Northwestern State University’s first in-person Homecoming Weekend since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic drew dozens of Pi Kapps, alumni, and their families to Natchitoches on October 22-23, 2021.

Beta Omicron Chapter alumni and students celebrated recent achievements and reconnected during reunions, tailgating and the formal dedication of the new chapter house, constructed in 2020.

Still riding high after an exciting week of Homecoming activities on campus, on Friday Pi Kappa Phi’s Rock-N-Roll-themed float joined others in a parade down Second Street. Then, a pep rally featured performances by the NSU cheerleaders, Demon Dazzlers, pom pon line, and the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band; the introduction of the Homecoming Court, including Pi Kappa Phi member Jonatan Jimenez, as well as an appearance by NSU Head Football Coach Brad Laird, senior football players and the NSU mascot, Vic the Demon.

Pi Kappa Phi received the most awards among fraternities during NSU Homecoming Week. The Pi Kapps received first place among fraternity floats, first place among fraternities in the Lip Sync competition, first place among fraternities in the Homecoming Banner competition, and first place in the fraternity division of the Vic’s Costume Contest.

That night, alumni and spouses gathered for an after-hours event at the Cane River Brewing Company.

Saturday morning’s activities started with coffee and donuts at the new chapter house across from the Northwestern State University campus.

Delayed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a formal dedication was held to recognize the construction and opening of a new $1.1 million chapter house on NSU’s Chaplin Lake. Members, alumni, their families, and invited guests gathered in the large meeting room as representatives of the chapter delivered remarks and expressed appreciation for the project’s supporters. Speakers included Alumni Chapter President Wesley Breeden, Alumni Chapter Director of Housing Robert Broadwell, 1956 Founding Archon Jack P. McCain, Jr., and current student chapter Archon Matthew Raybon, among others. A new sign in front of the house and a flagpole donated by McCain were also unveiled.

Before concluding the ceremony, friend of the fraternity Elizabeth Krainz was recognized for her years of service and support as a financial advisor to both the alumni and student chapters.

That afternoon, members of the Beta Omicron Chapter’s Founders Generation Collegiate Group held a reunion gathering at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant in downtown Natchitoches to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the chapter’s chartering.

The fun and fellowship later continued at the Demon Commons, where families and generations of alumni convened at the Pi Kapp tailgating tents. Students, alumni, and their families and friends enjoyed corn hole and flag football before heading to Turpin Stadium to cheer on the NSU Demons football team.

Alumnus Wes Breeden was recognized for his service to his alma mater, being honored with NSU’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Distinguished Service Award by the NSU Alumni Association.

To view pictures from this event, click here.