Beta Omicron chapter’s year-long effort to help establish a Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity chapter at rival Stephen F. Austin State University culminated on April 30th, 2011. The Fraternity chartered its 222nd chapter with the installation of the Iota Zeta chapter.

Living in East Texas, Beta Omicron chapter alumnus Lane Luckie helped start the SFA chapter and serves as chapter advisor. Throughout that year, several members of the Beta Omicron chapter and its alumni aided the SFA associate chapter in their various projects and efforts. Just more than a year after colonizing in Nacogdoches, the associate chapter received its charter.

The chapter was installed by Pi Kappa Phi Properties Vice President of the Infrastructure Loan Fund Eric J. Almquist, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), and Chapter Advisor for the Iota Beta chapter (UT-San Antonio) Elias S. Aguirre, Eta Rho (Texas State).  The founding fathers were initiated by teams from the Beta Omicron chapter (Northwestern State) the Beta Nu chapter (Houston).

Representing the Beta Omicron initiation team were: Scott Mayeaux, David Hogan, Ryan Jeffords, Cameron Moises, Chris Alley, Russell Patrick, Alex Nall, Nick Nguyen, and Chris Alley.

Representing the national fraternity at the chapter’s chartering banquet were Director of Risk Management Justin Angotti, Theta Eta (American), and Coordinator of Expansion Chris Shade, Delta Sigma (Bowling Green). Stephen F. Austin State University was represented by Director of Student Activities Beverly Farmer and Associate Director of Admissions and Faculty Advisor Kimberly Lower.

Welcoming the newly-chartered chapter on behalf of the Stephen F. Austin fraternity/sorority life community, Farmer congratulated the men of the Iota Zeta Chapter on achieving the highest fraternity GPA she had seen in her 20 years at the university.

During his keynote address, Brother Almquist challenged the men of the Iota Zeta Chapter to continue to lead on the SFA campus. “We know that others are watching and following what we are doing,” Almquist said. “You cannot stop now. You must continue on. You have a responsibility to lead this chapter upward and onward.”

While accepting the chapter’s charter, Archon Justin Barington echoed Almquist’s challenge and committed his chapter to truly redefining what it means to be a fraternity man at Stephen F. Austin.

Members of Iota Zeta presented Beta Omicron with a token of appreciation for their efforts. The two chapters plan to host joint events in the future. Members are already looking forward to the annual Battle of Chief Caddo, the annual football rivalry game featuring the largest trophy in the sports world. The 2011 game will be held in Natchitoches, where Iota Zeta and Beta Omicron are planning a joint tailgate.

[Portions of this article from www.pikapp.org]