Photo provided by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Beta Mu Chapter held a series of events throughout the week of Feb. 3 and welcomed several new members.
New members
The fraternity has initiated Shemarr Rice as president, Jeffrey Shehee as vice president and Kenneth White as secretary.
Since joining, the members have supported the fraternity with its events this past week.
Events
The week included a presentation on financial literacy, Project Vote (which helped students, faculty and staff register to vote,) Know Your Rights, Women’s Crush Wednesday, an Informational (for perspective men to learn about the fraternity) and a Woods Cleanup.
“[Project Vote] was important for us to implement on campus so minorities, new students and transfer students have that opportunity to vote,” said Tyler Willis, past president and current treasurer of Phi Beta Sigma.
Know your Rights, which covered the rights of different individuals and students on campus, educating attendees of their rights and how to handle situations involving the police.
In collaboration with Black Women Striving Forward, Women’s Crush Wednesday honored women and discussed how to support them.
“So many people [took part in Women’s Crush Wednesday] to support and discuss the issues. It was nice to see [that] people are willing to do something to change,” said Rice.
Moving forward
As a representative of the fraternity, Shehee attended the recently-held AFLV Central and National Black Leadership Conference.
“My biggest hope is to bring plenty of new members into the organization that hope to leave a positive impact on others and the world around them. I believe teaching the principles of brotherhood, scholarship and service will forever pave the way for their future careers and paths they may wish to take as a member in the organization,” said Shehee.
With the diversity of the organization being very broad, having members from different majors like Marketing, Psychology, Music, Health Services and more, Phi Beta Sigma is open to anyone interested in their values.
“A fraternity can give you everything you’re looking for within a college experience. If you’re looking for a job, Greek organizations help you with employment because of the large network that they bring, you [build] lifelong friendships and bonds and you get to travel. It gives you the opportunity to take that experience to the next step while also giving back in a meaningful and powerful way,” said Willis.
Rockathon
One of the important annual events the fraternity holds is Rockathon, a 24-hour dedication to raising money for the American Cancer Society.
“If anyone is interested in being a part of something that’s bigger than themselves, being a part of something great, or giving back to their community on a deeper level, a fraternity is for you; and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is the best option,” said Willis.
Visit the chapter’s website pbsalphabetamuchapter.org, their Instagram @abm_sigmas and their Engage page for more information on future events.
“One of our principles is scholarship, so we’ll be having periodic study tables throughout the semester to help students who are struggling with their grades and homework, doing community service and a lot of collaborative events,” said Willis.
