Third Event: Happy Hour!

Third Event: Happy Hour!

Friday, April 11th at 7pm (or so) at Weber's Front Row in Webster Groves. Webers is a fairly centrally-located goodtime foodrinkery, with many televisions and tasty vittles.

There is a Cardinals game that night in San Francisco, which will certainly be on the big screen. For those un-American non-baseball fans, darts are also available.

We had a high turnout and great time at the Blues game event (though things did not go well for the Blues after that game...). This event should be no different!

Please email me at stlpikes@gmail.com and let me know if you plan on attending. I will be there! Who else? Significant others are welcome...

Address for Google Maps: 8169 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Weber's Front Row Website: http://www.webersfrontrow.com/

Report: Founders' Day 2008

This excellent 2008 Founders' Day Report is courtesy of Josh Nast:

The weekend started with a good showing of Alumni, actives and girlfriends at Teocali. I think Br. [Enrique] Guiterrez can thank Eric Enright alone for making sure Teocali stays in business for the next several months, I can only imagine what his bar tab ended up being.

I was not in attendence for the trap shoot, but Cory [Atkins] told me about a handful of brothers showed up for this event and the people at the range would be more than happy to make that an annual event. Brothers were given lessons if need be, and 25 clay pigeons to shoot at.

Afterwards there were probably around 30-40 alumni and just as many actives at the football game. And from the first time in history the alums spanked the actives! The game was a little delayed due to a high school girls soccer game, so we had to stand around and watch them (oh damn!)

After a quick shower and change most everyone came back to Massman gallery for a Teocali catered dinner and had a chance pre-dinner to speak with Fr. Curran. The active attendance was pretty low, but apparently there was a pledge event that was at the same time. The pledges later showed up and helped clean plates away from the tables.

That night concluded with chapter president, Tim Opitz giving a state-of-the-chapter address. With the projected numbers KE will have 95 active members with this spring's rush!

For all those of age, the after party was moved to Charlie Hoopers where Kappa Epsilon and guests took over one corner of the bar.

I was able to briefly mention Stlpikes to Br. Opitz who said he will bring it up at the next chapter, and I made sure to personally tell every alum from St. Louis about the site.

PPKA,
Nast

NCAA Basketball Brackets!

While we await the report from Justin Coomes or someone who attended Founders' Day in Kansas City, feel free to visit the ESPN page below and enter a bracket in the NCAA (Men's) Basketball Tournament.

Few things are certain in these brackets: Each 16 seed will lose in the first round, at least one 12 seed will win over a 5 seed, and Kuperman will pick Arkansas as the national champion. Otherwise, it is wide open.

You may have gotten an email about this, just to make sure I am covering all my bases.

The league title is: Stlpikes
League password: rocku

To register:
http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage

Good luck to everyone, especially those who pick an early Kansas exit!

Founders' Day Weekend Schedule

[via Cory Atkins ('01): cla348@umkc.edu]

Kappa Epsilon,

Here is the last reminder you'll get from me about Founders Day- though I suspect Ferd, Tucker, or Andy will drop a note in your inbox sometime next week.

At the bottom of this message is the schedule for Founders Day, nothing has changed.

I have heard from about 15-20 guys about dinner, and it would be nice to get a more definite number (there are 300+ alumni). I spoke with chapter president Tim Opitz last week and the entire chapter, plus pledges, plus dates will be attending the dinner. This is going to be a great opportunity to meet the chapter. Fr. Curran will be there as well.

Last week I received an email from Aaron McDonald and you may or may not know him - but his email reminded me of how great it is to be a Pike and how much Pike has changed the course of my life - from small things as meeting for happy hour to things as big as networking for careers or help with family emergencies. We really are an elite group of men! Unfortunately as we get older and take on careers and families our time dwindles and we loose contact with some of these people. My point is that we all have people who have really influenced us through our connection with Pike. For me those people (to include a few) are: Andy Axsom, Mike Watts, and Kyle Huelsing. I will be contacting each of these people this week reminding them about Founders Day and just generally catching up with them - because for some its been way too long. I would encourage every one to do the same - call or email your big brother or the people who made a great impact on your Pike experience and reconnect with them (and remind them about Founders Day).

Founders Day is going to be great and to steal a line from Brother Matt Nickson - "It's a great time to be a Pike."

PPKA,
Cory

Founder's Day Weekend Schedule:
Friday, February 28, 2008:
Drinks at Teocali
8pm - ???
2512 Holmes

Saturday, March 1, 2008:
Trap Shoot at Powder Creek
9:30am-1pm
Meet at RU parking lot outside McGee @ 8:45am
RSVP is required

BBQ with the actives
2pm - 2:30pm
Outside the party barn on lower Burke

Alumni vs. Actives Annual Football Game
2:30pm- 4pm on lower Bourke

Dinner in the Massman Gallery catered by Teocali
7:30pm - ???
$15 per person - Bring a date
RSVP would be helpful for dinner

Contact Cory Atkins with questions:
cla348@umkc.edu
816-835-3553

Second Event Feedback

From Tom Schmidt:

First of all, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who attended last night's 5-1 thrashing of the Chicago Blackhawks by my St. Louis Blues. I think everyone that went had a great time, we a group of 11 that attended the game including 9 brothers, 1 wife, and 1 girlfriend.

I don't expect us to plan another Pike event, but I did want to invite everyone out to an additional game on Tuesday, March 4th. The Blues are hosting a "Young Professionals Night" with tickets discounted to 1/2 price and a pre-game Networking Party.

Please [check the Blues site for a] flyer and feel free to pass it along to any friends and relatives you think would fit the description of a young professional.

ppka,Tom Schmidt

From Craig Schoelch:

Guys,

I was looking on the Blues schedule and wanted to know if anyone would be down for seeing the last home game. It is at 1 o'clock on Saturday April 5th. This does not necessarily need to be an official event, just whoever wants to go.

Craig Schoelch
314-775-3776 (cell)

Second Event Recap

A great time was had by all at the Stlpikes Blues Game Event!

The Blues handed out a 5-1 beating to the Chicago Blackhawks in front of a sold out crowd. There was a fight 2 seconds (not an exaggeration) into the game, and a few more to follow. The Blues power play scored, the goaltending was excellent, we all got a free car decal, and overall it was well worth attending. Plus, Sodexho-quality tacos are available the day after the game from 11am-2pm in the Scottrade Center lobby, since the Blues scored 5 goals.

On hand were Dan Simpson, Matt Allgeyer, Kyle Huelsing, Matt Ellis, Craig Schoelch, Justin Coomes, Adam Muehl & wife, Josh Nast & female companion, and eventually Tom Schmidt. Tony Phillips unfortunately completely forgot about the event, and was actually in the building that night, but did not call until the game had ended and we had dispersed like ninjas.

Many thanks to Tom Schmidt, who works in the Blues sales office, for securing a block of tickets on his credit card for our benefit. Happily, he was able to join us halfway through the game.

Many thanks in advance to Justin Coomes, who will be the Stlpikes Founders Day representative in Kansas City in a few weeks. This job entails informing the alumni at the meeting of Stlpikes' existence and recruiting anyone else to sign up, especially St. Louis-based active members.

Be on the lookout soon for a poll about the next event. Thanks to all who attended!

Second Event: Part 3

We have ten people signed up for the hockey game! That's good enough for a discount!

If you are on the fence, thinking about attending, here is the list:
Dan Simpson
Matt Ellis
Craig Schoelch
Mike Kuperman
Josh Nast + guest
Matt Allgeyer + wife
Adam Muehl + wife

Tom Schmidt will be working the game and unable to join us in the stands, but I am sure he can upgrade our tickets to party suites or something comparable once the game starts.

Email stlpikes@gmail.com and thomasschmidt83@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

PS - Unrelated to this event, but as a follow-up to Chris Gilyon's post below, please try to cut a check to Backstoppers. Take a look as the site, and see who they help and how they help. It is truly remarkable what good they do in people's lives. If you are broke as a joke, like most of us, put at least some of that tax return to good use, instead of blowing it on beer and XBox games, like you do every other year.

Message from Chris Gilyon ('00)

Brothers,

I'm sure many of you have heard of the tragedy that took place in Kirkwood. As a member of the law enforcement community I was both shocked and horrified when called into work early (as my patrol sector in St. Louis County boarders Kirkwood) only to find out that two officers had been gunned down, executed. Though I was not on scene, many of my friends were and relayed the carnage of what they saw.

Since becoming a Police Officer in 2003 I have been to far too many funerals, worn a mourning band over my badge far too many times, and have had far too many conversations with fellow officers and citizens as to why. The funerals are a sight to behold for sure from an outsiders perspective. From an insiders view, I cannot help but shed tears every time I have to, as I will this Tuesday, stand at attention and sheppard my fellow lawman into the Grace of God.

I am not a fundraiser. And, as many of you know I'm off the grid most of the time and have not had much contact with many of you since leaving college. That was not by choice but by the nature of what I do.

So, what is my purpose in this writing? I know that our philanthropy is Big Brothers/Big Sisters. However, I would encourge the leadership of the Alumni Association to consider granting Backstoppers a secondary status if nothing else. For those of you unfamiliar Backstoppers it is an organization that provides financial, along with other (counseling, etc) to help the family through these terrible times. Like I said, I'm no fundraiser and am in no way affiliated with the organization. However, I know the work they do and it's the shining light for us that wear the blue.

I ask that you keep the fallen in your thoughts and prayers. And to, perhaps, say a prayer for those of us who will carry on in their memory.

As a side note: Dan, I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you yet. I just wanted to Thank You from the bottom of my heart for checking up on me that night. It meant more than you could possibly imagine.

In the bonds,
phi phi
Chris Gilyon (MU)
PO Chris Gilyon, DSN
3487Affton/Southwest Precinct
St. Louis County Police Department
314-638-5550
cgilyon@stlouisco.com

Second Event: Part 2

The voters have spoken! Despite 02/17/08 making a late push in the poll, the Second Event for the Stl Pikes Alumni will be a Blues game on Tuesday, February 19th!

The games, as you know, as played at Scottrade Center, in downtown St. Louis, at the intersection of 14th and Clark streets.

Please R.S.V.P. to both stlpikes@gmail.com and thomasschmidt83@yahoo.com. Significant others are highly encouraged to attend, as ten attendees creates a discount, through Tom Schmidt, who works for the Blues.

This should be a great time, and I hope many of you can make it.

Tuesday games are (I believe) free food games? Tom, please confirm!

Craig Schoelch ('99) Update

I recently got a new job at Epsilon, they are a direct mail company located in Earth City. I work in account services as an account coordinator. I deal with clients such as Target with their direct mail needs.

My cell # is 314-775-3776.

Second Event: Poll Correction!

The poll indicates that the games on Feb. 1st and 2nd, respectively, are Saturday and Sunday. Those are Friday and Saturday. More than one person has pointed that out...

Thanks!

Second Event: Part 1 (Blues Game)

The winner of the Second Event is attending a Blues game at the Scottrade Center in beautiful downtown St. Louis.

I anticipate that several people will be turned off, as non-Blues/hockey fans, or people who don't feel like driving downtown or paying to attend a sporting event. Those of you who do like going to Blues games are encouraged to bring a significant other. Apparently a party of ten or more will enable a group discount. Perhaps even a beer-filled party room is an option, though I really have no idea what is available as I type this.

What I do know is that things are moving along nicely for STL Pikes, and rumors of viewers in the KC, MO area being a little envious are making their way into my inbox.

Please vote on the poll. When would you like to get to a Blues game? Please check the Blues website for promotions. Tuesday evenings are 1/2 off tickets.

As usual, email RSVPs to stlpikes@gmail.com and pass this site on to other St. Louis-area Pikes.

First Event Recap

Matt Ellis wrote the following recap of the first event at the Schlafly Bottleworks. Sadly no known photos are available. If someone has one, even a camera phone picture of low quality, send it to the email below.

I wish that I could have attended the event I helped coordinate, but a catastrophe erupted at my office at about 2pm, and I wound up working until midnight that night, and fifteen hours or so on each of Saturday and Sunday, as a result. I really wanted to go, but it would have been tough to explain to the client that I managed to squeeze in an evening of alcoholic revelry, and that was the reason her appeal was not filed on time. (It was filed on time, and all is well.)

The next event looks like a Blues game at Scottrade. Bowling was making a late push, but I don't think that it will overtake the hockey game.

Matt's narrative:

Well, a big thank you to everyone who made the first event of the KE Alumni Division a success!

If you are one of those who did not attend the event at Schlafly‘s Bottleworks, then you missed out on fun and drinks with some of Kappa Epsilon’s finest gentlemen; in particular, Adam Muehl, Matt Asikainen, Josh Nast, Tom Schmidt, Steve Stull, myself and even a brief appearance of the elusive Michael Kupermann. Daniel Simpson, unfortunately, had a work crisis at the last minute and could not attend the event he, himself, planned. We had a drink for you Dan, and thanks for setting up what is hopefully the first of many great Alumni events!

Many of us have not seen each other in quite a while, even though we live in the same city, so these events are a good opportunity to reconnect with area brothers. I highly recommend to everyone that when an event comes up, to try and make an effort to attend. I promise you won’t be sorry.

Dan and myself will be letting you guys know soon of our next Alumni event (most likely a Blues game) so keep checking the blog. Also, if anyone is in contact with actives in the area, please urge them to attend these events as well, so that the area alumni can keep up with what’s going on back in the KC

Thanks to all who attended and hope to see more of all the Alumni at future events.

In the bonds,
Matt Ellis

First Event: Part 2

The votes are in, and a sizeable majority of the group has selected:

Friday, December 14th, 2007 at the Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood.

Arrive sometime between 7pm and 8pm or shortly thereafter. I will get there around 7pm or so and get a couple tables in the bar together. A few of you should feel free to get there at 7pm to help me out.

I hope those of you that voted for other dates can make it. I also hope at least one member of the active chapter can swing by. Women are welcome if they don't mind sitting around with a bunch of guys. I suggest bringing cash so that splitting the tab is easier. Adam Muehl: the first one is on me.

I am looking forward to this and I hope you are as well.

Call me at 314-630-3966 with any questions or for directions.

First Event: Part 1.5

Friday, December 14th is winning in the poll for the date of the event. I will give it some more time before declaring a winner. The time is up in the air. Some people may just get there at 7 and others at 8. Not a big deal.

It has been asked if women are invited. I didn't think that far ahead. Feel free to bring any significant other you like. My wife will be at home with babies during the happy hour.

Adam Muehl is the free beer winner. Although other people noted that the Bottleworks building was once a grocery store, Adam was the first to answer that it was a Shop n Save.

First Event: Part 1

Though not unanimous, the voters have widely (and wisely) chosen the fabulous Schlafly Bottleworks as the site of the first event of the St. Louis KE Pike Alumni. The event will be a happy hour(s), sometime in the early evening.

Located in redeveloping Maplewood, MO, this place serves all kinds of tasty vittles and even tastier beers. In fact, you can buy a Schlafly cider beer here and nowhere else. Rumor has it that serving a cider beer entitles Schlafly to some kind of winery state tax abatement. I have no idea how true that is, but the cider is excellent. As are the many stouts.

A free beer on me to the first person who can tell me what that place used to be before it became the Bottleworks. (Though technically correct, "empty old building" is not the answer I am looking for. I want specifics.)

Part 2 of the First Event post will be the finalized date of the get-together. The holiday season is fast approaching and people's schedules are filling rapidly. Vote for the date and time and hopefully we can get excellent attendance.

Perhaps even some chapter members on break can attend if we pick a date between Rockhurst semesters. Exams end December 8th and resume January 22nd? Can that be right? It is off of the RU online calendar...

If the event progresses rowdily, we can adjourn to the nearby White Castle, followed by Cusimano's.

Chapter News: Fall Intiation

[via Cory Atkins ('01): cla348@umkc.edu]

Brothers,

On Friday, November 9th, Kappa Epsilon will initiate the largest fall pledge class in its history.

Alumni are invited to return to campus and enjoy a reception as well as the opportunity to help initiate the newest class of Pikes.

The reception will begin at 8:00 PM in Massman Hall in the President's Room, across the hall from room 248 where initiation will be held.

Initiation should start around 9:00.

ppka,
Cory Atkins

Questions?
Chapter President Kyle Buelke can be reached at: 402-968-2007
Cory Atkins can be reached at: 816-835-3553

Josh Nast ('03) Update

I'm currently working at St. John's hospital and trying to get into medical school, with KCUMB being my first choice.

Joshua Nast
'03 Pi Class
Cell 314-348-4172
Email joshua.nast@yahoo.com

Alumni Survey

While getting the information abuot this site to St. Louis area alumni, Matt Ellis and I ran into a problem. The contact sheet for chapter alums is out of date, despite the best efforts of dedicated people like Andy Axsom.

Matt created a means to acquire up to date, accurate information, in the form of a survey located here. Fill it out at your leisure, and pass it on to other local alums.

By the way, speaking of surveys, it seems that we are reaching a unanimous agreement that the first get together should be at a centrally-located bar. Options for that bar to be posted soon in the form of another poll.

- Dan

Call for Information

As you may know, Matt Ellis and I are working on getting a comprehensive list together of KE alumni living in the St. Louis area. Besides the people on the member list (on the right) as of the date of this post, the people below are believed to currently live in the region:

Breed, Tyler

Enright, Eric
Gilyon, Chris
Meyer, Jon
Nelson, James
Schoelch, Craig
Towers, Jason
Washburn, Brandon

What we need from you:

(1) Names not on this list who should be

(2) Email addresses of people on this list

(3) Pass this web site on to them or other area KE alums

Send that information to stlpikes@gmail.com

Active Chapter members who call St. Louis home three months of the year are of course invited to join. Matt plans to get that list from the Chapter Secretary, as well as inform the Chapter of the existence of this blog site, so that they might occassionally send Chapter updates for our review.

.

Additionally, anyone who does not live in St. Louis, but still wants to feel included, may be listed as an out-of-town member and get emails as well.

.

This site is quickly showing promise, and I have enjoyed getting updates and photos to post. Keep sending them along! Email any suggestions, news, photos, etc. to stlpikes@gmail.com

- Dan