Gamma Rho held a special election for interim President of Gamma Rho last night. Junior Demetrios Elias (’12) was elected by a majority vote and will be formally installednext week. Demetrios, affectionately referred to as “Kwame” by brothers,  holds multiple leadership positions on campus in Dance Marathon, Greek Build, and Residential Life. Demetrios will serve as President until the start of spring quarter with the potential to run for a full term in the annual general elections in February.

Former President, John Cowgill (’11), will be taking his leadership experience to the entire Greek community as President of the Interfraternity Council which currently includes seventeen fraternities. John has served since January 2012. Under his presidency the chapter earned its third consecutive Smythe Award achieving “Legacy” Status, top athletics chapter in the nation, and finished as a finalist for Northwestern Chapter of the Year for the first time. John will begin his role January 31st at the annual

IFC installation ceremony.

This past month, John Cowgill ’11 was elected Interfraternity Council (IFC) President by a

John Cowgill ’11

majority vote. Fellow brother, Patrick Schnettler ’10, is the current IFC President and will give way for Cowgill to assume the position in January. John, who has been President of Pike for the past year, looks forward to the new opportunity. As Interfraternity Council President he will be responsible for leading the council and establishing a clear vision for IFC as it looks to become more involved in the Northwestern community. “The people elected to IFC and PHA this year are some of the

Kevin Gerner ’12

best leaders and people in the Greek Community,” said John. “I am thrilled to be able to work with all of them over the coming year to better the Northwestern Greek community.” John will resign as the Gamma Rho President and a special election will be held after the New Year.

Kevin Gerner ’12 was also elected to IFC as Vice President of Membership Development. Kevin will sit on the Executive Board and will be responsible for organizing community service events and other large-scale activities.

Gamma Rho is pleased to announce its festivities for Homecoming Weekend 2012 (October 26-28). We hope to see you in town. Here is the schedule for the weekend:

Friday, October 26th:
4:30-5:30 PM: Alumni/Undergrad Meet and Greet with appetizers at Pike House – 2317 Sheridan Road
6:30 PM: Homecoming Parade
8:30 PM-11:30 PM: Open Bar at Zella (1983 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago) – $25 per head at the door

Saturday, October 27th:
7-11 AM: Homecoming Tailgate at Ryan Field – Lot TBD
11 AM: Homecoming Football Game vs. Iowa*
3:30-5 PM: Post Game Event at Pike House (2317 Sheridan Rd)
8 PM: Lime Credo Concert – Deering Meadow†

*Tickets for the game can be purchased through a block Pike has reserved for alumni for $45 by contacting Joel Childs in the Athletic Department office:
(888-467-8775 x7848) (j-childs@northwestern.edu )

†Lime Credo will be playing as part of the NU Class of 1992 Reunion Event. You do not need to be a member of that class to attend. Simply head here to purchase a Guest ticket. Look for “20th Reunion Class Party – Tent on Deering Meadow,” check the box and proceed to payment.

Questions? Kevin Gerner at kevingerner2015@u.northwestern.edu or Fiona at tatorandtots@gmail.com .

Homecoming 2012 PDF

The Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) Gamma Rho Housing Corporation, International Headquarters and Northwestern University have entered into exclusive discussions to establish a residence for the chapter at 2321 Sheridan Road, currently Goodrich Residence Hall, in Fall 2013. Below is the official statement from the University.

“Northwestern University has entered into exclusive discussions with Pi Kappa Alpha to establish a new home for the chapter at 2321 Sheridan Road (currently Goodrich Residence Hall) starting in the Fall of 2013.  The University is currently working with the chapter’s Housing Corporation and International Headquarters on adapting the facility to meet the fraternity’s needs.”

Further updates will be provided pending further discussions with University officials and formal lease negotiations.

The Pike Housing Corporation and Alumni Association commend the chapter’s excellent standing and look forward to Gamma Rho’s continued success at Northwestern this year.

Below is a statement released by the Pi Kappa Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Association this morning to its members.

Further updates will be provided pending further discussions with  University officials and formal lease negotiations.

On behalf of the Gamma Rho Alumni Association, I am pleased to announce that the Gamma Rho Housing Corporation has entered into negotiations with Northwestern University to move into Goodrich House as the new home of Gamma Rho. The projected timeline for occupation is September of 2013, following finalization of lease terms this fall and structural renovations next summer.

The following is Northwestern University’s official statement:

“Northwestern University has entered into exclusive discussions with Pi Kappa Alpha to establish a new home for the chapter at 2321 Sheridan Road (currently Goodrich Residence Hall) starting in the Fall of 2013. The University is currently working with the chapter’s Housing Corporation and International Headquarters on adapting the facility to meet the fraternity’s needs.”

The Alumni Association would like to take this opportunity to commend Troy Ihlanfeldt (’89) and Paul Huettner (’09) for their dedication and exceptional representation of the chapter as the dialogue with the University has progressed in recent years. Gamma Rho’s current position is an achievement long in the making. Additionally, thank you to Charlie Rimkus (’10) for his contributions to the Housing team.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the many actives and alumni who have helped along the way.

Goodrich Residence Hall

At the core of our drive to obtain a new home for Gamma Rho is a recognition that the actives have excelled in both personal character and their commitment to making Northwestern University a center of excellence. Under the leadership of exemplary Executive Boards, three consecutive Smythe Awards stand as testament to the success of their endeavors. Gamma Rho is now recognized as one of the top chapters in the nation. 

Current IFC President Patrick Schnettler (’10)

Gamma Rho experienced more than just chapter-wide success at the Pi Kappa Alpha International Convention. Former Gamma Rho SMC and current IFC President Patrick Schnettler (’10) was one of just two Pike undergraduates in the nation elected to the Pi Kappa Alpha Supreme Council.

The Pi Kappa Alpha Supreme Council controls all Pike operations at the national level, overseeing budgetary changes, fraternity expansion, and national chapter programming. Patrick is the first representative in Gamma Rho’s history to be named to the Supreme Council.

“I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to represent Gamma Rho and help move our international fraternity forward,” said Patrick.

From Left: Membership Vice President Matt Liffmann (’11), IFC President Patrick Schnettler (’10), Internal Vice President Vivan Som (’10), President John Cowgill (’11), Internal Rush Czar Dave Richards (’11), Treasurer Will Stark (’11), Vice President of Risk Management Luke Moderhack (’11)

Gamma  Rho  was  awarded  its  3rd   consecutive  Robert  Adger  Smythe  Award  this  past   weekend  at the  68th  Pi Kappa Alpha International   Convention  held  in  Denver,  Colorado.  The  Smythe   Award  is  given  annually  to  the  top  eight  percent  of   Pike  Chapters  in  the  nation  and  recognizes   excellence  in  all  aspects  of  chapter  programming.

Gamma  Rho  won  its  first  Smythe  Award  two   years  ago.  Since  that  win,  Gamma  Rho  has  continued   to  advance  itself  as  one of the  preeminent  fraternities  at   Northwestern.  This  year,  Gamma  Rho  maintained  a   3.31  GPA,  initiated  32  men,  raised  over  $50,000  for   philanthropy,  and  ranked  1st  on  campus  in  athletics.  Gamma  Rho  was  also  one  of  the  few   fraternities  on  campus  with  no  discipline  violations.

“Thanks  to  the  hard  work  of  many  brothers   and  alumni  over  the  past  decade,  Gamma  Rho  is  now one of the top Pike Chapters in the nation,” said  president John Cowgill (’11).

Gamma  Rho  won  a  number  of  other  awards   at  the  convention,  including  the  Raymond  L.  Orions   Excellence  Award,  the  scholarship  award  (top  GPA),   and  the  Athletics  Division  I  award.  The  chapter  also   placed  as  finalists  in  Alumni  Relations  and  New   Member  Education.