Pi Kappa Alpha to receive Community Service Award for Greek Life during ceremony tonight

Troy, N.Y. — In recognition of its outstanding commitment to community service, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity has been chosen by the Rensselaer Alumni Association (RAA) to receive the inaugural Community Service Award for Greek Life. The award will be presented tonight — Friday, Feb. 9 — during the second intermission of the Rensselaer vs. Colgate hockey game.

In the past year, members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity have volunteered for more than 1,000 hours of community service in a range of activities. They have renovated the Frear Park ice skating rink, assisted with the Hudson-Mohawk Industrial Gateway Gala event, and helped with the restoration and renovations for Saint Paul the Apostle Church and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Actively involved with the Institute, the fraternity has assisted with promoting AIDS awareness on campus, volunteered its time at the Student Health Center’s Health and Wellness Fair, took part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held at Rensselaer last April, and helped raise funds for the Interfraternity Council’s Heart Walk.

Pi Kappa Alpha also has dedicated itself to serving the local community, holding a dodge ball tournament to raise money for a local charity, taking part in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure, and raising more than $1,200 to provide holiday gifts to students in grades K through 3 at a local grade school in Troy. 

The RAA Community Service Award for Greek Life was created in 2006 by the RAA Board of Trustees, and is designed to recognize a fraternity or sorority involved in community service and philanthropic activities that has a significant and positive impact on the community.

This evening Pi Kappa Alpha will be presented with a plaque and a $1,000 donation will be made to a charity of its choice. The fraternity members have chosen to donate the money to the American Cancer Society in honor of their brother, Jeff Hartnett ’02, who was diagnosed with cancer last year and is currently undergoing treatment. Tonight is Greek Hockey Night at the Houston Field House.

Contact: Amber Cleveland
Phone: (518) 276-2146
E-mail: clevea@rpi.edu