Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members from Northwestern State University are returning to campus with a road map for success in the new year. Over the weekend of January 18-20, members of the Beta Omicron Chapter joined more than 270 fellow Pi Kapps from 37 chapters to take part in Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers in Dallas, Texas.

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 more than 1,500 undergraduates receive training at six regional locations — also including Charlotte, NC; Springfield, MA; Columbus, OH; Atlanta, GA; and Los Angeles, CA.

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

NSU students attending the conference included: Nich Olivares, Luis Ortiz, Daniel Larin, Char Wilson, Tristan Thorman, Colton Campbell, Ben Butcher, Tyler Vienne, Jonathan Castillo, Kendall Normand, and Derek Henry. 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.

Student leaders also received training on effective recruitment techniques, living the ritual, making ethical decisions, and putting service before self. Students also attended various leadership breakouts: Motivating Your Members, Leading Engaging Meetings & Tips for Effective Facilitation, Ultimate Respect & Accountability, Leveraging Your Leadership Experience in the Job Search, Using The Ability Experience in Chapter Operations, Leadership Challenges round tables, and an Advanced Ritual Debrief.

The conference also provided participants the opportunity to interact with the fraternity’s most talented volunteers, many of whom are among the country’s most-respected professionals in higher education.

Chapters that found success in chapter operations in 2018 were recognized at Pi Kapp College. The Beta Omicron Chapter at NSU received ‘Master Chapter’ status for its composite score on the Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence report, indicating top performance in key areas. Student members were also recognized for Membership Excellence and Recruitment Excellence.

Beta Omicron Chapter alumni also served in support roles, volunteering as facilitators. Wes Breeden facilitated the warden track at the Dallas conference, while Lane Luckie led the risk management track in both Charlotte and Dallas. Alumni Zack Cockerham, Dedrick Lewis, and Thomas Marlbrough served on the headquarters staff at each weekend of the conference.