109 years after Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity was founded, the Beta Omicron Chapter at NSU marked the anniversary by welcoming its newest members and honoring those beginning the next phase of their lives. On December 10th, 2013, a semi-formal banquet centered around the spirit of friendship forged by the Fraternity’s founders. Members and their guests gathered in the President’s Room of the Sylvan Friedman Student Union to commemorate Founders’ Day.

On a quiet evening on December 10, 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 110,000 strong — all because three men made a choice to lead. In 1956 that same spirit planted roots 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. On December 10, 1905, founder Mixson’s mother cooked a special supper to celebrate Founders’ Day with a dinner ceremony marking the achievements of the founding fathers. That tradition continues as chapters around the country mark the occasion in a similar manner.

Chapter Advisor Doug Ireland welcomed the members, alumni, and other guests to the evening and Archon Kyler Halbert introduced the slate of newly-elected officers. Chaplain Zack Cockerham gave the invocation before the catered dinner and presentation of the Founders’ Memorial Service. Graduating seniors Chris Voinche and David Hogan were recognized for their dedication to the Fraternity and reflected on the impact Pi Kappa Phi has had in their collegiate experiences. Members then serenaded the women in the room with a rendition of “The Rose of Pi Kappa Phi.” Past Warden David Hogan then introduced the Alpha Beta associate class, who presented their big brothers with personalized paddles as a token of gratitude for a semester of mentorship.

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