By Kezia Bryant
The Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity at the University of Louisville accepts all newcomers, no matter what major, class or gender, and everyone is welcome.
Started in 1904 at the New York University by a group of men known as the Boston Four, Alpha Kappa Psi has flourished across American campuses as a co-ed, business fraternity. What may seem an exclusive organization is actually one of the most inclusive registered student organizations to be found on campus. It is classified as a fraternity because one of their intrinsic values is “brotherhood” according to Roniqua Jeffries, president of the unique fraternity.
“A lot of people get it confused. We’re a business fraternity,” said Jeffries. “One of our core values is brotherhood and that’s what makes us a fraternity. Unlike other fraternities, we are not all about the social aspect. We focus more on the business aspect.”
The fraternity was started with the goal of providing students with more business skills such as networking besides other skills that are not usually taught in the classroom.
It aims to recruit any students who want to hone their business skills, despite their major and without having to go through a grueling pledging process. As a member of this fraternity, students will have access to many prominent business men and women on campus and throughout the Louisville community. According to Jeffries, “We get to meet really good people on campus and also work with the university career center. They always notify us of internships or if someone’s hiring. Our members also gain efficient interviewing skills and experience. Geico even gives members discounts on car insurance because the owner was a former member of Alpha Kappa Psi.”
The fraternity, is looking to recruit at least 40 new pledges in order to become an official chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi.
“I feel if someone has the need to get their business off the ground we should let them join, we shouldn’t leave them out,” said Jeffries.
In other words, students should not expect to participate in any unnecessary or drastic measures to become a part of the fraternity.
During the pledging process, the recruits will have to take one quiz for five consecutive weeks, and at the end of those weeks will be expected to take the final exam. The quizzes will be over concepts dealing with Alpha Kappa Psi such as its history, colors, core values etc.
Alpha Kappa Psi does more than enrich its members; it attempts to enrich surrounding communities in Louisville because one of its core values is service.
While the fraternity is opened to all classes, it is actually interested in recruiting as many freshmen as possible.
As this is a fairly new RSO on campus, now is the time of greatest opportunity to become involved with it.
Not only does it serve as a social circuit revolving around brotherhood, but its focus on business offers students career-advancing skills other fraternities do not.
Alpha Kappa Psi will have tables set up in the SAC on March 25 – 26, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
