Founding members of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University held their annual luncheon on Thursday, September 4 in Natchitoches.

The Founders’ Generation Alumni Group celebrated the upcoming 69th anniversary of the chapter’s chartering on September 21, 1956.

The luncheon at Mama’s Blues Room on Front Street began with a toast to lifelong brotherhood in Pi Kappa Phi.

Founders Group organizer Mike Murphy delivered an update on chartering members. In what began as a lighthearted way of celebrating major birthdays of members, first with ‘Club 70’ and later ‘Club 80,’ the first two members to turn 90 years old were inducted into ‘Club 90.’ Founding Archon Jack McCain and the 2nd archon Maxie Almond were recognized for their longevity.

1957 Rose Queen Sylvia (George) Murphy was also recognized and and shared memories of the Pi Kapps during her collegiate years.

Chartering member Billy Plunkett and wife Peggy, who was the chapter’s first rose queen, were remembered as having passed to the Chapter Eternal since the last luncheon. Founders’ Generation Group member Don Cook and Dr. Bill Coney, a Greek from LSU who transferred to NSU around the time of the chartering and was close friends with the group, were also remembered.

Alumnus Doug Ireland gave an update on Northwestern State University, Chapter Advisor Scott Maggio and student archon Spencer Bowden gave an update on the successes of the student chapter, alumni Robert Broadwell and Lane Luckie gave updates on the alumni chapter and planning for the 70th anniversary celebration in Fall 2026.