapter from International President Thomas J. Handler (Illinois, Beta Eta ' 74) on Saturday morning.

In celebration of their chartering, the men of Kappa Omega traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin where they held a black-tie chartering banquet. Joining in the banquet celebrations were Director of Expansion R. Chuck Hunt (North Alabama, Theta Alpha ' 93), Chapter Consultant Tim Brady (St. Joseph ' s, Iota Rho ' 94) , Midwest Regional Vice-President Al Perone (Indiana State, Theta Omicron) and Pike Alumni John Winkler (Tennessee-Chattanooga, Delta Epsilon ' 71) and Ernest Arlart (Wake Forest, Gamma Phi ' 71). Parents, friends and several distinguished guests also shared in the festivities of this special evening. International President Handler addressed those in attendance with an inspirational message about the past, present and future of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. A glass tower was presented to Handler on behalf of the chapter for display in the Memorial Headquarters. The evening concluded with award and gift presentations and remarks from the Chapter President and President-elect.

History

As the newest Fraternity at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, the Kappa Omega Chapter is dedicated to establishing a tradition of excellence that will guide the chapter, Fraternity, university and community well into the 21st century. Colonized on April 13, 1998, the Kappa Omega Chapter is the product of many dedicated and visionary men who dreamed of a Fraternity that nurtured and encouraged those qualities of scholarship, leadership, athletes and gentlemen.

First conceived by Theta Omicron Initiate J.J. Arnold (' 96) who transferred to UW-Whitewater from Indiana State, the idea of a new Fraternity attracted many talented men from across the campus. After several conversations with Headquarters' Staff, a decision was made to begin the colonization process at UW-W. By October of 1997, 17 gentlemen from diverse segments of the campus population had been selected to participate in colonization.

It was in late 1997 that the group encountered its first major obstacle. In an attempt to seek official recognition from university officials it was revealed that no policy existed for Greek expansion. After weeks of input an expansion policy was approved. A newly formed University Greek Expansion Committee was convened to consider the approval of a Pi Kappa Alpha Colony at UW-W. On April 13, 1998 a decision was made to approve the PiKA colonization. Expansion Consultants Ted Roe and Tim Brady traveled to Whitewater to assist in Colony development and recruitment. It would be only a few days later that an Alpha Class of 59 men was pinned. Focused on continuing the growth and development of the colony, a Beta Class was pinned in May of 1998.

During the fall semester of 1998, the Whitewater Colony engaged in a number of activities including community service, a benefit concert, inter-Fraternity softball, sorority exchanges and various other campus, community and Greek activities. Following three Rush events, 17 gentlemen were pinned in October of 1998 as members of the Gamma Class. On November 8, 1998 the colony presented itself for inspection by brothers from Kappa Lambda (Western Illinois) and Eta Nu (Northern Illinois). The inspection committee unanimously recommended chartering of the colony.