An Annual Letter to the Men of Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Man’s nature is a social one. That is why fraternities exist. For all of its pomp and circumstance, a fraternity is not a complicated institution. With our traditions, rituals, and ideals, we ask young men to commit to the best versions of themselves. Bringing that forward, we ask them to build better institutions, families, and friendships. In everything we do, friendship is front and center.

In last year’s letter, I talked about the things I had been promised by joining a fraternity. Lifelong friends, the men who would be standing at my side when I got married, the men who would be there for the highs and the lows, and the men who would lower me into the ground.

Reading that letter, I would not blame you for thinking I was disappointed with the promises that had been made. In a way, I am, but not totally. As I stepped back from those words, I came to appreciate the brothers of mine who have remained a constant in my life. It is them who I want to highlight this year. By no means is this a complete list, rather just five brothers who have gracefully kept the lines of communication open.

Matt Patterson

One of the great honors of my life was initiating my best friend into the bonds of Pi Kappa Alpha. As I placed upon him the badge of our fraternity and welcomed him into the…