Recently-initiated members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the accomplishments of exceptional leaders, and a successful semester were reason enough to celebrate at the Beta Omicron chapter Rose Ball. Held on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant in the Natchitoches Historic District, the annual formal brought together generations of Pi Kappa Phi members, alumni, their families, and several special guests from Northwestern State University.

The evening’s program began with welcoming remarks from student chapter Archon Sean Austin and Alumni Chapter President Lane Luckie. The catered banquet reflected on the successes of the past semester, as well as inspired students for the future.

Following the meal, several members were honored for their dedication in the last year. The “Mister Pi Kappa Phi” award was given to Austin Craft for best exemplifying the values of the Fraternity. Manton Capers was named ‘Active Member of the Year,’ while Joseph Magnan received ‘Associate Member of the Year.’ The Durward Owen Award for unmatched dedication went to Jeremy Barbazon. Sean Austin was recognized for his dedication to chapter leadership with the Kroeg Award. Tyler Robinson received the Mixson Award for excellence in campus involvement. The Fogarty Award for dedication to academic achievement went to David Johnson.

Each year the Beta Omicron Chapter selects the fraternity sweetheart, known as the Rose Queen. This honorary title is bestowed upon one woman who embodies class, character, and elegance. Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority member Morgan Webb was crowned the 2015 Beta Omicron chapter Rose Queen. Others named to the court include: Ryan DeGruy, Cady Hunt, Blake Lemoyne, and Alisha Munds. Webb was presented with a bouquet of red roses, the official flower of the Fraternity, while, members and alumni performed the traditional serenade, ‘The Rose of Pi Kappa Phi.’

The Beta Omicron Chapter Distinguished Alumnus Award is given each year to an individual for their personal achievement, outstanding service to the Fraternity and community, involvement in the life of the university, and serving as a model for lifelong brotherhood. The 2015 ‘Alumnus of the Year’ is Jack P. McCain, Jr., the first initiate of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. A lifelong brother, he was initiated nearly 60 years ago on September 21, 1956.

As a student leader, McCain served corresponding secretary and pledgemaster of Phi Kappa Nu, the local fraternity that later became the Beta Omicron chapter. He served as the chapter’s first Archon was nominated for Mister Northwestern State in 1956.

McCain graduated from Northwestern in 1957 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and became a leader in the small business community as the owner of McCain Auto Supply. He has been an active alumnus, serving as a chapter advisor, playing a critical role in organizing alumni over the last five decades, and has been an important consultant and supporter of numerous alumni and student chapter efforts, such as the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation and the Beta Omicron Chapter Investment Fund, which underwrites educational projects of the student chapter. In 1983, he and his wife, the former Mary Beth Person, established a scholarship with the NSU Foundation in memory of their two sons. McCain was also a charter member of the NSU President’s Council in 1994. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he has been a regular sponsor of military appreciation days at NSU athletic events.

In 2012, he retired from the Natchitoches City Council after 24 years of service, playing a critical role in the preservation and development of the Historic District, Event Center, Sports Hall of Fame and countless other projects. He has also served on the Natchitoches Regional Airport Commission and Governor Bobby Jindal’s Kitchen Cabinet leadership team.

Following the banquet, members and their guests returned to the chapter house to continue the celebration with a luau-themed social. On Sunday, members, their dates and families enjoyed a crawfish boil at the Pi Kapp House.

For more photos from the event, click here.