The late Robert Crew, an alumnus of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, and wife Jacque Crew, an Honorary Rose of the chapter, will be inducted into Northwestern State University’s Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line.

The Crews are among a seven-member class to be honored as part of the annual Homecoming celebration October 3-4. Other inductees include Richard Keith Bergeron, Dr. Marcus Jones, Angela Lasyone, Lee Posey, and Christine “Chris” Weaver.

Robert and Jacque Crew were friends from the beginning, childhood sweethearts and dated through high school, but their life and courtship developed through their mutual love for Northwestern. After high school graduation, they attended Northwestern State College with each earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Wanting the full college experience, they each pursued an active social life on campus. Jacque Crew joined Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and was very involved in her chapter. Robert Crew was a member of the NSC ROTC battalion, marched with the ROTC Black Knights Drill Squad and was a champion badminton player.  

For 30 years, the couple pursued their education dreams. Robert Crew worked for the Department of Education in the Teacher Certification Bureau. Robert Crew served as interim assistant state superintendent of education several times. Jacque Crew spent those years teaching kindergarten and gifted classes.  

Robert Crew was appointed executive assistant to the president at NSU in 1997. Jacque Crew taught at the NSU Lab school and St. Mary’s Catholic School. When she was asked to serve as Sigma Sigma Sigma’s chapter advisor, she very willingly accepted the honor knowing the time and dedication it would demand. Over 20-plus years, Jacque Crew attended the Sunday night chapter meetings, all recruitment events, socials, formals and national conventions in addition to being available when one of the members needed her help. For her service and in tribute of her love for her sorority, Jacque Crew received the Golden Violet Award from Tri Sigma for 50 years of service. The living room in the Tri Sigma sorority house was named after Jacque Crew for her tireless effort to recognize the dream of a new home for her sorority girls. She was also honored by NSU’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as an Honorary Rose in 2018. Robert Crew was initiated into the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as an alumnus initiate.  

Robert Crew was instrumental in making many changes on campus to improve the beauty of Northwestern’s historic campus and enhance safety for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. Robert Crew was a widely acclaimed photographer for more than 40 years. To recognize his passion and achievement in the field of photography, the Robert G. Crew Endowed Scholarship is awarded each semester. Upon his retirement, the School of Creative and Performing Arts named the photography studio in his honor.  

Robert and Jacque Crew have been honored with the Nth Degree Award from NSU and have been inducted into NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.   

The inductees will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 3 at noon at the Natchitoches Events Center. Tickets are available at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/long-purple-line-2025/.   

A separate event honoring the Crews will be hosted by Sigma Sigma Sigma and Pi Kappa Phi during Homecoming weekend. Additional details will follow.

Northwestern has honored 159 alumni with induction into the Long Purple Line. Robert Crew is the 8th initiate of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity bestowed this honor.

News release source: David West/ NSU Director of Communications.