Meet Dr. Chase Cates (Angelo State, Eta Epsilon ’05)! During his time as an active, Chase served in a variety of leadership roles, including chapter president. Today, he is the medical director of a nonprofit clinic in San Antonio, where he continues to lead with the confidence he developed in Eta Epsilon Chapter. In honor of Pride Month, Chase shared his PIKE experience.
“I joined PIKE because I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and become someone different. I had always been the shy, geeky kid who would hide away and play video games, and I never pictured myself joining a fraternity. But PIKE gave me the chance to meet an incredible group of guys who helped me open up, become a better person, and form lifelong friendships. One of the brothers I met in the Fraternity was even the best man at my wedding.
Through PIKE, I developed the confidence to lead. I served as treasurer, internal vice president, and eventually chapter president, where I learned how to work with others, build relationships, and take charge when needed. Those experiences helped prepare me for the career I have today.
I was not out while I was in the Fraternity, but when I eventually came out to my brothers, I was met with nothing but support. Not a single brother turned their back on me. They made it clear that nothing had changed, and that support allowed me to be fully myself. PIKE helped shape me into a more confident leader, a better friend, and the person I am today.”