As Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity approaches its 60th year at Northwestern State University in 2016, founding members are recording their memories of the early years of the Beta Omicron chapter. Nearly a dozen videos posted to YouTube features the Founders’ Generation Group, members who joined between 1956 and 1960.

The short clips called ‘Founder Flashbacks’ were produced over the last year, explaining the process of transitioning from local fraternity Phi Kappa Nu, stories of chapter picnics, traditions, and what the fraternity has meant to chartering members in the years after graduating. Other members of the alumni group shared advice, as well as their hopes for the future of the chapter. Three past sweethearts, or Roses, also recalled fond memories.

Alumni Chapter President Lane Luckie produced the videos. “As part of our ongoing effort to preserve our rich chapter history for future Pi Kapps, we thought it would add a personal touch by having the founders give first-hand accounts. We’ve recorded some touching moments and even had a few laughs.” One his favorite videos was the interview with chartering member John “Buck” Wheat. “He told the story of the first time the 1956 Founders’ Group met the students who re-chartered the chapter in 2000. Buck said they felt like celebrities.”

Luckie said the series will continue as more chartering members are interviewed on-camera.

The ‘Founder Flashback’ series can be viewed below or by visiting the pikappNSU YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgoDtla1NQBL9qjH9keyPjE0ZxvMaBvdR