“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 David D. Morgan ‘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 former women’s gymnasium, which is 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 Chapter 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 ‘Extra Mile’ scholarship, click this link.

To view pictures from this event, click this link.