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.

We hope you’ll join more than five decades of Pi Kappa Phis and their families as NSU celebrates homecoming activities. Don’t miss a moment of the fun. Parades, barbecues, golf tournaments, alumni socials, and of course Demon Football will certainly create a weekend to remember.

• Click here to RSVP for Pi Kappa Phi’s 2011 Homecoming Reunion (not required, but helps us with logistics).
• Click here for a constantly updated schedule of events.
• Click here to download a full-color NSU homecoming schedule to print and post in your office or business!

Push America is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, however Breaux spends most of his time driving across the country. In the past year, he’s logged more than 9,000 miles between visits to 40 universities. Breaux works with Pi Kappa Phi chapters to develop and improve Push America programming. Undergraduate chapters across the country have and continue to establish volunteer relationships with local facilities that serve people with disabilities in conjunction with fundraising on campus and in their local communities for the programs of Push America. Members of Pi Kappa Phi have raised millions of dollars for the programs of Push America as well as donated millions of man hours to renovate facilities that serve people with disabilities across the country.

Breaux’s passion has not waned since his days as an undergraduate. In fact, it’s only grown. In May 2010, only days after graduation, Nick completed a “super summer” by serving as crew chief on both Gear Up Florida and the Journey of Hope South team. The cycling events bring the spirit of Push America to communities from coast to coast. Breaux says it remains the best summer of his life.

“Each day our work was rewarded as we visited a new town and new people. Everyone should understand that a person with disability is a person with their own set of abilities. That summer I met comedians, home run sluggers, business leaders, and champions. Although they live with certain disabilities, each has amazing abilities.”

The same mission persists today with in his professional role at Push America. Breaux’s visits to Pi Kappa Phi chapters allow him the opportunity to motivate and inspire college students to grow individually through service-learning. Particularly rewarding are his visits to newly established chapters.

“It’s been great to help a new group men start their Push America projects from the ground up,” said Breaux. “Those guys are gung-ho about Push America and it’s such an important part of growing brotherhood.”

His travels have also connected him with incredible individuals. One memorable visit came at Western Michigan University’s Theta Rho Chapter. Members had invited Johnnie Tuitel, a motivational speaker and founder of “Alternatives in Motion. Breax says Tuitel is the nation’s leading, self-proclaimed ‘handi-capitalist.

“He was born with cerebral palsy and is easily one of the funniest and most amazing people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. He attributes so much of his success to his focus on his abilities, not his disability.”

The same values and ideas Breaux shares with Pi Kappa Phi members across the country are the same ones instilled in him as a student at NSU. “Beta Omicron chapter helped me develop leadership skills that have positioned me to serve others as a consultant for Push America.”

Breaux says he looks forward to continuing Push America’s work in erasing stereotypes associated with disabilities. “I do what I do to make a difference through my beliefs in a greater cause, to help people impact the lives of others, and present the opportunity for our members to grow.” To date, Push America has raised over $15 million to benefit people with disabilities and organizations dedicated to their service.

At the time of the chapter’s 50th anniversary in 2006, alumnus Lane Luckie began collecting photos for a slide show to be presented at the reunion. Since then, his desire to preserve the chapter’s history has grown include 1,065 photographs; each one telling a unique story. “I’ve always been a huge history buff, but I found a particular devotion in documenting Beta Omicron Chapter because of my personal connection.” After years of sorting through NSU Potpourri yearbooks, photo albums, chapter archives, Facebook, and by soliciting individual alumni, he’s organized a permanent digital collection. “The parallels are amazing,” said Luckie. ”When you compare the early days of the chapter with the current group, we have more in common than anyone could imagine.” The pictures confirm that many traditions are still alive: from a standard-issue letter shirt to the practice of serenading a sweetheart at the annual Rose Ball. Within the thousand-plus collection, one will find photos of brotherhoods, social events, campus activities, and chapter leadership.

Luckie is quick to point out the project wasn’t a solo effort. “I had so much support from countless alumni who spent hours on the phone or in-person talking about memories or helping with captions. I also remember that alumnus Shayne Creppel helped me research the Phi Kappa Nu years through the NSU Library. We spent hours cross-referencing yearbooks to piece together the early history.”

Stored securely in triplicate, the digital collection is available for viewing to the public through Facebook. The photos are organized by major events and decades, complete with captions. Luckie said the social networking site offered enough storage space necessary for that number of photos. “You don’t need a Facebook account to access the pictures.” To browse the collection, visit the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pikappNSU and click the photos tab. If you’d like to submit a photo for inclusion or have a correction or suggestion, send an e-mail to pikappBO1956@yahoo.com

Hogan, a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University, hopes to one day pursue a career in law or politics. He jumped at the opportunity to explore these interests in a real-world setting. Almost a year in advance he began the lengthy process of apply. A letter of interest, an application, and three letters of recommendation later, he was accepted.

Twenty students from across the country were accepted for the highly-selective internship. Hogan was the only student chosen from the Senator’s home state of Louisiana. Other interns attend Notre Dame, Boise State, Alabama, Harvard, Davidson, University of Pennsylvania, and Rhodes.

Over the summer Hogan joined two other interns on Landrieu’s legislative research team. Responsible for researching possible bills, they spent time exploring the benefits of next-generation small nuclear reactors. The project proved to be a valuable lesson about congressional staff members. “Behind every lawmaker are dozens of people helping shape the nation. Our representatives are only as effective as the people in their office.”

One month in Washington instilled a lifetime of professional skills. Hogan said he improved his interpersonal skills and learned about meeting deadlines and working under pressure. “No job is as daunting as it may seem at first. It’s only as hard as you make it.”

Hogan eventually did find time to step away from Senator Landrieu’s office to enjoy being a tourist. “It’s a breathtaking city. I wouldn’t mind living here one day,” he said. Who knows if his experience may come full-circle many years later, winding up in the pinnacle of the political world.

The Foundation provides educational support directly to student members and supports the educational initiatives of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity though the solicitation of donations from alumni and friends of Pi Kappa Phi. Several scholarships recognize Pi Kappa Phi undergraduate and graduate students who excel in areas of academics, chapter leadership and campus/community involvement. These scholarships underscore an important part of the Foundation’s mission while providing real and tangible support to student leaders who bring credit to themselves and their fraternity.

Jerry Brewer, chairman of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation said, ”Part of Pi Kappa Phi’s recent success can be summed up in two words: compelling and differentiating. We have a compelling story toward which young men gravitate. The values of Pi Kappa Phi have a timeless resonance and when coupled with the specific histories and traditions of our local chapters, create an experience that young men want to be a part of. At the same time, the educational programs and service opportunities we offer young men are truly differentiating from other fraternities.”

Beta Omicron alumni making contributions to the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation in 2010 include:

• David D. Morgan, Sr.
• Jack P. McCain, Jr.
• Wesley Breeden
• Bruce Kinder
• John Oden
• Lane Luckie
• Leo Murray
• John W. Parish, Jr.
• Jerry R. Payne
• Monte W. Robinson

If you are interested in learning more about making a tax-deductable contribution, visit https://secure.pikapp.org/donate/founaa/sponsor.cfm or call toll-free (800) 929-1904.

[Information and portions of this article taken from Star and Lamp Magazine and www.pikapp.org]