Contributing Writer
Phi Sigma Pi (PSP), F&M’s co-ed National Honors Fraternity, held a fall recruitment and added 13 individuals to the Epsilon Class on Sept. 15.
According to Micah Wood ’14, public relations chair of PSP, the fraternity has taken in larger initiate classes in the past to build a presence on campus and a large fraternal community. In recent semesters, including this one, they focused on taking smaller groups of dedicated individuals who are excited to be involved on campus and to take on leadership positions.
The recruitment process spanned two weeks, where two information sessions occurred on Sept. 5 and 6 and formal recruitment events occurred on Sept. 9, 10, and 11. The new members officially became initiates on Saturday, Sept. 15. The information sessions were held to provide an introduction to the goals and principles of the organization and to give possible recruits a chance to meet brothers.
Interested prospectives then attended two rush events where they had a chance to introduce themselves, explain their academic goals and values, and what they could bring to PSP. The brothers then invited prospective initiates back for “callbacks,” where they were interviewed. After this process was complete, the fraternity chose those whom they thought fit best with the fraternity’s culture and offered them bids.
PSP was brought to campus as a complement to F&M’s Greek Life in the Spring of 2010 by then-juniors Deirdre Kelly ’11 and Laura Perkowski ’11, when the organization began admitting enthusiastic and leadership-oriented students. The fraternity is built on the foundational principles of leadership, scholarship, and fellowship, also known as “the tripod,” which, together with its co-ed nature, somewhat differentiates the group from traditional Greek organizations. PSP experienced a milestone last year when it officially joined Greek Council. Members may be active in PSP as well as a social fraternity or sorority, with some exceptions, and they generally conduct rush periods each semester.
“Phi Sigma Pi is grateful for the ample opportunities and support the school has given us over the past few years,” Wood said. “Our public events have been successful and support for our philanthropy, Teach for America, is growing.”
Wood added that PSP is very excited to have their 13 new members and encourages them to strive for academic excellence and curiosity while strengthening their bonds of fellowship as a fraternity.
Questions? Email Alexandra at aglenges@fandm.edu.