Who's In The Spotlight?
Learn about four Greek letter organizations that made an impact.
By Andi Guarin
Issue date: 10/16/06 Section: Features
In this week's edition of Greek Forum, four Greek organizations will be in the spotlight. It will highlight the organizations' founding dates, colors, mottos, and a brief history about the organizations. The Greek organizations that will be discussed are as follows; the brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., the brothers of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity Inc., the sisters of the Lambda Chi Rho Sorority, and finally the sisters of Nu Theta Chi Sorority.
The first Greek organization that will be highlighted are the brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. During the 1960's many African-Americans were challenging existing norms. So on September 19, 1963 Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. was founded in Baltimore, Maryland. The founding brothers of Iota Phi Theta chose to strike out in a bold new direction and it was not easy. It took a special breed of men to go against the norms and stand tall for what they believed. Keeping this perspective in mind, the founders of Iota Phi Theta established their purpose which is the development and perpetuation of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood among men of color. Their mascot is a centaur and their colors are charcoal brown and gilded gold. Today, Iota Phi Theta is recognized as a nationally incorporated fraternity. It is the fifth largest and one of the fastest growing predominantly black fraternal organizations in America. Their motto of, "Building a tradition, not resting upon one" means "What you add into the organization, you can be yourself and not be stereotype", says Fritz Oliver a proud brother of Iota Phi Theta. Even though the Fraternity's membership is made up of primarily of African-Americans, their membership is not restricted by race, creed, or national origin.
On December 12, 1990, 18 strong men from diverse backgrounds and cultures reached their final stage in what turned out to be the creation and foundation of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity Inc. They were co-founded in Montclair State University and New Jersey City University. Black, silver, and white are their colors with their mascot being the "Almighty Knight." Their founders felt that they needed to create an organization which not only offered a bond of unity and lasting relationship, but a fraternity which would emphasize the importance of multiculturalism in the lives of today's college students. The brothers of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc., also known as the "PHImen," are dedicated to the causes of education, community service, and multiculturalism. They believe that the best way to face the many obstacles that society brings is through education. By empowering themselves with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding, they diligently work in the elimination of ignorance that many young college students face today. "The best aspect of being in this organization is the influence and impact they have not only at Kean University, but in the community itself" said Hansley Cazeau, a brother of Psi Sigma Phi. As their motto states, "Young, Strong, and Proud", the brothers of Psi Sigma Phi continue to serve many colleges, universities, and the community to spread what they truly believe in, MULTICULTURALISM.
The first Greek organization that will be highlighted are the brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. During the 1960's many African-Americans were challenging existing norms. So on September 19, 1963 Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. was founded in Baltimore, Maryland. The founding brothers of Iota Phi Theta chose to strike out in a bold new direction and it was not easy. It took a special breed of men to go against the norms and stand tall for what they believed. Keeping this perspective in mind, the founders of Iota Phi Theta established their purpose which is the development and perpetuation of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood among men of color. Their mascot is a centaur and their colors are charcoal brown and gilded gold. Today, Iota Phi Theta is recognized as a nationally incorporated fraternity. It is the fifth largest and one of the fastest growing predominantly black fraternal organizations in America. Their motto of, "Building a tradition, not resting upon one" means "What you add into the organization, you can be yourself and not be stereotype", says Fritz Oliver a proud brother of Iota Phi Theta. Even though the Fraternity's membership is made up of primarily of African-Americans, their membership is not restricted by race, creed, or national origin.
On December 12, 1990, 18 strong men from diverse backgrounds and cultures reached their final stage in what turned out to be the creation and foundation of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity Inc. They were co-founded in Montclair State University and New Jersey City University. Black, silver, and white are their colors with their mascot being the "Almighty Knight." Their founders felt that they needed to create an organization which not only offered a bond of unity and lasting relationship, but a fraternity which would emphasize the importance of multiculturalism in the lives of today's college students. The brothers of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc., also known as the "PHImen," are dedicated to the causes of education, community service, and multiculturalism. They believe that the best way to face the many obstacles that society brings is through education. By empowering themselves with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding, they diligently work in the elimination of ignorance that many young college students face today. "The best aspect of being in this organization is the influence and impact they have not only at Kean University, but in the community itself" said Hansley Cazeau, a brother of Psi Sigma Phi. As their motto states, "Young, Strong, and Proud", the brothers of Psi Sigma Phi continue to serve many colleges, universities, and the community to spread what they truly believe in, MULTICULTURALISM.
