FSU Pikes Delta Lambda Newsletter - January 2026
- Jan 25
- 7 min read
Please forward this copy of your Delta Lambda Newsletter to your Pike friends and encourage them to sign up to receive the monthly letter. It’s free.
Join the Old Guard of Delta Lambda!
Contributions to the Old Guard may be made by credit card through this secure link, or, if you prefer to send a check, please make payable to The Old Guard of Delta Lambda and send to Charlie Barnes / 1490 Saint Charles Place / Tallahassee, FL 32308We are grateful for the generosity as well as the stature of alumni who support The Old Guard, our alumni annual fund.A special thanks to Dr. Benjamin Sharp ’60 for his long record of generosity to The Old Guard. Google says, “Ben Sharp is a distinguished alumnus of Florida State University and active supporter of Pi Kappa Alpha, recognized for his significant donations and involvement with the FSU Foundation.”Dr. Sharp sent a check for $300 in early January. benjaminsharp@hotmail.com
The Old Guard received an especially poignant Memorial gift of $1,000 (Sembler Society) recognizing the contributions to the Brotherhood of Paul Reddish ’82. Paul passed into Chapter Eternal on September 25th, 2023. His son, E.J. Reddish ’23 was initiated less than one month later. “Paul made sure that E.J. was a Pike.” The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, says “I was there in the room for Initiation with E.J. and the rest of [Paul’s pledge bothers]. Powerful ceremony!”
UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
“My name is Cole Summers and I was recently elected as the new SMC of the Delta Lambda Pike’s for the 2026 year. Originally from Tampa, Florida, I’m a junior studying Business Management with plans to minor in Hospitality. I am incredibly honored and excited to be able to lead this Brotherhood that has become a second home to me. After such an outstanding year, I plan to use our momentum to deepen our involvement in other organizations on campus-specifically Student Government and the Interfraternity Council- and to lean in to shaping a culture focused on excellence and
comradery.”colesummers06@gmail.com 813-539-1217
“My name is Ryan Paradela and I am the Delta Lambda Pike Rush Chairman for 2026. My home town is Ft. Lauderdale (St Thomas Aquinas High School), and I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Business. I am honored to have been entrusted with strengthening the legendary Pike Rush tradition at Florida State. Rush Week is January 27-29. The new pledge program begins February 1st . Please send any rush recommendations directly to me. Phi Phi Kappa Alpha.”rparadela27@gmail.com 954-516-4339
Alumni who wish to join the Chapter officers and other involved alumni for lunch on the first Wednesday of every month, please meet at Madison Social in College Town at noon. February 4th, March 4th, April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd. Chapter Advisor John Peacock ’01 presides.
Alumni News
Delta Lambda’s MONTHLY LUNCHEONS
Chapter Advisor John Peacock ’01 chairs the meetings beginning at noon and concluding by 1:00 PM.Chapter Advisor John Peacock ’01 850-321-2198 jpeacockfl@gmail.com Chapter SMC Cole Summers ’23 813-539-1217 colesummers06@gmail.comThe next Luncheon will be Wednesday February 4th, 2026.
Our warmest appreciation to Steve Walker ’81 who is stepping down as Co-Chapter Advisor this year. Steve’s son Chase Walker ’12 in an alumnus of the Alpha Chapter (Virginia).
Chapter Advisor John Peacock ’01 writes, “Steve, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and steadfast commitment to Delta Lambda. Your willingness to step forward, give of your time, and provide thoughtful guidance has played an important role in shaping the chapter, and the positive influence of the oversight you provided will be felt for years to come. It has truly been a privilege to work alongside you, and the chapter is better because of your dedication and care. Please know that your efforts have been deeply appreciated.”
Thank you to regular contributor Harvey Mackler ’72 (Beta Pi Chapter, U-Penn). Harvey has been involved with Delta Lambda for a long time, and is an active member of the All-Pi Kappa Alpha alumni association in Tampa Bay. harveyjag@gmail.com
Harvey is offering a fully-funded $750 scholarship to qualified undergraduate members of the Fraternity. It is being administered by National, and they should be sending an information package to Pike chapters at FSU, UF and South Florida.
The scholarship was established in memory of Harvey’s brother Dr. Scott Mackler ’77 (Chapter Eternal). “It is presented annually to a Brother at the University of Pennsylvania Chapter who has exhibited “true grit” in his life.” Unfortunately, Beta PI Chapter at U-Penn is not operating at present. The scholarship will continue to be presented to eligible Brothers in the Florida chapters. Harvey Mackler 215-431-6163
Tye Stockton ’82, the #1 individual luxury broker in Vail
In 1991, Tye Stockton ‘82, former equity options trader on Wall Street for Bear Stearns in Manhattan, decided to trade his financial career for a new life in Vail; a place he had grown to love during his many trips to the Rocky Mountains. With over $3 billion in career sales, Tye Stockton is one of the nation’s leading luxury real estate advisors.
A frequent contributor to Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, Tye brings unmatched market knowledge, global reach, and a reputation built on trust, strategy, and exceptional client service. About Tye Stockton | The Stockton Group
“The involvement of Sargeant, who has long-standing ties to Venezuela’s oil industry, underscores the Trump administration's reliance on U.S. oil executives for guidance on how to administer the country's energy sector following last week's dramatic U.S. military operation that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro… Sargeant has long-standing connections to U.S. President Donald Trump and often golfs with him at Mar-a-Lago, two sources said.”
The Reuters article goes into more detail, mentioning the role of Harry Sargent IV ’02 as a member of his negotiating team. Harry’s second son, Garrett Sargeant ’17 was an incoming FSU freshman when he joined his family and two dozen Delta Lambda alumni on a Baltic Seas cruise in 2017. Garrett signed his Pi Kappa Alpha bid in an ad hoc ceremony when the ship was in St. Petersburg, Russia.
“Since joining New Orleans & Company in 2022, Kevin has been a transformative force for our city. Through the Home for Good Initiative, he helped secure permanent housing for over 1,000 formerly unhoused citizens. His leadership brought us UNESCO Creative City of Music designation, launched Recycle Dat! (diverting 110,000+ pounds from landfills during Carnival), and championed accessibility improvements throughout the French Quarter.
From Hospitality Health Fairs to Job Fest's 10th anniversary, Kevin has touched countless lives. He guided our 1,200 members through COVID recovery while ensuring New Orleans remains a welcoming destination for all. Kevin, you've made New Orleans a better place to live, work, and visit. We're thrilled to see you continue serving our beloved city in this vital new role as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff!”.
Delta Lambda Sires and Sons
“To my son Christian, ever since you were old enough to voice your opinion, you have said that you wanted to grow up to be a doctor. I still remember when you were about 5 years old and I sat you down and started listing the challenges you would have to successfully overcome to meet that goal, but when I was halfway through my list, I felt your little hand patting me on the shoulder and with great self-confidence you said, “Don’t worry Dad; if you can do it, then I can do it. Congratulations on your acceptance to the Florida State University College of Medicine class of 2030. You’ve been granted the opportunity to become the compassionate and competent physician that you have always strived to become. “
AD ASTRA
Tom Foss ‘66
Rich Wall ’66 writes, “Some sad news - Colonel Thomas P. Foss (USAF Ret) died this morning at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, with family beside him. He was a Delta Lambda Fall ’66 initiate. His 30-year Air Force career was largely spent in the communications field with assignments all over the globe, including the Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania, aka “The Underground Pentagon.”
Bob Tunkel ’66: “Sorry to report the passing of one of our group (“Pikes of the ‘60s”) and a fellow pledge brother. Phi Phi
From Bill Knight ’69: “Remembering Tom with much respect. Sending deepest condolences to his family…Chapter Eternal awaits each of us, gentlemen. May his soul and the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in eternal peace. Phi Phi
From Dick Klunk ’67: “Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Sounds like he had a great career in the Air Force that Delta Lambda and of course his family can be proud. Condolences and prayers go out to his family. Chapter Eternal adds another good Brother to its fold.”
Thomas Parker Foss ’66 was born on July 6, 1946, and died peacefully at home on January 7, 2026. He was 79 years old. He is survived by Rita, his wife of 58 years; his children Patrick, Christopher, Teresa, and Melissa; his grandchildren Nathan, Connor, Jessica, Katie, Lucy, Jenny, and Tommy; and countless others whose lives he touched in some way through his quiet strength, dignity, and generosity of spirit.
These alumni organizations exist to support Pike at Florida StateT
he Legends of Delta Lambda. Legends owns the Chapter House. Brent Sembler ’78, Chairman. Jimmy Keen ‘73, Legends Vice Chairman. Brent Sembler Brent.Sembler@sembler.com
The Delta Lambda Chapter Advisory Board. Chapter Advisor John Peacock ’01 Chairs the Chapter Advisory Board. John Peacock ’01, 850-321-2198 jpeacockfl@gmail.com. Steve Walker ’81 is Co-Chairman steve.walker07@gmail.com
The Delta Lambda Alumni Association. Eric Carr ’01, President. ericdcarr@gmail.com
The Old Guard of Delta Lambda. The Old Guard is the alumni annual fund. Jack McMullen ’64, David Rancourt ’84, Doug Russell ‘79 and Charlie Barnes ’65 are members of the Old Guard oversight board.
The Legacy Dads of Delta Lambda. Doug Russell ’79, Founder and Chairman. drusselltally@gmail.com
The Delta Lambda Communications Team. The Delta Lambda Website and the Delta Lambda Monthly Newsletter are productions of Dietz Consulting, Inc. Chris Dietz ’87, owner.
The monthly newsletter is Edited by Tim Sheridan ’79 and Charlie Barnes ’65. Len Tucker (and Jean) Tucker ’70 provides the chapter with its annual composite. The Team also consults with the Chapter on the annual production of Pikes Illustrated.
The official Delta Lambda website is: www.deltalambdapikes.com
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