A member of the Beta Omicron Chapter’s Rose Court competed June 19-21 in the Miss Louisiana Competition. Mandi Ridgdell, a senior at NSU, has selected Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy, Push America, as her personal platform. Ridgdell promoted disability awareness and Push America during her interviews, which was aired on live television to over 4 million Louisiana residents. Throughout her time at Northwestern State, she has been an avid supporter of Push America. She has participated in nearly every local Push America activity , including friendship visits and welcoming the Journey of Hope team in Shreveport. She is also planning a major Push America fundraising event set to take place this fall. Ridgdell won the preliminary talent competition, was a semifinalist in the top 10, and won the People’s Choice Award.

Two members of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity are participating in a cross-country bicycle ride to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities.  Adam Upshaw of Coushatta, Louisiana and Collin McKnight of Austin, Texas will spend six weeks of their summer participating in the Journey of Hope, a cycling trek from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. The ride is a project of Push America, a philanthropy founded by Pi Kappa Phi. Teams stop in cities along the routes for friendship visits in which members are involved in service projects or events for people with disabilities. (more…)