A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

THE BETA OMICRON EXTRA MILE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

By: Rachel Greene

What if your undergraduate chapter could improve its recruitment, strengthen its brotherhood, cultivate well-rounded leaders and leave a lasting impact on every member? For Beta Omicron, this vision became a reality in 2008, and their model is one any chapter can follow.

The story of Beta Omicron’s Extra Mile Scholarship program begins with David Morgan, a Beta Omicron brother from Northwestern State University. In 2008, Morgan created the Extra Mile Scholarship, inspired by his own college journey. As a first-generation college student, Morgan didn’t fit the typical scholarship profile. Raised in a modest family, he wasn’t the “perfect” candidate for traditional scholarships. Though he was highly involved on campus, he didn’t have a 4.0 GPA and wasn’t financially needy enough for most scholarships. Morgan understood that many students like him — those balancing multiple jobs, giving back to their communities and still excelling in school — were often overlooked. Inspired by his own

“ The Extra Mile Scholarship shows that Pi Kappa Phi isn’t just about academic success or parties. It’s about building men for life.

experience, Morgan launched the Extra Mile Scholarship to recognize students’ resilience, hard work and dedication, not just their resumes.

“Morgan wasn’t just looking for straight-A students,” said fellow Beta Omicron alumnus Wes Breeden. “He wanted to reward those giving it their all – at work, in school, on campus and in their communities.”

The Extra Mile Scholarship has never been just about money. “It’s about celebrating students who are doing the most they can with what they have, acknowledging their work in the community and their personal growth,” shared Breeden.

The Morgans have extended this vision far beyond the scholarship itself, with David’s wife, Sherry, launching a similar scholarship for her own sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, at Northwestern State. Together, the Morgans have created a powerful example of what it means to give back, not just through financial support but through believing in every individual’s potential.

The Extra Mile Scholarship has transformed Beta Omicron, not just by helping individual brothers but by reshaping how leadership, recruitment and support are viewed. Through fundraising, planning and scholarship selection, countless brothers have learned that leadership’s true meaning is building a stronger community, not just achieving personal success.

Chapter Advisor Scott Maggio, Theta Phi (Louisiana Tech), echoed this sentiment. “It sets Pi Kappa Phi apart from other fraternities,” he said. “When potential new members see the opportunities the Extra Mile Scholarship provides, it reframes the narrative of fraternity life. This isn’t just for the privileged, legacy college student; it’s possible for anyone who works hard and makes a difference.”

Maggio’s perspective is unique because he initially experienced the Extra Mile Scholarship on the national level. As a member of the Theta Phi Chapter, Maggio saw firsthand how the scholarship could benefit students on a larger scale. But it wasn’t until he became a chapter advisor at Beta Omicron that he understood the depth of its local impact. “What David has done is more than just giving back to Pi Kappa Phi,” said Maggio. “He has ensured that Beta Omicron brothers have the financial support and guidance they need. When prospective members see our alumni actively involved, helping provide opportunities, not just donating money, it changes how they view Pi Kappa Phi,” said Maggio. “This is a fraternity that cares about growth, leadership and giving back.” 

Every chapter, no matter its size or budget, can start small. You don't need millions, just a belief in your brothers' potential.

Breeden added, “The Extra Mile Scholarship shows that Pi Kappa Phi isn’t just about academic success or parties. It’s about building men for life. The scholarship demonstrates how much we care about our brothers and their success in all parts of their lives.” 

Now, Beta Omicron’s blueprint for success is serving as the model for other chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, like Alpha Omicron at Iowa State University. 

Inspired by Beta Omicron’s success, Alpha Omicron Chapter launched its own scholarship program in 2024, spearheaded by alumnus Kelley Bergstrom and then-Archon Steve Orsolini. 

Orsolini and his team worked closely with alumni and the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation to bring the scholarship event to life. “It took months of planning, but when the event finally came together, it was an enormous success,” said Orsolini. “Not only did it improve morale within the chapter, it also gave us something tangible to show potential new members, to help them see that Pi Kappa Phi is about building men for life. Hosting the scholarship ceremony during Parents’ Weekend showed parents that their sons benefit from more than just parties and social events or the stereotypical aspects of fraternity life.” Orsolini emphasized that the public scholarship ceremony, held in front of parents, was a key factor in motivating brothers to apply and strive for excellence. 

“When your peers and parents are there to see you recognized for your leadership, it gives you a real sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Orsolini. “This scholarship gave our members something to strive for. It boosted morale, helped with recruitment and made our chapter stand out on campus. We were even recognized at the Iowa State Greek community awards, which we hadn’t come close to winning in the years prior.” 

The success of Alpha Omicron’s event in just its first year shows that the Extra Mile Scholarship model can be effectively replicated and adapted by chapters of any size. “Having the Beta Omicron blueprint made the process so much easier for us,” Orsolini said, “We were able to follow their example and create something that will last for years to come.” 

Breeden said it best: “Every chapter, no matter its size or budget, can start small. You don’t need millions, just a belief in your brothers’ potential.” 

The Extra Mile Scholarship model proves that leadership isn’t about being the best in one area; but recognizing that every brother’s contribution matters. As more chapters adopt it, Pi Kappa Phi will grow stronger, more connected and more committed to changing members’ lives. For those willing to go the extra mile, there’s no limit to what can be achieved.