Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members from Northwestern State University are returning to campus, ready to embark on a journey of leadership, service, and commitment to academic excellence in 2015.

Over the weekend of January 9-11, the NSU Pi Kapps joined more than 1,400 students, staff and volunteers from around the nation to take part in Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers. The Fraternity’s officer training institute prepares newly elected and re-elected officers and key committee chairmen for their roles as leaders of their chapter. Each year the conference is held in early January at five regional locations — Pittsburgh, Pa.; Charlotte, N.C.; Kansas City, Mo..; Birmingham, Ala.; and Los Angeles.

Each chapter sends ten delegates, who follow unique educational tracks. Offered tracks include Archon, Vice Archon, Treasurer, Secretary, Warden, Historian, Chaplain, philanthropy and service chairman, risk management chairman and standards board chairman.

NSU students Sean Austin, William Devall, Zack Cockerham, Michael Dailey, Manton Capers, David Johnson, Dalton Randolph and Jeremy Barbazon all attended the conference in Birmingham. These newly elected officers were challenged to think about how they will demonstrate the courage to make positive choices, act on their values, and develop a commitment to excellence.

An impressive line-up of speakers worked to motivate and inspire participants. Pi Kappa Phi alumnus Sam Davidson, Alpha Eta (Samford), is a speaker, author and entrepreneur who uses humor and engaging stories to inspire young leaders to take action and change their communities. His keynote focused on helping others find success by creating an environment of encouragement. “Leaders travel in packs. Leaders do not travel alone,” he said. Fraternity CEO Mark E. Timmes, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), and National Secretary Timothy Hebson, Alpha Eta (Samford), also delivered keynotes.

Student leaders also received training on effective recruitment techniques, living the ritual, making ethical decisions, and putting service before self. Leadership breakouts: Using the Ability Experience in Chapter Operations, Ultimate Respect & Accountability, Creating an Effective Scholarship Program, Using the Pi Kappa Phi Brand on Your Campus, What Does Your Social Media Account Say About You?, Leading Engaging Meetings & Tips for Effective Facilitation, and Leadership Challenge Roundtables.

Chapters that found success in these areas in 2014 were recognized at Pi Kapp College. Beta Omicron Chapter at Northwestern State University received the ‘Most Improved Scholarship’ Award, The Ability Experience ‘Silver Society’ award for reaching a fundraising level of $100 per member, and ‘Master Chapter’ awards for excellence in campus involvement, service & philanthropy, and branding & communication.

Beta Omicron chapter alumni served in support roles at multiple conferences, volunteering as facilitators. In Birmingham, Wes Breeden was a facilitator for the Archon track and Lane Luckie facilitated the Risk Management track. Nick Breaux, who is also the director of chapter operations for the Ability Experience, served as a faculty member in Birmingham, while Rodney Clements also facilitated the philanthropy and service track at Pi Kapp College in Kansas City. David Morgan, Sr. recognized winners of the ‘Extra Mile’ scholarship attending the Pittsburgh conference.

[Portions of this article were taken from http://www.pikapp.org ]