Sampité, who died Friday at the age of 81, served five terms as mayor of Natchitoches from 1980 until his retirement in 2000. He was known for wearing white socks, a carryover from his coaching career before becoming mayor, and for the “I Love Natchitoches” stickers that he distributed by the thousands over the years.

Born in New Orleans in 1931, Sampité received a business education degree from Northwestern State University in 1959. He served in the National Guard and U.S. Air Force before beginning a career in teaching and coaching. Sampité was a successful basketball and baseball coach at St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches and Jesuit High School in Shreveport.

After retiring from his education career, Sampité became one of the most effective and dynamic mayors in Louisiana history. He was instrumental in bringing the filming of the movie “Steel Magnolias” to Natchitoches and was at the forefront of downtown revitalization and the development of a vibrant tourism industry in the city.

Natchitoches was recognized in national publications during Sampité’s tenure as mayor as a leading site for tourism in Louisiana and the South and as one of the nation’s most attractive communities for retirees.

As mayor, he expanded the city’s recreation program and police and fire departments and spearheaded major improvements in infrastructure and the community’s airport. He guided the annexation and development of a corridor from the city to Interstate 49 that increased the size of the city by 40 percent.

Sampité served as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association and was the first recipient of the statewide organization’s President’s Award. While serving as mayor, Sampité was selected by The Shreveport Times as one of the Top 100 Influential People in Northwest Louisiana.

Inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in Winnfield in 2002, Sampité was also inducted in 2000 into the Northwestern State University Hall of Distinction, or Long Purple Line, the university’s highest honor for alumni.

During his political career, Sampité was profiled in the prestigious magazine, “The Oxford American,” in an article entitled “No Ordinary Joe.”

He received numerous other honors, including Man of the Year Awards from the Natchitoches Parish Chamber of Commerce, Natchitoches Jaycees and the Louisiana Parks and Recreation Association. For his many years of volunteer work with handicapped youth, he received the “Louisiana Parks and Recreation Distinguished Service Award” in 1984.  He helped establish the Natchitoches Association of Retarded Citizens and was named “Professional of the Year” by the Louisiana Association for Disabled Children. He was a life member of the Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Founders of Natchitoches.

Beta Omicron alumnus Joe Sampité pictured with Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Sigma Sigma members in 2009 prior to the “Cycling For Sharon” scholarship fundraiser.

Sampité was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at NSU and played a role in the Beta Omicron Chapter’s annual bicycle ride established in 2009 as a tribute to his late daughter Sharon Sampité.

The former mayor was an active member of Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church as well as many local groups during his retirement such as the Agitators, The Gerousia and the Coach Ledet Coffee Club.

Sampité was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Alphonse J. Sampité, and Bathilda Guillot Sampité; his wife, Hazel Barnes Sampité; daughter, Sharon Elizabeth Sampité; along with many of his siblings: Albert Sampité, Eleanor Sampité Dimmick, Leona Sampité Hernandez, Grundy Sampité, Kelly Sampité Poche, Cecilia Sampité Morford, Michael Sampité and Mary Sampité Lacour. He is survived by his son, Chris Sampité and wife, Daphne Gray Sampité, and their sons Michael and Ryan Sampité; daughter, Sheila Sampité Hardin and husband, Lt. Col. Alan Hardin, and their sons Daniel and Andrew Hardin; daughter, Michaela Marie Sampité; and his grandchildren, John and Allison Van Hoof along with siblings: sisters, Sally Logan of Alexandria and Marielise Sampité Brosset of Cloutierville, brother, A.J. Sampité, Jr. of Hemet, CA.; and close friend and companion Sue Vercher.

Pallbearers will be Marvin Brosset, Charles Lee, John Van Hoof, Gary Deblieux, Lawrence Fuller, Mike Poche, Terry Sampité and Frank Cicero. Honorary pallbearers include Aubrey Logan, Charles Wurster, Sam Friedman and Wayne McCullen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the “Joe Sampité Scholarship Fund” at the Northwestern State University Foundation.

Click here to sign the online guest book for Joe Sampité and leave condolences for the Sampité family.

“If you work hard, apply your talents, and simply go the ‘extra mile,’ you will find success in life.” Pi Kappa Phi alumnus David Morgan imparted this advice on a crowd of nearly 100 students, alumni, parents, and special guests attending the annual Beta Omicron “Extra Mile” Scholarship Banquet. Morgan created the scholarship program that on April 16, 2012 recognized students for pursuing excellence in academics, campus and chapter leadership, service, and employment.

Chase Harvey, Michael Monsour, Scott Mayeaux, and Ryan Jeffords were awarded $2,750 in scholarships at the 5th annual event, held in the historic Lee H. Nelson Hall on Northwestern State University’s campus. The one-time women’s gymnasium, now home of the National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Training and Technology, is currently the oldest building on campus, constructed in 1928.

The Morgan “Extra Mile” Scholarship Program is funded by and named for Beta Omicron alumnus David D. Morgan. An entrepreneur, an insurance executive, and a leader within his industry and his fraternity, Morgan has spent a considerable portion of his life helping others to be successful. Whether through the offering of insurance products to association members across the country that help provide a greater peace of mind, or through his volunteer work with several Pi Kappa Phi chapters, Brother Morgan’s commitment to helping people (especially his Pi Kappa Phi brothers) is a trademark of his personality. Instilling the lessons he learned growing up in Louisiana – lessons of hard work, industriousness, and self-determination – into the heart of this new initiative, the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation created the scholarship program in 2008. Since that time, the program has furthered the academic pursuits of more than 40 students in awards upwards of $20,000.

Recipients are selected through a rigorous application process that awards points for campus and chapter leadership, grades, employment, and a series of essay questions. This program seeks to recognize the effort and seriousness that a student displays in pursuit of academic excellence. But just as important as a student’s scholastic prowess, however, is their commitment to applying themselves in the classroom and in life outside of the classroom by going the “extra mile.”

Underscoring the purpose and mission of the program, NSU Dean of Students Dr. Chris Maggio shared his lifelong observation of the traits of successful people. In Maggio’s 24 years at Northwestern State, he has encountered leaders in his capacity as women’s track coach, Director of Recruiting, Director of Enrollment, Director of the NSU Alumni Association, Director of the NSU Foundation, and presently as the Dean of Students. Maggio shared experiences and motivational stories and lessons on goal-setting, commitment, perseverance, competitiveness, compassion, and overcoming adversity.

Shayne Creppel was also named alumnus of the year. Currently a member of the Beta Omicron Alumni Association/ Housing Corporation, Creppel serves as Ritual Advisor for the student chapter. He is actively involved in guiding student leaders, as he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Services.

Dozens of chapter alumni, active brothers, and representatives from Northwestern State University were in attendance for the catered dinner. Special guests included: Dr. Randall J. Webb, President of Northwestern State University; Lee Posey, Mayor-elect of the City of Natchitoches; Dr. Steve Horton, Assistant Provost and Dean of the Graduate School; Robert Crew, Beta Omicron alumnus and Executive Assistant to the President; Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne, Director of the NSU School of Business and past Beta Omicron Rose Court member; Greg Burke, NSU Director of Athletics; Bradley Dale Peveto, NSU Football Head Coach; Mike McConathy, NSU Basketball Head Coach; Reatha Cox, NSU Director of Student Life and First Year Experience; Natalie Laurence, NSU Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life; Doug Ireland, Beta Omicron alumnus, Chapter Advisor, and NSU Sports Information Director; Dr. Michael Land, Beta Omicron alumnus, Academic Advisor, and NSU Associate Professor of Microbiology; Lane Luckie, Beta Omicron Alumni Association/ Housing Corporation President; Wes Breeden, Beta Omicron alumnus and re-founding Archon; Dr. Richard Hughbank, Beta Omicron alumnus and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice; George Etheredge, Beta Omicron alumnus and past chapter advisor; Robert Broadwell, Beta Omicron alumnus and past Housing Corporation president; and Kie Boyett, Beta Omicron alumnus and Member Education Advisor.

For information on how to apply for the scholarship, visit: http://pikappnsu.org/about-us/leadership/

To view pictures from this event, click this link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151505218345416.837631.91568675415&type=3

]]> http://pikappnsu.org/2012/04/17/choosing-to-lead-pays-off-for-pi-kappa-phi-scholarship-winners/feed/ 0 pikappNSU Choosing to lead pays off for Pi Kappa Phi scholarship winners http://pikappnsu.org/2012/03/29/alumnus-paints-portrait-of-legendary-nsu-president-to-be-displayed-on-campus/ http://pikappnsu.org/2012/03/29/alumnus-paints-portrait-of-legendary-nsu-president-to-be-displayed-on-campus/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:01:46 +0000 pikappNSU http://pikappnsu.org/?p=2046 ]]> Nearly every student who enrolled at Northwestern State University in the last 50 years likely set foot in the building bearing Victor Leander Roy’s name, but would never see the face of one the school’s most legendary leaders. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Roy becoming NSU President, artist and graduate student Shayne Creppel painted a portrait that will hang in the lobby of Roy Hall. The acrylic painting was unveiled by NSU Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs Lisa Abney on March 29, 2012 during NSU Research Day. Creppel says he noticed that Roy Hall was one of the few buildings on campus named for a key figure that lacked a portrait. “In all the research I did on NSU history while an undergraduate, V.L. Roy was such a fascinating character. I felt that more students should know about the lasting accomplishments he achieved as president.”

While Roy’s tenure remains the longest of any president in the institution’s 128 year history, it would also be remembered as one of the most controversial. “He was known as a very strict disciplinarian and was rather stern, but he was still highly regarded by the students for all the hard work he did for the school when he was here. I tried to convey that in the portrait,” Creppel said. According to one University publication, Roy expelled his own son from the school for giving a car-load of female students a ride across town. The same biographical sketch said Roy “famously banned Coca-Cola from campus for twelve years until the company sent a chemist to convince him that Coke was not as harmful as coffee if drunk in moderation.” In 1929, the fifth NSU president was ousted from office under pressure from infamous governor Huey P. Long, nicknamed “The Kingfish.”

The Roy administration from 1911 to 1929 is also lauded as one of progress and achievement in the name of the students. Roy is credited with creating or supporting the following NSU traditions: Purple Jackets Society, The Current Sauce student newspaper, the selection of the “Demon” as official school mascot, and students “escorting” Isabella’s ghost to her new home when the oldest building on campus is destroyed. Perhaps one of his most significant achievements was expanding the curriculum to include 4-year degrees.

For Creppel, the painting presented the greatest challenge in capturing an appropriate expression on Roy’s face. By way of applause, students and faculty attending the unveiling at Research Day seemed to agree the portrait is a worthy encapsulation of the spirit of “Normal’s” most-revered character. Creppel then addressed the gathering, sharing stories about V.L. Roy and even a few laughs.

Situated on 170 acres north of Leesville, the Louisiana Lions Camp is a non-profit residential summer camp free to boys and girls with intellectual and physical disabilities, diabetes, and pulmonary disorders. Lions Clubs across the state sponsor youth in their local areas to attend one of seven week-long sessions at no cost each summer.

Aside from the spirit of service, Pi Kapps from Northwestern State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, McNeese State University, Louisiana Tech University, and the University of Oklahoma experienced an opportunity to grow their bonds of brotherhood. Interacting with other chapters helped expand their teamwork skills, provide an opportunity to network, as well as enjoy a weekend of fellowship. Members Ryan Jeffords, Chris Alley, Tyler Holdsworth, Shannon McCauley, Will Poole, and alumni Rodney Clements, Lane Luckie, and Chris Reich represented the group from NSU.

At the close of the weekend, former Push America staff member and Beta Omicron alumnus Rodney Clements presented Lions Camp director Ray Cecil with a grant for $5,000. This grant is paid for by the fundraising efforts of Pi Kappa Phi chapters like those attending this G.A.P. Weekend.

This is the second Give-A-Push Weekend held at the Louisiana Lions Camp. In 2008, Pi Kapps constructed a pavilion, painted the accessible swimming pool, and built a covered walkway.

To view pictures from this event, click this link: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/media/set/?set=a.10151436060545416.828094.91568675415&type=1

Prior to the competition, contestants were encouraged to raise funds and awareness for the fraternity’s philanthropy, Push America. Since 1977, Push America has raised millions of dollars for and positively impacted the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.

Contestants on Wednesday, March 7th included sophomore Anne Bergeron of Houma, senior Heather Jacobson of Shreveport, senior Kendall Franklin of Beaumont, Texas, freshman Olivia Martzell of New Orleans, sophomore Lindsey McGinity of Alexandria, sophomore Courtney Kerry of Benton, freshman Ashley Lewis of Shreveport, junior Jessica Underwood of Anacoco, freshman Megan Smith of Baton Rouge, senior Ruth Fruge of Kinder, sophomore Sarah Baggett of Elizabeth, sophomore Gillian Brown of Bossier City, freshman Miranda Moore of Erwinville, and sophomore Alaina Davis of Sulphur.

The overall winner was selected based on judges’ scoring from interviews, fitness/sportswear, evening gown, and an on-stage question. A non-scoring talent portion included performances by contestants. Talent included singing, choreographed dancing, and violin and piano performances.

Miss Push America Alaina Davis, a theatre major and member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, will serve as an ambassador for Push America on the NSU campus during the 2012-2013 school year. “I feel extremely blessed and lucky to represent this great organization. It is a chance to be proactive and raise disability awareness as well as give back to the community,” Davis said. She hopes to pursue a career as a makeup artist or wig mistress.

First runner-up was Ruth Fruge and 2^nd runner-up was Sarah Baggett.

More than $2,300 was raised through the pageant and will support Push America’s programs to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and continue providing service opportunities for members of Pi Kappa Phi nationwide.

The NSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity regularly engages its members in service projects on behalf of Push America. Most recently, members camped out on a scaffold for 48 hours to raise money and awareness. Last summer, one member participated in the Journey of Hope, a bicycle ride from Tampa to Tallahassee, Florida. Along the trek, riders participate in service projects and raising awareness about disabilities.

Push America committee chair Chris Alley and friend of the Fraternity Meaghan Foucheux organized the pageant, hoping to continue to change the way Northwestern State views people with disabilities and fraternities. “Push America is an important part of our fraternity experience,” Alley said. “We believe service to others is the best example of what words like ‘fraternity’ and ‘brotherhood’ are all about. That’s why we enjoy sharing the spirit and mission of Push America through this pageant each year.”

Student members had already demolished the existing wood-plank fence, allowing construction to begin promptly at 10 o’clock. Despite a chilly bite to the morning air, the project took shape quickly. Armed with nail guns, hammers, string and chalk lines, alumni and student volunteers moved like professionals. Alumni Bill Luckie, Taylor Richard, Bill Morrison, Chris Reich, David Morgan, Sr., Steven Austin, Cory Wilson, Foster Adams, and Jon Lee lended their expertise. Each volunteer had varying levels of construction knowledge, but meshed seamlessly to arrive at the most efficient construction plan. Inside the house, another team was fast-moving on a new coat of paint for the kitchen and touch-ups in several rooms. Alumni Robert Broadwell, Lane Luckie and Shayne Creppel led the painting, deep cleaning, and de-cluttering of several rooms. Shawn Daily and Chad Hancock even stopped by for a short time to inspect the work of their fellow alumni members. “I couldn’t be more impressed by the quality of work achieved by our student and alumni volunteers,” said Beta Omicron Alumni Association President Lane Luckie. “If things don’t work out in our current careers, we should go into business!”

The entire project was underwritten by the Beta Omicron Alumni Association/ Housing Corporation. Materials and other costs were also funded through generous donations from alumni Bruce Kinder, Charles Bice, Cory Wilson, and David Morgan, Sr. By the end of the fast-moving day a beautiful cedar fence enclosed the back yard, making for a more secure and appealing gathering space. Trees were trimmed, walls were painted, and the brotherhood learned an important lesson in teamwork. Drawing a parallel between the project and the proverb, it appears “good fences” also make good brothers. Several generations of Pi Kapps realized their experiences are not that different and that the Fraternity is a lifelong committment to brotherhood.

To view pictures from this event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151290577495416.807849.91568675415&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.10151290577495416.807849.91568675415&type=1

According to Ferry’s obituary in the Alexandria Town Talk, he had a long full life. His first passion was his love of family, and second his love of cooking. He was happiest cooking over a pot of gumbo. He was a jokester, always pulling your leg, but affectionate and kind. Beta Omicron alumnus Jerry Payne may be able to attest to this. In 2009, Ferry recalled their friendship forged in grade school, one that continued as roommates during their Phi Kappa Nu days at Northwestern State.

Dr. Ferry went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University, a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters of Arts from the University of San Francisco, a Masters of Science from Xavier University, New Orleans, and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.  He was a graduate of the United States Army Nurse Corps School of Nurse Anesthesia, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Dr. Ferry served twelve years on the Louisiana Board of Nursing as a gubernatorial appointee by three different Louisiana Governors. Dr. Ferry was an active member in professional and service organizations. He was an appointed gubernatorial member of the Nursing Supply and Demand Commission and was appointed to represent the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. He was elected and served as President of the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA), the Louisiana Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and has served on multiple committees in the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.  He was an appointed member of the Board of Trustees of Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, Louisiana. Dr. Ferry was a retired Colonel in the US Army Nurse Corps and has served in administration, education, and practice positions. Prior to retirement he was the CEO/Administrator of the Dubuis Hospital in Alexandria. In 2003 he assumed the position of Chair of the Division of Nursing at the Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana and retired in 2008.

Funeral services were held on December 30, 2011 at the Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida. Survivors include: his bride of 52 years, Joan M. Ferry; daughters, Camille F. LaCroix (Charles) and Susan F. Owens (Ray); his son, Christopher A. Ferry (Nicole); and grandchildren, Ellen A. LaCroix, Walter A. LaCroix, Anne-Marie A. Owens, Kessler A. Ferry, N. Pearce Ferry and Charlotte E. Ferry.

Family members have suggested donations to the American Cancer Society for those wishing to pay tribute to his memory.

On a quiet December evening in 1904 in Charleston, S.C., three friends — Andrew Kroeg, Simon Fogarty and Harry Mixson—made a choice to lead. Those three men chose to start their own fraternity. The three grew to seven; seven grew to eight; eight grew to 11. Over the course of a century, a fraternity with humble beginnings has grown into a brotherhood of more than 100,000 strong — all because three men made a choice to lead. In 1956 that spirit took root at Northwestern State University, when members of local fraternity Phi Kappa Nu decided to affiliate with Pi Kappa Phi and establish the Beta Omicron Chapter.

The annual Founders Day Banquet was moved to the ballroom of Varnado hall to accommodate a larger number of attendees, and in the process revisit an old chapter tradition. The room was the location for annual chapter group pictures in the 1950 and 1960s.

Chapter Advisor Doug Ireland welcomed the guests to the evening and chapter president Ryan Jeffords introduced the slate of newly-elected officers. Chaplain Cody Cloud called on his father to give the invocation before presenting the Founders’ Memorial Service. Outgoing President Scott Mayeaux and Alumni Association President Lane Luckie introduced alumni initiates Chris Reich and Keith Kays. Psi class associate members presented their big brothers and Warden Aaron Finimore with personalized paddles as a token of gratitude for a semester of mentorship. After the dinner, members serenaded women in the room with a rendition of “The Rose of Pi Kappa Phi.” Alumnus Randy Smith then shared a personal story of the influence of brotherhood. His son Jacob had recently undergone a cranial reconstructive surgery to correct craniosynostosis, a condition where the plates of the skull fuse too early. Smith and his wife Rachael were touched by the outpouring of support from Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and their many friendships created since their college days. Ritual Advisor Shayne Creppel closed the evening by sharing the “Precepts of Brotherhood.” By candlelight, he reminded members of their obligations of membership among a band of brothers devoted to leadership.

Earlier in the day, Chris Reich and Keith Kays were initiated into the membership of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

Reich, a 2007 and 2009 graduate NSU, is the Marketing Director for American Screening Corporation in Shreveport. He was introduced to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity in 2006 at the time of Beta Omicron’s 50th anniversary. A journalism major, Reich was asked to provide his photography services and subsequently found himself attending countless events in the years that followed. In the Fall of 2011 came the invitation to become a member as an alumnus. “To me, this is unexpected, and I am truly grateful because I had always wished I made the time to pledge,” said Reich. ”I got to know the guys and they broke all the stereotypes I had already about fraternities.” He said he immediately recognized there was something different about this fraternity. “Watching the guys sing to the rose queen and court, seeing them stand behind and help their brothers during the Push America events and the Push America pageant were all different sides I didn’t expect to see. Most of all, it was the maturity level and campus respect that did it for me. I knew I wished I had pledged [as a student].”

Keith Kays is the father of outgoing chaplain Kolt Kays. He attended college in Illinois for petroleum engineering and is an entrepreneur in the marine construction industry. Kays and wife Michelle reside in Zwolle. The Kays’ have been regulars at Pi Kappa Phi tailgating since Kolt initiated in December, 2010. Keith said, “Kolt and I have always had a close relationship, but I’m looking forward to Pi Kapp creating another bond to strengthen our father/son friendship.”

To view pictures from this event, visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151039184140416.770632.91568675415&type=1

As president, Lane Luckie will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the alumni group. Luckie will implement the vision plan for the group, as well as manage the activities of committees and other board members, including the Board of Alumni Advisors (BOAA). He will also oversee all communication efforts, serve as custodian of member records, coordinate publication of an alumni newsletter and maintenance of the chapter website.

As vice president, DJ Klucznik will serve in the absence of the president, direct alumni member recruitment. Klucznik will also assist the director of alumni events in the creation and development of regional alumni group in South Louisiana. In addition, he will work to coordinate resources and the direction of the Board of Alumni Advisors (BOAA). Klucznik will also coordinate with other board members to oversee recruitment of alumni members.

As treasurer, David Morgan, Senior will ensure the financial well-being of the alumni association/ housing corporation by creating a budget, overseeing all accounting duties (including accounts receivable/ payable), collection and deposit of alumni dues, file tax returns, file a Louisiana Domestic Corporation report, and develop a long-term financial plan.

As secretary, Chad Hancock will be responsible for maintaining all official meeting minutes and notices, including regular conference calls. Hancock will also maintain contact with the student chapter to educate seniors of their life-long responsibility as members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He will also coordinate any graduating senior ceremonies, as well as recruit these graduating members to join the alumni association.

Justin Owen will serve the board as director of alumni events. Annual gatherings such as Homecoming, the Founders Day Observance, Morgan Extra Mile Scholarship Banquet, Push America events, and reunions will be under the direction of Owen. He will serve as the primary liaison with the student chapter for event planning.

Overseeing the direction of undergraduate housing is the primary responsibility of Joshua Alost. As director of housing, Alost will be the primary liaison to the student residents of the alumni association/ housing corporation-owned property at 730 University Parkway in Natchitoches. He will oversee leasing, the safety and maintenance of the chapter house, as well as identify ways to improve the housing experience for our student members. Also will also chair an exploratory committee to research future housing options for the Beta Omicron chapter.

George Etheredge will serve as the director of special projects. Etheredge will be assigned to chair ad-hoc committees and perform special duties as directed by the President. He will also work to recruit fellow alumni members to join the alumni association.

The board of directors will be supported by several committees, as well as the dozens of dues-paying alumni association members. Those members supporting the efforts of the alumni association are listed below. To join, please click the document below and return the membership form and dues to the address provided.

Click here to join the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation

2011-2012 dues-paying members include:

• Wil Adams (#416)
• Mike Allain (#197)
• Joshua Alost (#406)
• Andy Bachman (#168)
• Kie Boyett (#385)
• Wes Breeden (#286)
• Robert Broadwell (#198)
• Rodney Clements (#383)
• Greg Comeaux (#333)
• Shayne Creppel (#463)
• Shawn Daily (#252)
• Brad Deville (#439)
• Mike Edwards (#183)
• Shelton Eubanks (#87)
• George Etheredge (#181)
• Chad Hancock (#407)
• Bruce Kinder (#231)
• Joey Kliebert (#367)
• DJ Klucznik (#391)
• Jon Lee (#466)
• Robert Lockwood (#335)
• Lane Luckie (#405)
• Steve McCutcheon (#141)
• David Morgan (#173)
• David Morgan, Junior (#307)
• Bill Morrison, PhD (#451)
• Justin Owen (#369)
• Logan Nolan (#325)
• Jason Phillips (#286)
• Taylor Richard (#438)
• Britt Richey (#426)
• Randy Smith (#389)
• Jason Stelly (#355)
• Geof Taylor (#344)
• Kyle Thomas (#290)
• Cory Wilson (#311)
• Rick Yates (#176)

Less than a year old, little Jacob Smith has been diagnosed with craniosynostosis.  Rachael first spotted a ridge along Jacob’s forehead when he was about 3 months old. ”We went off to Google. The results were scary and surgery is the only option, so we chose not to look into this any further until we knew something definite,” Rachael said.

In June, Jacob’s great-uncle, a plastic surgeon, recommended they visit a specialist in Dallas. Doctor Fearon diagnosed Jacob with metopic craniosynostosis with mild-to-moderate trigonocephaly in late August. This is an early growing-together, or fusion, of the bones along Jacob’s skull sutures. This fusion occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 births and affects boys more than girls. Once the skull is fused, the brain continues to grow in the direction of least resistance. This limits the skull’s ability to grow normally. If untreated, the skull will eventually take on a very abnormal shape and worsen with time. For more information about this disgnosis, visit www.thecraniofacialcenter.org.

This condition is treatable. Jacob will undergo a cranial vault reconstruction with Dr. Fearon and a pediatric neurosurgeon on November 2nd. Randy and Rachael will stay in Medical City in the week surrounding the complex surgery.

On Wednesday, October 19th Tri Sigma and Pi Kapp are raising money to offset the costs involved with Jacob’s procedure and other expenses incurred during the trip. Chapter members will host a “Chunk Your Change” event from 8 a.m. to noon at the stop light in front of the Sylvan Friedman Student Union. That afternoon from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. members will hold a benefit car wash at the Pi Kappa Phi house, located at 730 University Parkway.

Saturday morning began bright and early with an alumni breakfast at the chapter house across from the Northwestern State University campus. Meantime, two members of Pi Kappa Phi had already begun a 25-mile trek from the plantations south of Natchitoches to the Pi Kapp clock at the NSU Alumni Plaza. The annual ride honors the memory of Sharon Sampite, daughter of Beta Omicron alumnus Joe Sampite. Sharon lost her battle with cancer in 2009. The ride serves the kickoff for a week of fundraising by members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, who will contribute to a scholarship fund in her memory.

Following the presentation, scholarships were presented to Beta Omicron student members who go the “extra mile.” Chase Harvey, Kevin Bruce, and Cody Cloud were awarded more than $2,000 for their efforts in the classroom, service to Pi Kappa Phi, and participation in the NSU student community. The Morgan “Extra Mile” Scholarship Program seeks to recognize academic performance while encouraging active and sustained involvement in NSU, all while remaining active in the affairs and operation of the chapter. The chapter also received an award from the National Fraternity, designating Beta Omicron as the chapter with the most-improved grade point average.

Later, Pi Kappa Phi alumni convened for the annual Alumni Association/ Housing Corporation business meeting. Officers gave brief reports of the previous year’s initiatives as well as outlined goals for the future of the chapter’s housing situation. The Beta Omicron Board of Alumni Advisors (BOAA) was also appointed.  Archon Scott Mayeaux and Vice Archon Ryan Jeffords gave an update on the activities of the student chapter. A new slate of officers were elected to the Board of Directors of the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation, Incorporated. Lane Luckie; David Morgan, Sr.; George Etheredge; Justin Owen; Joshua Alost; DJ Klucznik; and Chad Hancock were selected to guide alumni activities and support the chapter. Alumni also toured the recent upgrades and renovations to the chapter house.

The fun and fellowship continued at the Demon Commons, where excitement for the game was stirring at the Pi Kapp tailgating tent. The smell of Jambalaya filled the air, while people waited in line for their turn at a game of washers or cornhole. The chapter debuted two new sets of custom equipment for the games. More than a hundred Pi Kapps, their families, and friends enjoyed all of the entertainment and music at the tent before watching the Spirit of Northwestern’s pre-game performance. The energy in Turpin Stadium certainly helped carry the Demons to a 51-17 victory over Southeastern.

• Click here to visit our Beta Omicron Facebook Fan Page’s photo album from Homecoming 2011

Phi Mu Fraternity claimed victory in a penny war between the four College Panhellenic Council sororities. Members Chase Harvey, Cameron Moises, and Chris Alley didn’t walk away without pie on their faces. Supporters placed donations in jars to determine which member would take plate of whipped cream to the face. Cameron Moises lost (or won, depending on your outlook). More than 560 dollars were donated to Push America, a chapter record for the annual scaffold sit. While the metal pipes and plywood scaffold were taken down at the end of the project, members can stand back and admire the intangible foundation of empathy. The project aims to deconstruct the emphasis on a person’s disability, rather shift the focus to their abilities. Students are encouraged to use “people-first” language that recognizes a person is not defined by a disability.

To select this year’s summer award winners, an awards committee reviewed dozens of applications and spend hours learning about the diverse ways in which brothers from across the country have brought credit to the fraternity. Members have excelled in the classroom, lead their campuses, succeeded with class on the intramural field, recruited high quantities of quality men and changed lives in their community through service. In addition to Champion Master Chapter status, Beta Omicron received the recruitment excellence award. This award goes to all chapters that are in the top quartile in size on their campus. These achievements came under the chapter leadership of presidents Jon Lee and Scott Mayeaux. Beta Omicron is also the sole recipient of the ”Most Improved GPA” award, given to he chapter with the greatest overall improvement in its GPA. The chapter had the biggest improvement in its overall grade point average from 2009-10 to 2010-11, under the guidance of academic coach Dr. Michael Land.

Beta Omicron also received the “Gold Star” award from Push America for the chapter’s continued efforts to change the way society views people with disabilities and fraternities.