Senior James LaGamma has been named as the national PIKE (Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity) for the month of January, for demonstrating servant leadership and his commitment to excellence.

Pike of the Month award recipients demonstrate the True Pike ideals, working to improve themselves and have a positive impact on the chapter, campus and community.

As the official announcement noted, “Since joining Delta Upsilon Chapter, LaGamma has successfully balanced fraternity life with academics, volunteer work and varsity athletics.” LaGamma served as internal vice president, secretary and philanthropy chairman within the chapter. Such work includes, but is not limited to, raising $30,000 for various charities. He also served as the punter for the Stetson football team these past few years.

LaGamma was nominated for this award by his chapter advisor, Mark Marcus, who had high praise for him for all of the work he has done. “Watching James grow, mature and transform, reminds me of what being a PIKE can do to and for you. James is a workhorse and a half. Whatever company is given the privilege to have him on their staff, they will truly have an advantage,” said Marcus. “He’s absolutely worthy of this recognition.”

Support for James also came from the representatives of Greek Life and the football team. “James LaGamma is a very hard working, dedicated member of the fraternal movement,” said Ryan Manning, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement. “I was very impressed with his work ethic as an executive board member of the Interfraternity Council and his ability to be so involved and have a strong GPA.” He is on the Dean’s List, maintaining a 3.2 grade point average majoring in accounting.

“Through his participation in our football program, the rigor of our University, and his commitment to PIKE, James has flourished in his time as a Hatter,” said Nolan Behrns, director of Football Operations at Stetson. “We are extremely proud of what he has accomplished. PIKE could not have picked a better member to represent their fraternity.”

by David Baker