THE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER OF THE BETA OMICRON CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI AT NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY Summer 2013
B. O. ALUMNI BLAST Piece of Northwestern State History on Display at Pi Kappa Phi Headquarters Museum A small piece of Northwestern State University's history is now on permanent display at Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity National Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. One of the only known surviving membership badges of Phi Kappa Nu Fraternity, the predecessor of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, was recently added to the collection at the Eldred J. Harman Museum. The jeweled badge is prominently displayed along with other local fraternities that were absorbed by Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity. Visitors to the museum can explore artifacts in a visual history of the Fraternity, dating back to its founding in 1904.
John Levy Frederick
Phi Kappa Nu was organized at Louisiana State Normal College (now Northwestern State University) on October 17, 1929 and grew to become one of the school's largest and most-involved organizations. Its members later decided to seek the benets of joining a Phi Kappa Nu Fraternity (predecessor to the national fraternity and on September 21, 1956 the Beta Omicron Chapter was Beta Omicron Chapter) gathered outside installed as the 63rd chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Caldwell Hall, circa 1935.
The badge belonged to the late John Levy Frederick, a member of Phi Kappa Nu in the early 1950s and later one of the early members of the Beta Omicron Chapter. Placing the pin in the Harman Museum was the work of Beta Omicron Chapter Alumni Association board member Shayne Creppel. Frederick's widow, Jan, gave the badge to Creppel after having a conversation about the Fraternity's history. It was rst presented the chapter at the 2011 Founders' Day banquet and was placed in the care of Pi Kappa Phi Headquarters later in 2012. John Frederick died in June 2001, at the age of 67. After graduating from Northwestern State College, he entered the Army and served in the Korean War. Until his death, he was the owner of Kafe-Frederick General Mercantile, the oldest continuously operated business in Natchitoches. In Frederick's obituary, he was remembered for sharing his abilities and talents with all he met.” For his 67 years he lived life to the fullest with unconditional love for his family, commitment to his business, and his passion for all that is just and decent in the world.” Summer 2013 A Yearly Newsletter published by the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. The Beta Omicron Chapter, nor Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity is liable for errore or omissions. copyright 2013
Fittingly, his badge will now be forever preserved in the same room as the membership badges of the founders of Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity.
Featured in this issue... Four Members Named Pi Kapp ‘Extra mile Scholars’ How Pi Kapp Changed My Life Alumni Updates
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HONORS Four Pi Kappa Phi Members Named
“Extra Mile Scholars” Awarded $3,800 in Scholarships
Pi Kappa Phi alumnus and business execu ve David D. Morgan, Sr. is inves ng in the future of several promising young leaders at Northwestern State University. Four members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity were awarded scholarships at the 6th annual Beta Omicron “Extra Mile” Scholarship Banquet on Sunday, April 14, 2013. Morgan created the program to inspire students to pursue excellence in academics, campus and chapter leadership, service, and employment. Jake Bryan, Sean Aus n, Kolt Kays, and Sco Mayeaux were Jake Bryan, awarded $3,800 in scholarships Sean Aus n, at the 6th annual event, held Kolt Kays, and Merci Beaucoup Restaurant in Sco Mayeaux historic downtown were awarded Natchitoches, the site for the $3,800 in inaugural scholarship banquet scholarships in 2008. The Morgan “Extra Mile” at the 6th annual event. Scholarship Program is funded by and named for Beta Omicron alumnus David D. Morgan. An entrepreneur, an insurance execu ve, and a leader within his industry and his fraternity, Morgan has spent a considerable por on of his life helping others to be successful. Whether through the offering of insurance products to associa on members across the country that help provide a greater peace of mind, or through his volunteer work with several Pi Kappa Phi chapters, Brother Morgan's commitment to helping people (especially his Pi Kappa Phi brothers) is a trademark of his personality. Ins lling the lessons he learned growing up in Louisiana – lessons of hard work, industriousness, and self-determina on – into the heart of this new ini a ve, the Pi Kappa Phi Founda on created the scholarship program in 2008. In the me since, the program has furthered the academic pursuits of more than 40 students in awards upwards of $26,000. It remains the only program of its kind among Pi Kappa Phi's 179 chapters. Recipients are selected through a rigorous applica on process that awards points for campus and chapter leadership, grades, employment, and a series of essay ques ons. This program seeks to recognize the effort and seriousness that a student displays in pursuit of academic excellence. But just as important as a student's scholas c prowess, however, is their commitment to applying
Margaret Kilcoyne, Director of the NSU themselves in the classroom and in life School of Business and past Beta Omicron outside of the classroom by going the “extra Rose Court member; Reatha Cox, NSU mile.” Senior Sco Mayeaux credits Director of Student Life and First Year leadership programs like the “Extra Mile” Experience; Natalie Laurence, NSU Director inspires personal growth. “I am confident, of Fraternity and Sorority Life; Greg Burke, proud, and passionate about the things I NSU Director of Athle cs; Mike McConathy, become a part of, all because of Pi Kappa NSU Basketball Head Coach; Bri any Godsey, Phi,” he said. “It has taught me the vital skills NSU Women's Basketball Asst. Coach; Dr. Bill that I need to go out into the world that Smith, NSU Dir. of Marke ng awaits.” An established leader on and Branding; Tom Whitehead, campus, senior Jake Bryan said NSU Professor Emeritus of the “Extra Mile” Scholarship Journalism; Doug Ireland, Beta challenges the Fraternity's Omicron alumnus, Chapter members to start preparing for Advisor, and NSU Sports success today. “I've learned more Informa on Director; Dr. about leadership and conduc ng Michael Land, Beta Omicron business than any other alumnus, Academic Advisor, opportunity up un l this point in and NSU Professor of my life.” Microbiology; Lane Luckie, Underscoring the Scan for a photo album from Beta Omicron Alumni purpose and mission of the banquet & to listen to the Associa on/ Housing the program, Beta keynote address! Corpora on President; Wes Omicron alumnus and Breeden, Beta Omicron re-chartering archon alumnus, re-founding Archon, and keynote Wes Breeden delivered the keynote address. speaker; Alan Pasch, Beta Omicron Alumni He currently serves as Regional Vice Associa on/ Housing Corpora on Dir. of President for Associa on Member Benefit Housing and NSU Director of University Advisors. His primary role is mee ng the Facility Use; Shayne Creppel, Beta Omicron needs of the company's clients as well as Alumni Associa on Director of Alumni developing leaders within the company. Events; and Chad Hancock, Beta Omicron Breeden shared the defining quali es of Alumni Associa on member. successful individuals and described his At the close of the evening, the members journey from the classroom at NSU to the of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity recognized a board room in a corporate se ng. Drawing special guest at the banquet, Mrs. Blanche on a life me of inspira onal influences, he Watkins. She is the mother of NSU dean of recalled several people who shaped his students, Frances Conine, who is Beta outlook. One of his strongest points of advice Omicron's first chapter mother since recentered on taking ac on, not making chartering in 2000 and a long me friend of Pi excuses or se ling for mediocrity. ”My Kappa Phi. Mrs. Watkins is the wife of the grandfather was a farmer and he used to tell late John Watkins, who served as archon of me since I was a li le kid, over and over and the Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the over, if you can get up in the morning and put your boots on and go to work, you have half the world beat.” Robert G. Crew was named Beta Omicron “Alumnus of the Year” for personal achievement, outstanding service to the Fraternity and community, involvement in the life of the university, and serving as a model for lifelong brotherhood. Dozens of ac ve members, alumni, and representa ves from Northwestern State University were in a endance for the University of Alabama. In the me before his catered dinner. Special guests included: Dr. passing, he could s ll recall fond memories Randall J. Webb, President of Northwestern and love for Pi Kappa Phi. Mrs. Watkins was State University; Robert Crew, Beta Omicron presented a bouquet of red roses, the alumnus and Execu ve Assistant to the Fraternity's flower, in honor the decades of President; Dr. Chris Maggio, NSU Assistant support she has shown Pi Kappa Phi and in Vice President for External Affairs; Mrs. memory of John Watkins. Frances Conine, NSU Dean of Students; Dr.
Beta Omicron
AN OPEN LETTER
By: Randy Smith #389
I have always tried to do my part to help my chapter as an alumnus, but I never imagined what Pi Kappa Phi would do for me. pictured, Randy and Rachel Smith with daughter Maci and son Jacob.
PUBLICATION
CONTACTS BETA OMICRON ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORP., INC. PRESIDENT Lane Luckie laneluckie@hotmail.com VICE PRESIDENT DJ Klucznik danielklucznik@yahoo.com TREASURER David D. Morgan, Sr. ddm@daviddmorgan.com SECRETARY Wil Adams wil.adams@ymail.com DIRECTOR OF HOUSING Alan Pasch pascha@nsula.edu DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI EVENT Shayne Creppel s_creppel@yahoo.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS George Etheredge george@tritoncharter.com
The following is an open letter from Randy Smith, an alumnus of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University. One year after his son underwent an extensive surgery, he asked to share his thoughts with the countless people who taught his family an important lesson about the bonds of brotherhood. ~ “My name is Randy Smith. I'm 27 years old and live in Alexandria, Louisiana and am married to Rachael Tingle Smith, an alumna of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. We have a son, Jacob, who is now 2 years old. I want to share with you exactly what true brotherhood can accomplish and overcome. When Jacob was about six months old, he was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, which is a deformation of the skull that causes the suture lines to close faster than they should. This typically leaves the child with a ridge down the front or back of the head. Naturally, this brought immediate worry and we took to the internet to try to nd out more. What we saw was nothing short of sickening. If left untreated Jacob could suffer deterioration of the skull and deformation of the brain. The condition is treatable but involved taking Jacob to Dallas, Texas to undergo an extensive surgery to remove his skull and completely reconstruct it. Having all of this thrown into my lap at once was extremely stressful and brought me to a really dark place. You always hear the expression “you never know what love is until you have a child,” but you never really understand it. I nally knew what this meant after Jacob was born. I also discovered an intense fear that I never knew existed, leaving my wife and I feeling painfully alone. Aside from the fear of our baby undergoing this intense surgery, we knew the hospital bills could reach astronomical numbers. The best doctor for this procedure was in Dallas, meaning it would not be covered by our insurance. Costs could reach well over $40,000 for surgery fees and hospital bills. Day after day it seemed all we received was bad news on top of more bad news. When you join a fraternity, most people tend to think of it as an activity that spans four or ve years until you leave it behind after graduation. That wasn't the case for me. I have always tried to do my part to help my chapter as an alumnus, but I never imagined
what Pi Kappa Phi would do for me. It often seems to take great incentive or motivation to persuade a group of college men to do something, but not this time. My brothers decided to throw several fundraisers for my son's surgery. All of this was done in secret without ever saying a word to me or my wife (because they knew I wouldn't hear of it). Before I knew it, they held a benet car wash for Jacob, a “chunk your change” event in front of the NSU Student Union, an article in the local newspaper, and rallied several sororities to join the effort. Brothers from across Louisiana and Texas ooded my Facebook account, home mailbox, email, and phone with messages of encouragement. The money raised was not as nearly as important to me as was the seless thought. Suddenly, I no longer felt alone in this journey. Jacob's surgery came on November 2, 2011, the worst day of my life. As my precious child was hooked up to machines and undergoing an unimaginable surgery, I was constantly receiving texts, emails and phone calls of support from the actives and alumni of Beta Omicron Chapter. From this, I drew needed strength from my brothers. The total selessness and commitment to helping a brother and his family brought me to tears. At the chapter's Founders's Day banquet in 2011, I brought my wife and Jacob to express how the gesture impacted my life. It didn't matter if they had raised $100 or $100,000. The fact that they were there for me, and more importantly, my son is something I'll never forget. It also reminds me of what initially drew me to the Fraternity — lifelong brotherhood. We share so many experiences: love, laughter, arguments, ghts and tears. It's all through an unbreakable bond. When Jacob is older, I will make sure he knows what Pi Kappa Phi has done for him. It brought his father and mother together and helped lift them up through one of the darkest moments of their lives. Jacob is growing just like any typical two year old. He'll go back to the specialist when he's ve for monitoring of his skull to make sure it won't require another surgery. However, we're in for another emotional journey. Our daughter Maci was also diagnosed with craniosynostosis, so she will require the same surgery next July when she is about 11 months old. We are going into this familiar experience reassured by your outpouring of prayers and words of encouragement.”
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ALUMNI UPDATES Tying the knot! Best wishes to these alumni who were married in the last 6 months! ~Nathan Pearson (#495) and Julee Bornowski. ~Luke Leger (#414) and Karissa Branch. ~Shane Moser (#387) and Jennifer Williams. ~Brandon "Pops" Messick (#464) and Merideth Snavely. ~Josh Robert (#342) and Sommer Mrozek. ~Chris Rajewski (#352) and Dawn Normand.
Luke Leger (#414) and Karissa Branch.
Bouncy Beta Omicron Babies! Congratulations to these alumni who had children in the last 6 months: ~Randall Babin (#420) and his wife Laura, on the birth of their son Sean Ashton. ~Chris Rajewski (#352) and his wife Dawn, on the birth of their son Cayden Michael. ~Greg Comeaux (#333) and his wife Amy, on the birth of their son Baylor Martin.
Save the Date!
NSU Homecoming 2013 October 18-19 | Natchitoches, LA. Details & schedule to follow at pikappNSU.org
BETA OMICRON/PI KAPPA PHI P. O. Box 240526 Charlotte, North Carolina 28224
Chris Rajewski (#352) with his son Cayden Michael.
Giving
DUES-PAYING MEMBERS
B. O. ALUMNI BLAST
ALUMNI DUES Your alumni dues help to fund alumni mailings and events. Dues are $50 annually. If you have not yet paid for 2013, please send payment to: David Morgan, Sr. Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Chapter Treasurer 16004 Chateau Avenue Austin, Texas 78734
2012-2013
Listed here are dues-paying members of the B eta Omicron Alumni Association. Alumni dues help to fund alumni events and mailings like the B.O. Alumni Blast.
MONTHLY GIVING The Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter makes monthly giving safe and easy with an automated monthly transfer. To arrange to have a small gift automatically transferred each month from your banking account to Beta Omicron Chapter, contact Treasurer David Morgan Sr. ALUMNI UPDATES To include an update about yourself in the next issue of the newsletter or submit historic photos and story ideas, e-mail your submission to Lane Luckie at laneluckie@hotmail.com. Visit our Web site below for a complete list of members and contact information.
ALUMNI MONTHLY GIVING FORM
*Denotes members who are paying monthly dues through EFT.
BETA OMICRON ALUMNI CHAPTER Your support of the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter helps assist the student chapter and pay for communica on efforts like the B.O. Alumni Blast. One hundred percent of your contribu on goes to fund those things that advance Beta Omicron Chapter at NSU. This year, the Alumni Chapter made considerable dona ons: • Funded and constructed a new fence in the backyard • Funded the quarterly issues of this publica on • Purchased a new stove for the kitchen • Alumni Chapter Na onal Dues • Funded paint & materials for kitchen & game room • Funded ceramic le in kitchen & game room • Plumbing repairs in master bathroom • Housing Corp. Tax Return While some members pay their annual dues in one lump sum, the Alumni Chapter encourages you to consider spreading your gi out over the course of the year by authorizing an easy, automa c monthly transfer from your banking account to Pi Kappa Phi's banking account. Most alumni agree to donate $20 per month, but a gi in any amount makes a difference. Please help support your Alumni Chapter make to a difference in the lives of our student members. Sign up today!
Wil Adams (#416)* Mike Allain (#197) * Joshua Alost (#406) Andy Bachman (#168) * Kie Boyett (#385) Nick Breaux (#445) * Wes Breeden (#286) * Robert Broadwell (#198) * Steven Carrier (#351) * Greg Comeaux (#333) * Shayne Creppel (#463) * Robert Crew (#450) Shawn Daily (#252) * Brad Deville (#439) * Shelton Eubanks (#87) * George Etheredge (#181) * Chad Hancock (#407) * Chase Harvey (#475) * Doug Ireland (#452) * Ryan Jeffords (#497) * Bruce Kinder (#231) Joey Kliebert (#367) * DJ Klucznik (#391) * Jon Lee (#466) * Robert Lockwood (#335) * Lane Luckie (#405) * Alex Miley (#436) Steve McCutcheon (#141) * David Morgan (#173) * David Morgan, Junior (#307) * Bill Morrison, PhD (#451) * Justin Owen (#369) * Alan Pasch (#357) * Logan Nolan (#325) * Jason Phillips (#286) * Taylor Richard (#438) * Britt Richey (#426) * Chris Sanders (#460) * Randy Smith (#389) * John Springer (#222) Jason Stelly (#355) * Kyle Thomas (#290) * Cory Wilson (#311) * Rick Yates (#176) *
AUTHORIZATION FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF FUNDS I hereby authorize the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corp., Inc. to transfer $ _____________________ each month to their account held at Sabine State Bank, account number _______________________________________ , from my account. MY ACCOUNT NUMBER:_____________________________________________ROUTING NUMBER:__________________________________ BANK NAME:_____________________________________________BANK LOCATION (CITY/ STATE):__________________________________ I have the right at any time to cancel this transfer upon written request to the bank. I understand that should my account have insufficient funds on the day of the transfer, the transfer will not take place and will be skipped for that period. This authorization is for the benefit of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and places no additional liability on the bank for failure to make timely transfer.
______________________ ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________ Date
Name
Printed Name
MAIL THIS FORM AND YOUR FIRST CHECK (PAYABLE TO “PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY”) TO: David Morgan, Sr. Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Chapter Treasurer 16004 Chateau Avenue Austin, Texas 78734