The Eastern Kentucky University Zeta Tau chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was recognized as one of the top chapters in North America. The organization earned the Robert Adger Smythe Award and the Raymond L. Orians Chapter Excellence Award at the 2019 Pi Kappa Alpha Academy. This marks the first Smythe Award for EKU’s Zeta Tau Chapter.
“This award means a lot to me, as well as my brothers,” said Tyler Price, first president of the Zeta Tau chapter, which was re-started at EKU three years ago. “Many hours went into forming this chapter from the ground up, and seeing our efforts over the past three years rewarded is an incredible accomplishment.”
The Smythe Award, named after Junior Founder Robert Adger Smythe, is the highest undergraduate chapter honor. It is awarded annually to chapters that have achieved academic excellence, contributed to their community through service and philanthropic events, distinguished themselves as leaders on campus and exemplified the values of the fraternity. The Orians Chapter Excellence Award recognizes overall chapter excellence. Chapters that win this award are among the best on their campus and Pi Kappa Alpha’s most competitive chapters.
Eastern’s chapter was recognized for earning an overall grade point average of 3.01, completing nearly 5,000 hours of community service, contributing more than $14,000 in philanthropy, as well as ranking second in fraternity intramural athletics on campus.
“My hope is that this spirit and mentality of excellence continues in the chapter, and that EKU PIKE can continue to be a top tier chapter on our campus and in our community,” said Price.