Thank you Donors!!
A Legacy of Brotherhood and Friendship
​
The Walker–Claggett–Willhoite Memorial Fund honors the lives and legacy of three extraordinary Pi Kappa Alpha brothers whose impact on Transylvania University continues to be felt today.
​
John Walker, Tim Claggett, and Kevin Willhoite brought friendship, laughter, and genuine care into the lives of countless classmates. Each was a natural leader—respected, trusted, and admired—not only for what they achieved, but for how they treated others.
As mentors and role models, they embodied the very best ideals of Pi Kappa Alpha. Their influence did not end with their graduation. It lives on in the culture, values, and brotherhood of the Pike chapter at Transylvania.
Gifts to the Walker–Claggett–Willhoite Memorial Fund provide “mini scholarships” awarded every semester to deserving undergraduate brothers. These Academic Performance Grants are paid directly to Pike men who earn a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher, reinforcing a tradition of academic excellence, accountability, and pride.
Your support of this fund creates a living legacy. It honors John, Tim, and Kevin in a way that reflects who they were—men who lifted others up and made their fraternity stronger.
.jpg)
John Walker Jr.
John "Boom Boom" Walker Jr. was from Newark, NJ. He pledged as a Pike in 1979 and was a member of the Class of 1983.
John was also a beloved Big Brother for Transy's Sigma Kappa Sorority.
John was the husband of Jeannie Walker, and the father of Rebecca Walker. Jeannie was also a Transy graduate.
After college John worked in management for Jerry’s, Lees, Denny's, All Foods, and Campbell Phillips. John switched gears from food service to join Bryant’s Distributing. Later he moved into sales at Hurst Office Supply.
John became a deacon at The Hillcrest Baptist Church. He could frequently be found, running the audio video, directing the food service and was always highly active in the church's youth programs.
John volunteered for The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life movement, which is the world's largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer. He didn’t realize it would directly affect him later.
​
John dutifully cared for his ailing mother right up until his death.
.
Big Brother
Tim Claggett
​
Tim Claggett pledged Pike in 1978 and was a member of the Class of 1982. Tim was also a beloved Big Brother for Transy's Sigma Kappa Sorority.
​
Tim and his wife Kathryn Griffin Claggett, also a Transy grad, married in 1981. Together they have four children, Thomas, Samuel, and Joseph and a daughter, Kerry Claggett. He was a very proud grandfather to their granddaughter Carsyn.
Tim joined the LFUCG Fire Department in 1987 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant, He retired in 2012.
Tim enjoyed camping and riding his motorcycle. He also took time out to work with Habitat for Humanity and other community service organizations. Tim was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Firefighters and was a loyal advocate for the Vanover Veterans Village.
Big Brother
Kevin Willhoite
Kevin, pledged Pike in 1978. He was an enthusiastic, creative leader for three prestigious organizations at Transy. Pi Kappa Alpha, W.U.S.,plus he served as the Owl Man for Chi Omega.
As Pike Rush Chairman, Kevin orchestrated the recruitment of a large, talented pledge class.
​
Upon graduation, Kevin first worked for Touché Ross, one of the Big 8 accounting firms. He and a small group of young professionals worked out of Elizabethtown, conducting audits and preparing taxes for customers. He relocated to Houston before moving to Sherman Oaks, California. Kevin led the finance team at Redken, Inc. until his death in 1991.
Owl Man
