Bloomsburg University’s chapter of Phi Sigma Pi held their first banquet this past Sunday to celebrate their success over the past couple of semesters.
Phi Sigma Pi (PSP) National Honor Fraternity is a gender-inclusive organization dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, inspiring Members to lead, cultivate lasting fraternal bonds while always conducting our lives with honor.
The fraternity also revolves around a “tripod” of principles: scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. According to the fraternity, this tripod leads members to be successful contributing citizens while at campus and into their professional careers.
Bloomsburg University was the 9th university to charter the fraternity in April of 1930, but went inactive in 2013. For the 100th anniversary of the fraternity, BU reestablished its chapter in the fall of 2015.
This past Sunday, both current brothers and prospective students presently going through the pledging process met in the Kehr Union Ballroom for their first annual banquet.
The banquet was set to celebrate graduating seniors of the fraternity, but also the pledge class from the fall. Last semester, PSP inducted over 70 students into the brotherhood. Previous induction numbers were between 15-40.
Seniors received their graduation cords and gifts from their littles, and the fall induction class received their official PSP certificates, their pin, and a t-shirt with the fraternity’s letters.
“This past weekend it was so exciting to attend our first annual banquet. It was a -really nice event to recognize our newer brothers, as well as have a send-off for graduating brothers” says senior Marianna Palumbo. “Not to mention, I got my first paddle and absolutely love it!”
For some, this was a warm welcome as compared to a farewell.
“Joining Phi Sigma Pi was hands down the best thing I’ve done during my college experience thus far” says sophomore Anna Jaskiewicz. “Being a commuter, my opportunities to make friends in college was limited to my classmates. It wasn’t until my third semester at BU when I decided I needed to join an extracurricular that would not only boost my resume but that would also help me create life-long friendships.”
The president of the fraternity, junior Kassie Luna, was ecstatic about the inclusion of the banquet to the fraternity’s schedule and all that the fraternity has provided her. “When I presented with the opportunity of being president of this organization I was honored and excited for a new adventure. The role of president has taught me patience, respect and the skill of putting others before myself. I am looking forward to what else my time as president will bring my way.”
Though numbers are at a steady increase, Luna still believes the more the merrier: “I would encourage all underclassmen to get involved with PSP and enjoy the same experience it has brought into my life.”
New initiates for the chapter are set to be inducted into the fraternity in the near future, and with the support of the brothers currently in the fraternity, they will be welcomed with open arms and a stronger sense of togetherness.
“I am so happy that I ultimately made the decision to join Phi Sigma Pi; it has been nothing but a positive impact on my college experience since day one,” says Jaskiewicz.