The history of the Gamma Omega chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity is a tale of pride and tradition.  It is a story of great men and great acts that gave Pi Kappa Alpha a firm foothold in one of this country’s most quickly developing regions.  But to understand how the everlasting bonds of Phi Phi Kappa Alpha were spread to the Gateway to the Americas, one must begin at the beginning, with a plot of land and a dream.

In 1926, the University of Miami was a tiny experiment on the edge of the great American landscape.  The South Florida land boom was at its height, and a group of optimistic and resourceful citizens decided the time was right to create an institution of higher learning in their community.  But before the school even opened its doors to its inaugural class of 560 that fall, an ambitious group of men got together to further true and lasting friendships, to better the collegiate community of which they were to be a part, and to promote the type of fellowship that denotes the highest bonds of fraternalism.  On July 8, 1926, these men formed an organization that would subtly craft the development of the University of Miami.

        The organization was called, Phi Alpha, and its leader was Francis Hightailing.  Hightailing was the first student enrolled at the University of Miami, the first charter member of Phi Alpha, and the organization’s first president.  In close to 15 years as Phi Alpha, the organization that Hightailing started built an impressive reputation at the University.
        The Phi Alpha men established themselves in all facets of university life, as the group counted as part of its membership seven of the first thirteen student body presidents, one-third of the University’s total class officers during that period, three editors-in-chief and six business managers of the school newspaper, five members of the varsity football team, and more than 75 athletic lettermen.  Phi Alpha even had 34 of its members inducted into Iron Arrow, the highest honor for a University of Miami student.  For four years, a member of the Phi Alpha organization was crowned “Campus King,” an honor bestowed upon the Miami student that contributed most to the scholastic, social, athletic, and political phases of campus life.

         It  will come as no surprise, then, that by 1940 this dominant force on the University of Miami campus had been approached by 12 national fraternities, all of whom wanted to incorporate the men of Phi Alpha into their own organizations.  With a pack of campus leaders and extremely high standards, the group turned down each of them, waiting for the right men and the right ideals to come to South Florida. Also by 1940, the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity had established itself as one of the top fraternities in the country.  Between 1934 and 1960, the fraternity added more than 40 new chapters, making it the fastest growing fraternity in the South.
        The ambition, success, and historical dominance of Pi Kappa Alpha since its founding at the University of Virginia in 1868 mirrored the same qualities that the Phi Alphas had demonstrated since their own founding that summer of 1926.  Finally recognizing the perfect fit in both organization and ideology, the leadership of Phi Alpha agreed to be incorporated into Pi Kappa Alpha.
        On May 7, 1940, Phi Alpha was chartered as the 80th chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and given the chapter designation of Gamma Omega.  Ten days later, 34 undergraduates and 26 alumni were initiated into Pi Kappa Alpha over the course of two days.  Among the many initiates were Trumes Huitt Lasher, Gamma Omega’s first SMC, and Francis Hightailing, the man who started it all.  In addition to Hightailing, many other distinguished alumni of Phi Alpha have since been given fraternity pins to forever link them with the past, present, and future of Gamma Omega.

        It would be nice to say that since its chartering in the spring of 1940 that Gamma Omega has functioned flawlessly.  It would be nice to paint a rosy picture of permanent campus dominance and a straight-and-narrow path of perfection for the entire history of the fraternity from then until now.  But without setbacks, there can be no improvement, and without adversity, there can be no triumph.
        The events of December 7, 1941 changed our nation forever, and as a part of this nation, the Gamma Omega chapter could not avoid the effect of World War II.  Between its chartering and the culmination of the war in late 1945, Gamma Omega would initiate 191 members.  But of those 191 members, three-fourths entered the military to dutifully defend our country from fascism and imperialism abroad. Four brothers even gave up their lives for their country, dying on the lonely battlefields of Europe and the Pacific Islands. 
At times, the chapter could count only a half a dozen names on its active roster. Thankfully, the chapter had dedicated and enthusiastic members such as Bob Towles, Francis Coury, Tom Ellis, and Ira Bullock.  These men and others kept Gamma Omega alive despite the loss of many to the war effort for the duration.  In fact, many of the Miami Pikes between 1943 and 1946 were V-12 Navy Students at the University, training to become officers in the United States Navy as soon as their country called on them.
        The fall of 1945 brought another great semester at the University of Miami, and the first without war in four years.  Having completed valiant service in defense of their country, several old actives began to return to campus.  Men such as Norman Ashe, Bob Holland, and Howard Hanson, members of Gamma Omega’s inaugural pledge class, jumped right back into fraternity leadership positions as they completed their degrees at Miami.  The following semester, even more brothers would return, including Charlie Franklin, Doss Tobb, and George Hollahan.
        With the return of many of its members, Pi Kappa Alpha quickly regained its dominance on the University of Miami campus.  Franklin was elected student body president, the seventh annual Dream Girl was one of the year’s biggest social highlights, and ten brothers were members of the varsity football team that won the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day.
In 1952, Pi Kappa Alpha became the first fraternity to have a house on what is now considered fraternity row.  The building that currently sits at 5800 San Amaro Drive was built by the brothers themselves.
        The Vietnam War Era came with triumph and tragedy, Brother Second Lieutenant Louis A. Caricarte, a former student body President, was killed in action.  In 1969, Mike Abrams was elected student body president. Shortly thereafter, Brother Ron Stone was elected president of the Inter-Fraternity Council for the following two years.

        The 1980s and 1990s were years of resurgence for the University of Miami, and once again the Gamma Omega chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha had a starring role in that resurgence.  The football team won its first national championship in 1983, with Brother Howard Schnellenberger at the helm as head coach.  Members of the chapter also played on championship teams in 1987 and 1989.  After winning the 1987 title, brother Dennis Kelleher stole the first Sports Illustrated cover of 1988, as his kiss with cheerleader and fraternal little sister Tammy McPhee was frozen in time, symbolizing the beauty and triumph of the moment.
        The ‘Canes won a fourth national title in 1991 with nine Gamma Omega Pikes on the roster.  In 1992, brother and Miami quarterback Gino Torretta won the Heisman Trophy, the highest individual honor in Division 1-A football.  Also in 1992, brother Dane Prewitt, a UM placekicker, made the all-time scoring list for his consistent contributions.  That same year against West Virginia, a sequence occurred that would come to be known as the “Pike Seven Points.”  Torretta threw to brother and Miami tight end Kevin Kirkeide for a touchdown, and Prewitt added the extra point.  The 1992 team that won the Sugar Bowl also included six brothers.
        As if this domination in football weren’t enough, Brother Dean Panaro was named NCAA Diver of the Year from 1992-1994.Through the late 80s and early 90s, the chapter continued its intramural dominance as well, winning Homecoming, Greek Week, and President’s Cup to complete the fabled Triple Crown during the 1989-1990 academic year.  Gamma Omega also retired the Greek Week trophy after winning the event four straight times from 1989-1992.
        The Miami New Times immortalized the image of Pi Kappa Alpha on the University of Miami campus when it described fraternity rush one year.  “Dozens of beefy Pi Kappa Alphas known as ‘Pikes’ mill around their table,” the article reads, “with several Stanley Cup-sized trophies.”

        The success of the 1990s continued into the 2000s, as the chapter won the Triple Crown again for the 2001-2002 academic year.  In the spring of 2002, brother Mike Johnston was elected student body president.  He was the first brother to head student government since Abrams in 1969.  Two years later, Johnston’s little brother Vance Aloupis was elected president for the 2004-2005 academic year. In Fall of 2003, Sports Illustrated ran a story on brothers Eric Winston, Chris Myers, Joel Rodriguez and Dennis Smith (Read the article here).

         Three Gamma Omega offensive linemen were to be drafted in the National Football League between 2005-2010 including Brothers Myers, Winston, and Jason Fox. Over four years Fox amassed 47 career starts, one shy of tying the school record for career starts by a lineman. Brother and Hurricane quarterback Matt Perrelli received the Albert Bentley Award as the top walk-on player for the 2006-2007 season. In 2006, brother and Hurricane offensive tackle Eric Winston was featured on the cover of Shield and Diamond. Chapter Advisor Devang Desai was appointed the new Sunshine Regional Advisor. Graduate Advisor Justin Buck received his MBA from Miami and was quickly appointed Executive Director of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity. At the International Convention in Orlando in July of 2006, the chapter received the Harvey T. Newell Award for Most Improved Chapter.

      After capturing his 2008 Superbowl Championship with the New York Giants, Brother Jeff Feagles appeared on the cover of Shield and Diamond. Back in Coral Gables, Brother Devang Desai was honored as the most "Outstanding Young Alumnus" by the University. Brother Toretta was inducted into UM's Ring of Honor and the National College Football Hall of Fame. Pike Madness 2008 increased its participation by over 300%, hosting 37 teams and raising $3,000 for charity. The Fall of 2007 welcomed Pike Platoon, a new philanthropy hosted by Gamma Omega that benefits No Greater Sacrifice. Pike Platoon raised $6,500 in its inaugural year. In 2009, Brother Buck would officially befit the nickname he once held in Coral Gables as "King Buck" as he was promoted to Executive Vice President and CEO of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity. The title of Brother Buck's cover story in the Fall 2009 Shield & Diamond reads "The Buck Stops Here". Only a few months later, Fox become the fourth Gamma Omega brother over four years to steal the cover when the Spring 2010 Shield & Diamond was published. In 2010 the chapter retired the President's Cup after winning it four consecutive years in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. 

With all of these accomplishments and accolades, it is important to understand the great persistance of the men of Gamma Omega during these years. Following a brotherhood review, the chapter started in the Fall of 2005 with a role of only 25 active brothers. However the chapter quickly regained dominance through the guidance of then-president and now-chapter advisor Brother Chris Maranges. Between the Fall of 2006 and the Spring of 2010, Gamma Omega hounded on-campus rush and recruited more quality men than any other fraternity for eight consecutive semesters.

“Yesterday is gone forever.
Tomorrow is yet to be.
The destiny of Pi Kappa Alpha
Rests, today, with thee.” Ode to a Pledge
Robert D. Lynn, Presbyterian College (Mu), 1931

        Through strong beginnings, a World War, deaths in the brotherhood, and all of the success of Gamma Omega, the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity has remained a shining example of glory and tradition at the University of Miami since before it was even called Gamma Omega, indeed since before the University was even founded.
        While the future is never certain, it certainly looks bright for Gamma Omega.  The chapter is stocked with youth and enthusiasm in an environment that breeds scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentlemen.Gamma Omega also has the capable alumni to nurture the undergrad potential, including Schnellenberger, a national championship coach, as well as three current NFL players.  Brothers Winston, Chris Myers, and Jeff Feagles are making contributions each season for the Texans, Broncos, and Giants, respectively. Ten brothers are in the University’s Sports Hall of Fame, including Torretta, Panaro, Schnellenberger, Gordon Malloy, Dan Mariutto, Tom Pratt, Frank Smith, Armand “Sitch” Vari, Jeff Feagles and Earl Welbaum. The former chapter advisor oversees every Pike chapter in the state of Florida.  The former graduate advisor is in charge of the entire international fraternity.  Brothers Abrams and Ron Stone currently sit on the University’s Board of Trustees, making decisions that ensure the greatness of the University for years to come.
        To thrive in the long run, Gamma Omega will need heavy support from all of its alumni.   Above all, the chapter will need continue to strengthen the bonds of Phi Phi Kappa Alpha. The chapter was founded to further true and lasting friendships, to better the university community of which it was to be a part, and to promote the type of fellowship that denotes the highest bonds of fraternalism.  With all that is happening at Gamma Omega, there is no doubt that this is exactly what will happen.