Joe LaPine (Utah, Alpha Tau ’74) is a dedicated PIKE alumnus and volunteer. Get to know more about his experience stepping into a volunteer role below:
“About two years ago, I met Bryan Rawlinson, the PIKE Foundation’s Vice President of Development, at a cocktail party for alumni supporters. Knowing that I live in Long Beach, California, Bryan mentioned that the Iota Epsilon Chapter (California State-Long Beach) was seeking an alumni advisor and asked if I was interested. Despite initial doubts about my relevance, I agreed to help.
This decision turned out to be one of my better ones. I have always attributed a large part of any success I have had in my career to the leadership skills and management techniques that I learned during my years as an active and an officer at Alpha Tau Chapter (Utah). Volunteering with Iota Epsilon allows me to give back, positively impacting young men’s lives and the chapter’s success.
Volunteering has also given me numerous personal benefits. It has allowed me to stay connected with a younger generation, keeping me energized and updated on current trends and issues. I have also built meaningful relationships with other alumni and members, which has enriched my life in so many ways. Seeing the positive changes and achievements of the chapter gives me immense satisfaction.
Running and managing a chapter is very similar to running and managing a small business. Corporate principles, including strategic planning, financial management, and organizational skills, are directly applicable to chapter operations. I feel privileged to be able provide these insights to the young men of Iota Epsilon Chapter, confident that they will face similar challenges in their future careers.
Most importantly, I am proud to be affiliated with the fine men of Iota Epsilon. The mutual respect we share is something I did not anticipate but have come to so deeply appreciate.”