by Melissa Batty
Staff Writer
Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed business fraternity, held an informational meeting with hopes to colonize a chapter of the organization at the University of La Verne.
The meeting was held on Wednesday, March 6, in La Fetra Auditorium and was attended by approximately 25 to 30 people.
“Alpha Kappa Psi is a great opportunity to leave an individual mark on your University by colonizing a fraternity,” said the Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Psi, Kari Conser.
The fraternity began in 1904 at New York University when four friends decided they wanted to start a chapter of brotherhood for their friendship. Since that time, Alpha Kappa Psi has grown to more than 170,000 members, 230 college chapters and 150 alumni chapters in over 13 different regions nationwide. “Friendship is the best and biggest benefit,” said Conser.
The purpose of Alpha Kappa Psi is to allow its members to reach academic success and professional development, as well as an opportunity for members to learn about themselves, their interests and to form a tight social bond with other members of the fraternity.
“I was impressed with the camaraderie,” said Bill Creech, an Alpha Kappa Psi founder. “Each chapter seems to have their own personality.”
The president of the Alpha Kappa Psi chapter at Cal State San Bernardino, Joanna Peukert, said, “The brotherhood is very strong. I learned a lot of time management and leadership skills as well as the pros and cons of interviewing and resume writing, it’ [Alpha Kappa Psi] is a big plus.”
The fraternity is also affiliated with Junior Achievement, a program targeted to help young children stay in school and succeed to the college level.
In order to colonize a chapter on the ULV campus, Alpha Kappa Psi must have at least 30 interested rushees.
“We are confident that we have the numbers,” said Creech.
Once Alpha Kappa Psi has 30 people for the chapter, it will start its Rush period. Rushees will spend one day in a retreat to get to know more about Alpha Kappa Psi. After the retreat they will be installed as actual pledges.
The next step is fraternity initiation, where pledges attend weekly meetings in order to pass a national exam for the fraternity. Membership would start as soon as the pledge class is installed. Once installed, it would be a colonizing pledge class for ULV.
If there are not enough students interested in the fraternity, then colonization will be postponed until next term. “We would really like to get you guys up and started right away,” said Conser.
The cost for pledging and initiation is estimated at $75 and membership fees are $28 a semester. There are also national dues ranging from $50-$200 per term depending on the collection of dues and if the chapter holds fund-raisers.
The anticipated date for colonization of an Alpha Kappa Psi chapter on campus is May 4.
On the establishment of an Alpha Kappa Psi chapter at La Verne, Creech said, ”Our school is in a transition stage right now. The University of La Verne’s identity has stayed local. Alpha Kappa Psi would allow us to differentiate ourselves… we are trying to leave a legacy.”
Melissa Batty
