Several Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity students and alumni played an active role in deciding the future direction of the organization, while celebrating its accomplishments at the 55th Supreme Chapter.

July 28-31, 2016, Beta Omicron Chapter Vice Archon Noah Baudoin and Treasurer Joseph Magnan, along with alumni David Morgan, Sr.; Wes Breeden; David Morgan, Jr.; Lane Luckie, Shayne Creppel, and Zack Cockerham gathered in Austin, Texas for the biennial convention.

During the five-day event, new legislation was adopted, national officers were elected, and members and alumni were recognized through resolutions and awards.

Baudoin and Magnan were assigned to the Resolutions and Legislative committees during the Supreme Chapter legislative sessions. Alumnus Wes Breeden served as chairman of the Member Education Committee.

In true Austin style, things kicked off Thursday with a live concert featuring Whiskey Myers at the iconic Austin City Limits. Throughout the weekend, participants explored Austin’s vibrant entertainment and culture, inspiring cuisine and stunning outdoor settings. The city, known as the Live Music Capitol of the World, is home to more than 250 music venues and a vibrant arts scene.

Friday evening, Morgan, Sr. and Wes Breeden participated in activities for the Nu Phi Society, a special designation for members who exemplify a life-long commitment to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, by supporting the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. Breeden and Morgan are the only Beta Omicron Chapter initiates among the more than 130 members of the Nu Phi Society. Annually, Nu Phi Society members contribute more than $35,000 in unrestricted revenue to the Foundation.

Luckie participated in the Chapter Advisor Convocation, attending breakouts on topics such as student mental health, men and masculinities, working with the Council of Advisors, and effectively utilizing fraternity and campus resources. Luckie serves as chapter advisor at the University of Texas at Tyler. He also moderated an engaging panel discussion on the upcoming presidential election and the state of politics today.

Creppel was recognized as a recipient of the Fraternity’s ‘Thirty Under 30’ award, a list which seeks to recognize young alumni for their post-college achievements.

David Morgan, Sr. was recognized as a 2006 Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame inductee, as well as serving on the cabinet for the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation’s Common Loyalty Campaign, which has raised more than 9 million dollars for educational efforts. Morgan, David Morgan, Jr., Breeden, Luckie, Creppel, and Cockerham are all donors for the campaign.

Cockerham, recently hired by the Fraternity as a leadership consultant, served on the staff, helping make the convention a smooth success.

The 2016 Build America team arrived during Saturday’s Service Before Self Luncheon, where Ability Experience CEO Basil Lyberg challenged student chapters to collectively raise one million dollars for people with disabilities in 2017. “We’re a leader in philanthropy and it’s time to show that to our peers. Let’s double our impact.”

Between the many committee meetings and Supreme Chapter sessions where the fraternity’s business is conducted, the 55th convention included its traditional events like the Ability Experience Challenges Two-Miler, Alumni Breakfast and the Leadership Luncheon. Also included in the programming mix were several alumni development opportunities, an associate member institute, a symposium for alumni chapters and housing corporations, as well as a chapter advisor convocation.

Brian Morgan, son of David Morgan, Sr., was welcomed into the fraternity as the ‘Model Initiate’ on Sunday morning.