Dedrick Lewis and Thomas Marlbrough, student leaders at Northwestern State University, were named to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s newly-created Ad Astra Society.

Derived from the Latin phrase meaning, “To the Stars,” the Ad Astra Society recognizes the Fraternity’s top student leaders for their achievement and impact within Pi Kappa Phi, on their campus, and in their community.

“Throughout June, we challenged students, alumni, and friends of the fraternity across the country to nominate student members and recent graduates who exemplify Pi Kappa Phi’s commitment to leadership,” a news release stated. “The Fraternity received over 200 nominations and applications, and we are excited to recognize 123 members — one percent of our student membership — for their achievements.”

The inaugural class of Ad Astra Society inductees includes student representatives to non-profit boards of directors and university boards of trustees, student government presidents, editors-in-chief of campus newspapers, ROTC leaders, Pi Alphas, and outstanding chapter officers.

Pi Kappa Phi strives to create an uncommon and lifelong brotherhood that develops leaders and encourages service to others for the betterment of our communities.

No more than one percent of Pi Kappa Phi’s undergraduate students may be inducted into the Ad Astra Society each year.

Marlbrough, a senior History major from Mandeville, earned a 3.5 GPA. He has served as archon of the Beta Omicron Chapter since 2016 and previously served as vice archon and secretary. Earlier this year, he was named a Pi Kappa Phi Scholar, oldest and most prestigious scholarship in Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. This Summer he was awarded a position as Student Experience intern with Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters. In 2016, he was named NSU ‘Greek Man of the Year’ after serving as Interfraternity Council president and vice president of judicial affairs. Last Summer Thomas also cycled across the country as part of the Journey of Hope, which raises funds and awareness for projects that support people with disabilities through Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy, The Ability Experience. In 2015, he was was awarded the he Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) scholarship by the North American Inter-Fraternity Conference and received Pi Kappa Phi’s David D. Morgan ‘Extra Mile’ scholarship in 2015 and 2016. Marlbrough has also been involved in Northwestern State’s ROTC program, Student Government Association, Phi Alpha Theta, President’s Leadership Program, and has served as a Freshman Connector.

Senior Dedrick Lewis, of Gonzales, is a business administration major. He has served as Beta Omicron Chapter’s recruitment chair, social chair, and is currently serving as Warden and Scholarship Chair. Dedrick was selected for Pi Kapp College for Emerging Leaders and Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers. Dedrick has been part of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, a senator for the Student Government Association, the President’s Leadership Program, treasurer of the men’s lacrosse club, and is serving as Interfraternity Council vice president of programming. He holds part-time employment as a student operations manager with the NSU Student Union and serves as a crew workers with Sodexo Catering. He was awarded the David D. Morgan ‘Extra Mile’ Scholarship in 2015 and 2016.