‘WHO DOESN’T LOVE A GOOD PARTY?’

By HQ Staff

Quick with a smile and alight with charm, Janie Keller relishes the moments shared at each of the Grand Arch Councils she has attended. 2024 in Minneapolis marked 15 for her, accompanying her husband, Durwood Keller UL Lafayette ’78. When asked about the festivities during GAC, she quipped, “Who doesn’t love a good party?” 

Indeed. A “party” was the catalyst for the Kellers’ relationship, who met at a social gathering of Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters and Phi Kappa Psi brothers at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette. From there it went from pizza dinners and football games to long-distance dating, and September 2024 marks 40 years of marriage!

Spouses, partners, family members all play a key role in the success of our members – and the organization – but often we do not know their stories. Janie was willing to share a little about herself, and the importance of Phi Psi in her life. Even if you have never met her, you will soon understand why she captured Durwood’s heart and remains a treasured Phi Psi Sweetheart.

Q: How did you meet Durwood?

A: We met at a fraternity/sorority party in 1979. We left the LA Beta Chapter house and went to the local pizza place. I wasn’t hungry but watched him eat an entire green olive pizza. Who does that?! Durwood has always been a very quiet and reserved gentleman. I think that was what drew me to him …
not to mention the mischievous sparkle in his eye.

Q: What are your interests and hobbies?

A: A music major in college, the arts are my first love. I also love to travel and am always up for adventure! And there’s nothing like Saturday night in Tiger Stadium! No shade on my UL-Lafayette days, but being from Baton Rouge, I bleed purple and gold. Love me some Tiger Football!

Q: What GAC experiences stand out to you?

A: Mackinac Island, 1990 – my first – was an amazing and beautiful setting. Prior to computers and websites, I arranged to get us registered for the GAC and surprised Durwood with plane tickets to attend. The weather was perfect; it was a beautiful trip. 

The funniest GAC was Scottsdale 1998 where the heat was at a record high, and Durwood INSISTED on renting a convertible to ride around in. I prayed for rain the entire time.

The New Orleans GAC in 2006 was difficult in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I loaded up as many ladies as we could fit in my Suburban, and we toured some of the storm ravaged areas. It was heartbreaking. 

Probably the most special GAC was 2016 in New York City. It was a wonderful trip with lots to see and do. I was so thrilled to have enough LA Beta folks to take up a whole table. Usually, Durwood and I were the only attendees from the chapter at the final banquet. Then, to be awarded the Ladies Silver Bowl … I still get chills every time I think about it! I am so humbled to be included among the Phi Psi Ladies who have been recognized. It is a most cherished memory, and I am deeply honored.

Q: As a guest, what connections have you made with others at GAC?

A: The connections that I’ve made are priceless. When diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, one of my first calls was to Jackie O’Rourke. Jackie is a survivor and a source of inspiration and strength. And there are many others as well. What I appreciate most about GAC is the fellowship that we enjoy. Many of us look forward to it as a chance to not only see old friends but also to make new ones! 

Over the years, you see young families grow, celebrate grandbabies, share in losses of loved ones, and it’s so special to call each one a friend.   

Q: What about the Order of the S.C. celebration stands out to you? 

A: To me it’s about tradition. To attend seven GACs is a commitment and should be celebrated. I love seeing the gentlemen in their tuxedos, and I do believe they are proud to show off their spouses as well. In our younger days, I can remember the comment after dinner being, “Don’t wait up for me.” More recently that’s changed to: “I won’t be too long!”

Q: What does Durwood’s involvement in Phi Psi mean to you?

A: It has brought lifelong relationships that will not be broken. At a time when he was most ill, brothers would call or text to check on him and offer help and prayers. Having that strength to lean on was incalculable. It is inspiring to me to see Durwood – and other brothers – recite The Creed from memory and know that he means every word.

Growing up, while most of Durwood’s contemporaries collected comic books, he read auto repair magazines. A car enthusiast, he spent his free time tinkering with cars, including the 1968 Camaro his father bought for him. After Durwood graduated high school, he worked for a year to purchase a brand new 1978 Camaro Z28. He used that car all through college and even drove it from Louisiana to attend the 1980 GAC in Indianapolis – his first of 19 to date. 

A goal entering college was to join a fraternity. Durwood visited several on campus but found a home at Louisiana Beta and bonded quickly with its members. He held offices, served on committees and remained active after graduation. And, of course, it was there he met the love of his life, Janie. They have been married 40 years and have a son and daughter.

In his early professional life, Durwood and Janie started a retail business – a local card and gift shop, which they owned and operated for about seven years. After that, Durwood established Keller Consulting LLC. There, he works with local business owners, providing support based on individual needs. He also kept a hand in the family business of commercial rentals and property management.

Durwood, along with other Phi Psi stalwarts, remained active in support of the chapter even as their families and careers took the driver’s seat.

In an economic downturn for Lafayette in the 1990s, the enrollment on campus dwindled and so did the chapter membership. In 1991, then Executive Director Terry Harper Oklahoma State ’85 paid the chapter and key alumni a visit. “I knew what was coming, but getting the news really hit hard,” Durwood recalled. “Our charter was pulled.”

Shifting gears, Durwood and several others stayed connected, visiting campus for Homecoming and annual get-togethers. After being closed for more than 20 years, they organized a Crawfish Boil – a staple in the heart of Cajun country – inviting alumni. Will Haskett Butler ’00, an HQ staffer, was also extended an invitation. Haskett attended the event and was impressed with the camaraderie. “He told us then and there we needed our chapter back on campus again, and that he would do all he could to help,” Durwood said. The chapter rechartered in 2015 and continues to thrive.

Some of his fondest Phi Psi memories come from the GAC. In Atlanta in 1982, Durwood joined 13 chapter brothers in attendance, and they won the Man Mile Award. “We even beat the guys from California!”

“In 1990, my wife surprised me with tickets for the GAC in Mackinac, Michigan, making all the arrangements to cover our absence at our retail store. It was great!”

In 2000, Durwood was inducted into the Order of the S.C. “That was one of the proudest moments of my life. I will always remember it, and I’ve attended every GAC since.” 

He always looks forward to standing among celebrated brothers at the final banquet. “I don’t think I’ll ever be the last man standing for most GACs attended, but it’s an honor to stand with them.” Durwood is grateful for those who have shown such dedication to the organization.

“Janie and I look forward to GAC. It gives us joy just to be able to be there.” 

It doesn’t take a mechanic to figure out that on life’s road, from steering them toward each other 40 years ago to navigating all the speed bumps along the way, Phi Psi is a driving force on the Kellers’ journey.