Student leaders and advisors are working collaboratively to revitalize Black Greek life on campus, not just through ceremonies and symbols, but through tangible acts of leadership, academic support and community engagement. By holding new member presentations—many for the first time in years—signals not just a return, but a reinvestment in scholarship, service and cultural representation on campus.

On Sunday, March 23, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held a reactivation ceremony for the GVSU Chi Xi Chapter, designating the sorority’s return to the University after a period of inactivity. Two days later, on Tuesday, March 25, the Chi Xi Chapter introduced itself to the campus community with a new member presentation. The event welcomed four recently initiated members who now represent the revitalized chapter.

The resurgence of NPHC organizations at GVSU has been marked by several fraternities reestablishing their presence. The Pi Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. announced its return to GVSU with a presentation on March 27. The event aimed to relaunch the fraternity’s legacy of brotherhood, excellence and tradition. Similarly, the Iota Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. reintroduced itself to the GVSU community on March 20. The event highlighted the group’s commitment to leadership and service. 

“It’s exciting to see the growing presence of NPHC organizations at GVSU,” said Kamora Johnson, president of the Chi Xi Chapter. 

New member presentations are a long-standing tradition in NPHC organizations. They publicly honor the commitment of new initiates, showcasing their identity within the organization, line names and the positions they hold.

“Each member is given a name that represents their personality and character traits,” McCloud said. “This is a tradition within NPHC organizations that honors the hard work and dedication of new members.”

The “line” structure assigns members positions such as “Ace,” “Deuce,” “Tre” and “Tail,” which often indicate the order in which members crossed and their leadership role or dynamic within the group.

The reactivation of Zeta Phi Beta is part of a broader trend of renewed momentum within the University’s Black Greek-letter community. Founded in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was established to champion the highest standards of scholarship and service while fostering sisterhood and integrity.

“Over 105 years ago, our five founders envisioned a sorority that would raise the consciousness of all women, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement and foster a commitment to serving others,” said Laila McCloud, the GVSU chapter’s undergraduate advisor. “Zeta Phi Beta has consistently focused on addressing social issues through our international platform.”

According to McCloud, that mission is evident in the chapter’s activities both on and off campus.

“Some of the activities we’ve hosted include Cupcakes and Conversations, study tables and making care packages for residents of Green Acres in Allendale,” McCloud said. “We are also planning a stress-relief activity to provide encouragement to students during finals week and are developing programming for the 2025-2026 academic year.”

As the Chi Xi Chapter looks ahead, recruitment remains a vital part of its plans.

“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is looking for women who want to grow as leaders,” McCloud said. “For 105 years, Zeta has been a trailblazing organization filled with women who are leaders on college campuses and in their professions.”

McCloud emphasized the importance of academic commitment and campus engagement for those interested in membership. She stated that prospective members must demonstrate a commitment to their academic goals by having at least a 2.75 GPA, be involved on campus and in the community, value sisterhood and “carry themselves with class and dignity.”

McCloud called attention to the impact of groups having renewed campus presence.

“These organizations have a long-standing legacy of academic excellence, community service and social justice,” stated McCloud.

The event, which featured six of the University’s nine Panhellenic sororities, incorporated dancing, singing and lip-synching, stand-up comedy, magic tricks and more. Each participant flaunted their best runway walk before showing off their talent. Attendees could also buy event-specific T-shirts at the door.

The pageant included Bella Trevino of Alpha Sigma Alpha, who dressed as Adam Sandler and performed stand-up comedy. Brooke McKay of Phi Sigma Sigma performed a dance costumed as Pitbull. Sophie Clemens of Gamma Phi Beta dressed as Charli XCX and performed magic tricks. Dressed as Bruno Mars, Riley Diemert of Alpha Omicron Pi gave a dance routine. Ella Hopson of Phi Mu dressed as Ariana Grande and sang. Ella Soesbe of Alpha Sigma Tau exhibited a speed-painting, and dressed as Tate McRae.

“It (Bruno Mars) was a fun character,” Diemert said. “My specific talent is a dance with a partner. He’s (Diemert’s dance partner) a pledge here, and it was fun.”

While she hadn’t participated in a pageant-like performance since high school, Diemert figured she had nothing to lose when she saw found out about the event in her sorority’s GroupMe. Having known some of the brothers beforehand, and seeing the pageant as a chance to have fun, she signed up.

“(My favorite part of the event was) getting to know all the brothers (and) meeting the girls,” said Diemert. “It’s (the event) all for fun and charity.”

In the end, Soesbe went home with the crown after wowing the audience with her painting. As the winner, she was able to take home 12% of ticket sales to support Alpha Sigma Tau’s philanthropy, Women’s Wellness Initiative.

For the brothers of Phi Kappa Tau, the event’s key focus is on charity, even considering the entertaining show.

“It (the pageant) allows us to donate to our philanthropy, and it allows our guys to do something greater than themselves by all coming together to put on an amazing show,” said Benjamin Nader, the fraternity’s social chair. 

As part of his role, Nader was responsible for establishing participants, as well as coordinating all of the performers’ practices. He also served as one of the three judges who awarded the Miss Phi Tau title.

Jonah Edgerton, the vice president of Alumni Relations for Phi Kappa Tau, stated the event had a big impact on the University’s Greek Life community.

“My favorite part is bringing the community together, and I think it (the pageant) raises money for a really good cause for Serious Fun,” Edgerton said. “We plan on continuing doing this for a couple more years. Everybody loves it.” 

The pageant also serves to strengthen not just the fraternity’s community relations, but also their bond as brothers. 

“Any time you have a big event like this, it brings the brotherhood closer together,” Edgerton said. “Everybody has their own tasks, like I brought the letters today. Getting to hold everyone accountable and working together as a group always brings people together.”

At the Black Historical Living Museum event, students were greeted by the GVSU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) upon entering Kirkhof Center’s Grand River Room. Those in attendance were able to learn about historical African American figures, as well as hear presentations given by historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Notable figures discussed during the event included Lionel Richie, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Michael Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, Huey P. Newton and Sandra Bland. Representatives from GVSU’s fraternities and sororities presented information about the figures and the role they played in both their fields and African American history as a whole. The museum’s interactive component kept participants engaged and interested in learning about the individuals discussed and the organizations that raised awareness of them.

Also known as the Divine 9, NPHC upholds the legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Currently, Grand Valley State University has five active organizations that fall under this category– Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho, which were highlighted during the event. While each organization has its own individual outreach program, they are all united in their goals of developing the local community, encouraging education and fostering connection among college students.

Attendees were also provided with a “historical passport.”  Upon visiting each organization’s table, students got to check off boxes in their passports. Each organization chose a member they wished to highlight in the form of a presentation.

“The purpose of (the) event (was) to highlight and inform people on impactful African American figures who have made a difference in the Black community,” said Antonio Green, NPHC president at GVSU.

According to Green, the aforementioned fraternities and sororities were founded during racial segregation and provided spaces for Black students to develop leadership skills, foster lifelong bonds and engage in community service.

“Our NPHC organizations at Grand Valley have played a very pivotal role in enhancing student life, promoting diversity and encouraging academic and personal growth within the University community,” Green said.

Kaiya Smith, NPHC vice president at the University, said the council was inspired to host the event in an effort to educate students on Black History Month and historically Black fraternities and sororities. 

“This event came about because our council wanted to find a way to inform people on the importance of Black history and the significance of Divine 9 organizations,” Smith said. “We thought this would be a great way to do both in one (event).”

Black History Month focuses on recognizing the history and accomplishments of the African American community by encouraging students to educate themselves and foster both diversity and a sense of belonging. The Black Historical Living Museum and similar events aim to educate students on important figures and organizations that can develop multicultural awareness.

Two more events related to Black History Month are scheduled to take place throughout February at the University. Taste of Soul will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and the Black Business Pop-Up will be held the following Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Prior to Pi Kappa Phi’s suspension, corrective measures had been implemented due to past misconduct. According to Ben Witt, the director of the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, the chapter was already on disciplinary probation when they were suspended.

“Pi Kappa Phi, like all registered student organizations, must uphold the standards put forth in the student code,” Witt said. “Suspension is not something that anyone at GVSU wants to ever see happen to a student organization; but when behavior warrants it, GVSU has a responsibility to hold groups accountable.”

The chapter’s suspension has resulted in the opportunity to reevaluate the values and standards of Greek life. Faculty members, such as Jeremy Paul, the Assistant Director of Student Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), feel that reflecting is necessary to rebuild the Greek Life community at GVSU. Paul emphasized prioritizing the wellness of all community members rather than preserving a chapter that has caused some students to feel unsafe.

“In situations like this, our community members are asked to provide emotional support, while also upholding the standards and expectations of what it means to be University affiliated,” said Paul.

Despite these challenges, faculty of fraternity life at GVSU remain optimistic about the creation and expansion of several new fraternities. During the Winter 2024 semester, Zeta Psi Fraternity was recognized by the University as a registered student organization, providing a new option for interested students. GVSU’s Triangle Fraternity has also embraced an opportunity for growth by enacting a plan to expand. The fraternity appeals to students majoring in engineering and architecture, as well as physical, mathematical, biological and computer sciences. In the coming years, the fraternities Sigma Chi and Beta Theta Phi also hope to expand.

“Roughly 5% of the male population at GVSU is affiliated with a fraternity,” Paul said. “The goal of expansion in any capacity is to increase the overall market of experiences, ensuring that all men who are interested in finding a fraternity (can find one that) is in alignment with their values, as well as their personal, academic and professional goals.”

By taking these actions to encourage an awareness of fraternities, Greek organizations intend to foster a more diverse community of responsible and supportive individuals. While it is necessary to recognize and resolve issues that arise, it is also important to celebrate the achievements and positive aspects of Greek life.

“We operate with the hope that our University-affiliated Greek-letter organizations adhere to the standards for a vibrant, safe and healthy fraternity and sorority experience,” said Paul. “By promoting shared values like leadership, service and justice, FSL positively impacts the entire University community.”

APO is a nationally recognized chapter that focuses on service projects with the goal of giving back to the greater Grand Rapids community. As their focus is giving back to the community, APO was nominated for the Care For Community award at the Student Life Awards.

Throughout winter semester rush week, APO hosted several events in hopes of spreading their message and getting the word out about the opportunities the fraternity offers to prospective students. 

On Monday, Jan. 23, the fraternity hosted its first rush week event. This event doubled as a service project, where fraternity members made bracelets for a local children’s advocacy center as well as cat toys for an anti-animal cruelty society. This event was followed the next day by an information meeting.

“My favorite part of being in Alpha Phi Omega is being able to give back to the community while spending time with great people,” said APO President Jillian Roux. “APO is filled with amazing people who are all members because they genuinely want to do good for the community. When I joined, I was welcomed with open arms by everyone. I have been able to make great connections with those in the fraternity, as well as meet many new individuals as they join us at our events.” 

On Jan. 25, the fraternity celebrated the middle of rush week with another service project event. Students were welcome to join APO to make bears for children living overseas through the Hugs Project. To close out the week, APO held one final event at Kirkhof Center. The fraternity’s current members socialized with prospective members while making plarn, a plastic yarn that will later be donated to help make durable bedding mats for homeless people to sleep on. 

“Our fraternity focuses on giving back in a multitude of ways in hopes to impact as many people as we can,” Roux said. “We focus on leadership, friendship and service. I think our cardinal principles truly aim to allow us to grow as individuals, as well as make connections while we are making a difference. I was also drawn to APO because of how open and welcoming the community is, as well as the various opportunities to continue to get more involved.”

APO allows prospective members to join any time throughout rush week. Even if it’s not the first event, students are welcome and encouraged to come to the event and try it out. Students wanting to become members can even pledge without attending any events. 

“I would definitely recommend students join a fraternity,” Roux said. “One thing I feel many people are not aware that fraternities do not necessarily mean traditional Greek life. There are plenty of fraternities that stand for different purposes yet, they all bring a sense of community and friendship.”

For more information about joining APO and its events throughout the semester students can visit their Instagram @apo_azi or contact them through their official email gvsuapoapi@gmail.com. 

Fall recruitment lasts one week, and students are able to meet people involved in Greek Life as well as other interested students to try and find the best fit for them.

Those involved in Greek Life say it provides an accepting and welcoming environment, serving as a pathway to professional opportunities for everyone involved. 

“I went into it not knowing anything about it, so I was really unsure, but I ended up really liking my sorority and getting a lot out of it,” said Olivia Berryman, the president of Alpha Sigma Tau. 

Panhellenic sororities also provide their members with volunteer opportunities focused on the philanthropy chosen by the sorority. 

This year, 228 girls have signed up for sorority recruitment, which is being held fully in person for the first time in two years.

Each round of events is aimed to help the prospective members focus on their desired chapter. Mutual understanding and common goals help members pick out which sorority will fit their expectations of Greek Life. 

Recruitment will close out on Sunday, when bid day will be held, during which girls will “run home” to the community they connect with the most. All sororities will have different themes to welcome their new members to their houses. 

Although Greek Life is mostly focused on traditional sororities and fraternities, there are also professional co-ed fraternities focused on career preparation and community. Mu Epsilon Delta, a pre-health professional fraternity, welcomes everyone who is involved in pre-health to join their chapter. 

“I wanted to create a community that was bigger than the clubs at GVSU,” said Sierra Gulli, the founder of Mu Epsilon Delta. “Members get more benefits this way because it has an established national board.”

Although professional co-ed fraternities focus more on the practical aspects of Greek Life, they still value common interests and community within their chapters. With everyone working toward a common goal, the members are given plenty of opportunities to push themselves and create a professional life that fits their liking. 

Aside from Panhellenic and professional sororities and fraternities, GVSU also has multicultural chapters in Greek Life that focus on cultural communities. The Multicultural Greek Council currently includes five chapters, each focused on different multicultural identities. These sororities and fraternities focus on fostering the cultural similarities between their members and creating a welcoming environment for everyone who decides to join them. 

Although recruitment week has already started at GVSU, interested students are encouraged to reach out to any chapter they might be interested in joining.

Winter recruitment occurs in the second semester, creating an opportunity for students who have missed fall recruitment to join Greek Life. Different events will be held and most chapters involved in Greek Life will be accepting new members at that time. 

Every year the National Pan-Hellenic Council of GVSU presents a yard show where the nine historically black sororities and fraternities, the “Divine Nine,” each perform a step show. This year the event took place at the Amphitheater at the Mary Idema Pew library. 

Step is a type of dance that focuses on footwork. Limb movements and styling are restricted or not as important. An example of this would be doing clog dancing. To those involved, the yard show is about so much more than just the step show that everyone loves to see. 

“It’s about Greek unity when it comes to showcasing what their organization is all about and having a good time,” said Ja’lyn Goolsby, a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. 

The event kicked off with the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at GVSU, Sade Hall, introducing herself to the crowd of hundreds of people. She began the event by introducing the first organization to perform, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. 

The organization performed along with giving engaging historical information about what their colors are (in this case black and gold), the year they were founded, the organization’s motto and the bylaws they live by. This was followed by another step show.

Kiara Walker, a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, said their routine took about two weeks to learn with practices every day. 

The next performances were by the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. While all of these Greek houses are part of the Divine Nine, Delta Sigma Theta was the first of the Divine Nine to be founded at GVSU.

There was a brief intermission where students spoke about why, to them, the yard show should be attended regardless of involvement. 

“I wanted to show support to my black community, there aren’t many of us here so when we have events it’s a great way to bring us together,” said sophomore Taryn Williams.

During the intermission all of the students sitting decided to get up and do various popular hustles to the music playing. 

The intermission was followed by performances of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho (SGR) and the rest of the Divine Nine. SGR had lots of graduates and alumni join them in performing, showcasing their sisterhood. 

“I think it’s good for people who want to join certain organizations to see what they’re about, this is a great way to communicate with other organizations out here,” Goolsby said. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, students who are interested in learning more about psychology can attend the program’s ice cream social.

The event will run from 6-7 p.m. in room 2270 in the Kirkhof Center. There will be multiple psychology organizations there for students to get to know including Psi Chi, the Psychology Club and Psych Friends.

Psi Chi is the oldest psychology group on campus and is the International Honor Society in Psychology.

The event is free for those who are interested. Besides ice cream, there will also be trivia and information about each club.

Register for recruitment

For those interested in joining a sorority registration for 2022 Panhellenic Recruitment is live now through the end of the week. The registration period will be ending on Sept. 23 with formal recruitment beginning that day. In order to join a sorority, those interested must preregister online through campus director at gvsu.mycampusdirector2.com. This signs students up for all sorority recruitment options and costs $30.

As well as the Panhellenic recruitment, there are three other councils that will be recruiting: the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Each of these groups has its own ideals alongside supporting different charities to give students who join a chance to give back to the community.

GVSU Greek Life focuses on aiding in the development of leadership skills through social and philanthropic activities. For more information on these groups and their recruitment days, students can follow @gvsufsl on Instagram.

Donate blood to help save lives

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan will be holding blood drives this week for students.

All donations go to hospitals nearby to help save patients’ lives. The first will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 20 at the Kirkhof Center in room 2263. The following day there will be one in the Kirkhof Center in room 2215/2216 at the same time.

Get to know Campus Ministry

On Friday, Sept. 23 Campus Ministry will be holding multiple events for students.

There will be pizza at John Ball Park from 5 to 7 p.m. at John Ball Park followed by ultimate frisbee at GVSU’s field #1 from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Monday, Aug. 29 Campus Ministry is hosting a welcome back to school cookout and carnival. The event will take place at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower lawn starting at 6 p.m. Students are welcome to come for free food and activities to celebrate the start of the school year. There will be various carnival-themed games for students to play as well as to connect with their peers outside of the classroom.

Celebrate welcome week with Greek Life

Grand Valley State University’s Greek Life is holding a welcome back to school block party on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. The party will take place at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower lawn. There will be many different sororities and fraternities there, so incoming students looking to get involved with Greek Life can make connections with the groups. However, all GVSU students are welcome to go to the block party, not just those who are involved with Greek Life. There will be yard games, free food and giveaways for those who attend, while supplies last.

Free resources with rec center

GVSU’s Recreation and Wellness Center offers many opportunities for GV students, some of which are free for those enrolled at GVSU.

For students interested in having someone to help push them to reach their goals, the rec center offers wellness coaching. The center also has wellness navigators to help students find resources compatible with their goals and needs. Wellness Information Team peer educators are available at the rec center for any questions the students may have.

Throughout the first week of the semester, the rec center will also be offering free group fitness to give students a chance to try out the rec center before making any monetary or time commitments.

On Aug. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. the rec center is holding the grand opening for their on-campus Reset Room, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Science 490, on the downtown campus, this will be a space for an area on-campus for students to relax and reset their minds in between classes.

At the grand opening, students will be able to tour the space, win free prizes and enjoy refreshments and at 3 p.m. there will also be a 30-minute yoga session.

Following the event, the rec center is hosting sunset yoga in Lubbers stadium from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is free for students who wish to participate.

Compared to most fraternities or sororities at Grand Valley State University, APO prides themselves on being among the most accessible.

“We are an all-inclusive co-ed service fraternity,” said Casey Renee, president of the executive board of APO. “We welcome all gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities and religions. Our pledge process is non-exclusive.”

Rather than focusing on specific areas of study or service like most fraternities do, APO likes to keep their focus as broad as possible. This attitude allows for many more service opportunities for members.

“In terms of service, we participate in a variety of service projects instead of choosing a specific philanthropy like other sororities and fraternities,” Renee said. “Our club’s main focus is service, so we provide our members with many opportunities to give back to their community.” 

Reflecting their mission, APO is regularly holding events to give back to both GVSU and the Allendale and Grand Rapids communities. These events help APO members find new ways to volunteer and have positive effects on those outside of the organization. 

“Based on our three cardinal principles, we host mainly three types of events: service events, fellowship events and leadership events,” Renee said. 

Those three types of events allow APO to focus on different pillars of the broader GVSU community.

“Service events are any events that promote doing good for others such as passing out food to the homeless downtown and making dog toys for a local shelter,” Renee said. “Fellowship events are social events where members can bond with each other and create friendships. Leadership events are any event that enhances your skills as a leader or advances your education. Many of our leadership events come from workshops that GVSU hosts throughout the year.”

The recent week of events was focused on service and fellowship events. 

“Last week, we made a ton of dog toys out of old t-shirts for the humane society, had a coffee fellowship event and had brothers attend the Black History Month celebration,” Renee said. 

Although last week was busy for APO members, the organization isn’t slowing down anytime soon. They have many more events on the calendar for the rest of the semester.

“Alpha Phi Omega creates these events to serve the brothers, the university and the community,” said APO Treasurer Marie Hosep. “Personally, I’m looking most forward to our event later this month, where we’re making blankets for Project Linus, a non-profit that sends blankets to babies and children in hospitals. I think a lot of brothers are looking forward to that event.”

APO is always hoping to gain new members and grow their community. To keep the organization as accessible as possible their dues are cheaper than other fraternities on campus. However, there’s one unique requirement for new members.

“As a new pledge, you’ll attend informal classes for a six-week period to prepare you for your transition to active membership,” Renee said. “In these classes, you learn about our fraternity, both past and present, and help plan events that will be attended by the rest of our members. Pledges and active members alike are expected to attend different events throughout the semester in order to meet their membership requirements.”

More information about APO can be found on LakerLink or at the fraternity’s website, www2.gvsu.edu/apo/.