Over the weekend of November 29-December 1, 2007, the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity chartered its 208th chapter, Theta Pi, on the University of Texas – Tyler campus. Thirty two men were initiated as founding fathers by the chartering teams from Beta Omicron (Northwestern State) and Eta Chi (Texas Christian). Past National Council member Jim Krucher, Beta Alpha (N.J.I.T.), served as chartering officer and was assisted by Regional Governor Dustin Alexander, Eta Rho (Texas State – San Marcos). Pi Kappa Phi staff in attendance were Leadership Consultant, Derek Berger, Beta Xi (Central Michigan), and Senior Leadership Consultant, Kyle Robinson, Gamma Iota (LSU).

Since colonizing in February 2007, the men of UT-Tyler came together to build a solid brotherhood through the formation of membership development programs, and hosting their first successful Push America fundraising event. The chapter also adopted a stretch of highway under the “Don’t Mess with Texas” program, and was recognized with many achievements within the entire Greek Community at UT-Tyler. They were able to accomplish all of this in a short period of 10 months. With this kind of commitment, Theta Pi became the 208th chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.

The Beta Omicron initiation team was led by Chaplain Lane Luckie serving alongside brothers Brad Deville, Cody Bourque, Jake Horaist, Nick Breaux, Matt LeBlanc, and John Hall. This is not the first time the chapter from Northwestern State has assisted in a chartering ceremony. Beta Omicron has assisted in the process for 5 other chapters. Chaplain Lane Luckie said, “It’s always a great privilege to share the tradition of brotherhood with a new generation, especially when it’s so close to home.” Luckie also said the NSU and UT-Tyler chapters have discussed the possibility of hosting events bringing together the two schools.

[Portions of this article appear in The Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Journal]