Capping off a successful and memorable Spring semester, members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University, celebrated recent accomplishments and brotherhood at their annual Rose Ball formal.

Held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Bon Ami Restaurant, overlooking the red brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, the evening began with welcoming remarks from student chapter Archon Thomas Marlbrough.

Following the meal, several members were honored for their dedication in the last year. The chapter’s “Mister Pi Kappa Phi” award was given to Zack Cockerham for best exemplifying the values of the Fraternity. Manton Capers was named ‘Active Member of the Year.’ Tyler Price was recognized for his dedication to chapter leadership with the Kroeg Award. Thomas Marlbrough received the Mixson Award for excellence in campus involvement. The Fogarty Award for dedication to academic achievement went to Will Welch.

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. Candace Morvant was crowned the 2016 Beta Omicron chapter Rose Queen by last year’s sweetheart Morgan Webb. Others named to the court include: Savannah Carter, Tasha McDaniels, Carly Rayne Bourgeois, and Taylor Walker. Morvant 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 2016 ‘Alumnus of the Year’ is Shawn Daily. “Papa Shawn,” as he is known by family and friends, lives by this and serves as a role model and living symbol of friendship, service, character, and brotherhood. A 1975 initiate of the Beta Omicron Chapter, he generously volunteered his time an alumnus, serving terms as both financial and chapter advisor. Brother Daily opened the first Edward Jones Investments firm in Louisiana more than 40 years ago and has remained among the top one percent of advisors in the company for the majority of that span. A Vietnam War veteran, he is one of the longest-serving candidate guidance officers for the United States Naval Academy and a former District Commissioner for Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of the St. Denis Art League, one of the oldest organizations in the city of Natchitoches, and has served as president of the American Cemetery Association, which oversees the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. An avid hunter, Daily holds many records for his kills all over the world, and is the only “Life Sponsor” for Ducks Unlimited in the state of Louisiana. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches and is a major benefactor of the Natchitoches/Northwestern Symphony Society. For 13 years, Daily taught an upper level finance course at Northwestern State University and donated his salary back to the university to establish a scholarship fund for business majors. Over the years, he and his wife Linnye have opened their beautiful home countless times for fraternity events. “Papa Shawn” has shared with us that “…as hokey as it may sound, it truly warms my heart to drive in and see people fishing on the dock or asking to hold a crawfish boil. It keeps me young and warms my heart more to see such good fellowship among brothers.”

Members awarded the Durward Owen Interfraternity Award to NSU Director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development Reatha Cox. Named after Pi Kappa Phi’s long-time executive director and honorary fourth founding father the honor is bestowed upon a non-member of the fraternity for exceptionally meritorious service in the Greek community.

For more photos from the event, click here.