While the nation’s lawmakers were away for the summer recess, more than a thousand Pi Kappa Phi members and their families, including those from Northwestern State University, convened in Washington, D.C. for the Fraternity’s biennial convention. The 53rd Supreme Chapter held a special significance, as it coincided with the 35th anniversary of Push America, the Fraternity’s philanthropy.

From August 2-5, 2012, Beta Omicron Chapter Archon Ryan Jeffords, along with alumni David Morgan, Sr., Wes Breeden, Lane Luckie, Britt Richey, and Nick Breaux played an active role in deciding the future direction of the fraternity, while celebrating its accomplishments.

During the convention, new legislation was proposed, national officers were elected and members are recognized through resolutions and awards. Beta Omicron Chapter was assigned to the Alumni Relations and Education committees during the legislative sessions. On Sunday, attendees marked Push America’s anniversary by welcoming the Build America and Journey of Hope teams at the U.S. Capitol as they conclude their summer of service. Members and their families also enjoyed a weekend of sightseeing at Washington’s iconic landmarks and museums.

Beta Omicron Chapter was honored with Push America’s “Gold Star Award,” which recognizes chapters that achieve exemplary fundraising levels, maintain a volunteer relationship with a community organization that serves people with disabilities, and participates in at least one national Push America program. The chapter’s regular scaffold sits, “Miss Push America pageant, and partnership with the Natchitoches Association of Retarded Citizens are among the local efforts to change the way society views people with disabilities and fraternities. The chapter was also awarded “Centennial Society” status, signifying fundraising efforts that exceeded $100 dollars per member.

Alumnus Lane Luckie was named the Fraternity “Facilitator of the Year,” for his outstanding service to chapters across the country. Since 2008, Luckie has volunteered with the Fraternity’s alcohol education and risk management programs, “The Ladder of Risk” and “Alcohol Skills Training Program.” He also co-facilitates risk management training at the annual Mid Year Leadership Conference.

Alumni Wes Breeden and David Morgan, Sr. participated in activities for the Nu Phi Society, a special designation for members who exemplify a life-long committment to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, by supporting the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. Breeden and Morgan are the only Beta Omicrons among the approximate 130 members of the Nu Phi Society. Annually, Nu Phi Society members contribute more than $35,000 in unrestricted revenue to the Foundation.

Morgan, a board member of Pi Kappa Phi Properties, attended business meetings to plan the year’s goals to expand housing for Pi Kappa Phi chapters. He was also recognized during the convention as the 2006 Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame inductee, an honor bestowed upon only 31 men in the Fraternity’s 107-year history.