Greek president shares experience in fraternity
David Walck, Pi Kappa Alpha house president
Major: Math
Year in School: Senior
Utah Statesman: What are your plans after graduation?
David Walck: Graduate schools, I’d like to receive my doctorate in applied math from USC, possibly teach as a professor one day.
US: What are a few of your favorite hobbies?
DW: Rock climbing, snowboarding, video games, hanging out with my girlfriend and having a beer with the guys.
US: If you could meet one person who is still alive, who would it be?
DW: Stephen Hawking
US: What is the craziest thing that’s happened while you’ve been president?
DW: Just a couple of weeks ago we had an alumni event, and the guys started to get a little rowdy and eventually ended up stealing a couch from the Sigma Chis, intending to burn it.
US: Who is the most influential person in your life?
DW: My mother. She raised me to believe I can do anything so long as I try my hardest, and that’s so true. She also instilled into me my love for academics
US: What drew you toward fraternity life?
DW: Well, I moved out here from California and didn’t really know anyone. Then I got invited to hang out at the Pike house and the guys were just really cool and accepting. Also, when you live in a fraternity, you really learn to live with people and get over problems and conflicts.
US: How do you feel about the stereotype that all “frat” boys are party-hearty nymphomaniacs?
DW: Don’t like it. It kills rush because no one wants to be grouped in that stereotype. That stereotype really came out of the ’80s with movies like “Animal House” and has drastically calmed down over the past 10 years. The reason we are here is not to party, but to build better people.
US: If there was one thing you could change about fraternity life, what would it be?
DW: The image of fraternities on campus so that people can see us for what we are. That’s when we can flourish and make a difference on campus and in the community.
US: Looking back over your time as a Pike, what was your most rewarding experience?
DW: From my work as treasurer for the Pike house. When I arrived, the system was horrible – if the IRS came we’d have been screwed. So I went in and totally changed the system so that now every transaction is accounted for.
US: Why are a lot of Greek traditions secretive?
DW: Because it’s what bonds each fraternity to itself, and Pikes across the country, as brothers.
US: What sets Pike above all other fraternities on campus?
DW: Many things, the most important however is our national consultant who, unlike other fraternities, visits yearly. A national consultant is a Pike who has graduated and now travels the country assessing all Pike houses and giving tips and advise on how to better their fraternity. On top of that, we are also a very accepting group who has been around since 1868.-greg.boyles@aggiemail.usu.edu