The resurgence of Phi Beta Sigma on Grounds has excited supporters of black Greek life at the University.
Phi Beta Sigma, a black fraternity, initially founded the Zeta Eta chapter at the University in 1974, but became inactive in 1993 after all of its members graduated. Now, two students plan to resurrect the fraternity through the guidance of adviser Ishmail Conway, who works with the Upward Bound program, an initiative that helps underprivileged high school students attend college.
Fourth-year Engineering student Michael McCoy and fourth-year College student Natario Couser are working to re-establish the organization on Grounds. McCoy and Couser will serve as the organization's president and vice-president, respectively.
"The University right now is not in the best position in supporting African-American fraternities," Conway said.
He added that the University provides more active support for other fraternities and sororities on Grounds.
"This is a good opportunity to build a well-thought out program that embraces African-American fraternities and sororities that are integral to the University," he said.
Fourth-year College student Kevin Stokes, president of the Black Fraternal Council, also said Phi Beta Sigma will strengthen black fraternity life.
"Phi Beta Sigma will enhance the BFC, and the community as a whole. It will provide new ideas to our activities," Stokes said. "Moreover, this fraternity will give men another option in considering membership in black Greek lettered organizations."
Phi Beta Sigma's student founders said the organization will distinguish itself through an emphasis on its founding principles.
"Phi Beta Sigma is more service-minded than many other fraternities," McCoy said.
Couser said the organization wants to fulfill its original intent of "exemplifying the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship and service."
Under the motto, "Culture for Service, and Service for Humanity," Phi Beta Sigma already has fostered several community service programs since its unofficial reactivation last fall.
Couser said among other activities, Phi Beta Sigma was involved in tutoring through Outward Bound, a drive to raise moral support for troops in Afghanistan and raised money for cancer through "SWWAC" (Sigmas Waging War Against Cancer). Phi Beta Sigma also was a co-sponsor of an affirmative action teach-in last December.
Future Phi Beta Sigma activities include drives for the homeless, tutoring at local high schools and a comedy show.
Students interested in joining Phi Beta Sigma should contact McCoy.
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