Steve Prefontaine’s fraternity is making a return to the University of Oregon.
Originally founded in 1931 at UO, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity is striving to gain men who promote university leadership, Joey Romanczuk and Tyler Anderson, PIKE professional expansion consultants, said.
Romanczuk said in 2011, UO PIKE was shut down because the right men were not invested in the organization.
“2016 is the best time to come back on campus,” Romanczuk said. “The history with PIKE and the university makes it important to keep that relationship.”
Romanczuk and Anderson will be recruiting for most of winter term, from Jan. 22 to Mar. 11. The two consultants will meet with faculty, coaches and leaders within the community to start a recommendation process through recruitment. One can also recommend a potential member through PIKE’s online referral.
“Some people feel like because we are a fraternity we don’t want to hear from everyone,” Anderson said, “and that’s not the case.”
Justin Shukas, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said the two consultants will later be replaced by another PIKE staff member who will work with the colony toward chartering after one to two years.
“One of the interesting things is that Steve Prefontaine was an alumnus; they are one of the biggest fraternities nationally and there is one starting at Oregon State University as well,” Shukas said.
The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter values integrity, intellect and achievement, but Romanczuk and Anderson also said the fraternity expects its members to uphold the values of the UO. The two consultants said they are open to hearing all points of view regarding Greek Life.
“All people are welcome to come talk with us as all perspectives are important,” Romanczuk said.