On Feb. 6, VSU chartered the Greek fraternity of Phi Sigma Kappa Inc.
Phi Sigma Kappa Inc., or Phi Sig for short, has a national fraternity of 93 chapters. There has been a Phi Sig colony at VSU since December 2006. The new chapter currently has 25 members. Three remain of the original 18 members who started the colony in 2006 and are still in attendance at VSU: Adam Carlock, Chris Santia and Ernie Prencke.
One of the original members, Michael Duncan, had an ill father, who himself was a member of Phi Sig. In efforts to live out his father’s legacy, Duncan, along with 17 other men, decided to start a colony at VSU in hopes of getting chartered and becoming a chapter.
The fraternity is unique in its own right.
“We were the only fraternity to write our own constitution and actually petition to be chartered, instead of having our national chapter come down,” Joshua Boston, chapter president, said.
“VSU has not had a major change in Greek life for the past ten years and we wanted to bring that change that the Greek life needed,” continued Boston.
The fraternity, like most others, has basic requirements that those interested must meet in order to be considered for membership. One must obtain a 3.0 or higher GPA as an incoming freshman from high school and 2.25 or higher for transfer students. The fraternity’s focus is on leadership qualities, strong character, honor and scholarship. Each fraternity member is required to perform at least 10 hours of community service each semester, as well as collectively raise 100 or more dollars.
Boston believes that Phi Sig stands out for a reason.
“[The reason is] true brotherhood,” Boston said. “The fact that we have been through so much together for the last three years working to get chartered has truly bonded us together in a way that I think is unmatched by other organizations. I am certain these brotherly bonds will last for the rest of my life, and we will welcome new members with open arms if they are willing to put in the time and dedication to being a true man of honor.”
The fraternity started as a gentleman’s club, which helped to promote true character in its members and was the first to adopt a no-hazing policy, according to Boston.
Because of zoning laws in Valdosta and with Phi Sig newly chartered, the fraternity has recently purchased a house, in which resides Boston and active members Paul Brannon, Joey Gregos and Brad Edgerton.
The brothers of the newly chartered fraternity believe the small size of Phi Sig has its benefits.
“All [Phi Sig] had were tables in the Magnolia Room, which allowed me to get to know the members on a more personal level and really get a sense of what they stood for,” Rusty Reitz, active member, said.
Boston said, “I encourage anyone who is willing to step out of his comfort zone and become a man of honor with good character to rush [Phi Sig].”
Tags 2009-2010 2010-02-11 Jasmine Hicks
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