THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives
National Founding Date: January 9, 1914
National Founding Location: Howard University; Washington, D.C.
Fraternity Motto: Culture for Service, Service for Humanity
Fraternity Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White
Famous Members: Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Huey P. Newton, George W. Carver, Karl Malone, Mike London, Jerry Rice, Richard Sherman
Chapter Name: Zeta Eta
Charter Date: April 17, 1974
Current Chapter President: Jesse Dawkins Jnr.
Number of Current Active Members: 7
Contact:
CHAPTER HISTORY @UVA
The year 1974 was a tense time for African-American students. At this time, the University of Virginia was less than 5% black, as it had only recently begun a policy of affirmative action. African-American students sought avenues with which they could improve the University atmosphere, as well as help the Charlottesville community. With this mind, a group of six courageous men, under the guidance of honorable brother T.H. Lacy, looked to charter a chapter of Phi Beta Sigma at the University. Brother Chavis Harris, Clarence Cain, Charles Scott, John James, Larry Walker and Charles Conyers founded the Electrifying Zeta Eta Chapter on April 17, 1974. Brother Donald Spell was on the charter line but was initiated in the summer prior to the 1974-1975 school year. The chapter would flourish for the next two decades.
Zeta Eta not only carried out the ideals of Sigma, but also did whatever it could to improve conditions at the University. ZH has produced many successful lawyers, doctors, businessmen, educators, and even professional athletes. Over the years, we have also developed a strong bond with our sorors from the Tau Theta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; Inc. Zeta Eta became inactive in 1993, and would not return until the turn of the century. With the help of other undergraduate and graduate chapters around the region, and our sorors, in 2000, the reactivation process began.
Two dedicated young men, Brother Michael McCoy and Brother Natario Couser, were the first to be initiated into the newly reactivated ZH chapter. They worked diligently to not only implement programs that would uphold the principles of sigma, but to ensure that the chapter would stay active after they left the University. The spring 2002 initiation of Brother Joseph Obi, Ingo Harry, Kofi Owusu and Jude Norelus ensured that Sigma’s presence would once again be felt on the University Grounds. With the solid foundation created by these brothers, ZH continues to creatively serve UVA and Charlottesville communities through service, programming, leadership, artistic expression, and visibility on Grounds. ZH looks forward to continuing the legacy forged by all of the brothers who have come through the chapter. “Our Cause Speeds On Its Way”.
CHAPTER SERVICE PROJECT
Emphasis on Community Service and Social Action
Under the Hoodie: A Trayvon Martin Forum (co-sponsored with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
November 2011, 2012 & 2013 Homeless Awareness Month and Sleepout for the Homeless
Fitness And Wellness Forums, 1 in 4 Sexual Assault Awareness Forum
Stepping at Local Boys And Girls Club
Computers 4 Kids
Philosopher’s Club Poetry Workshop
Projects have included Winter Toy Lift, Holiday Sharing w/ Madison House, working at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, and Cleaning up Cherry Avenue
We’ve also collaborated with non-NPHC fraternities and sororities establishing good relationships with Sigma Pi, AKD Phi, A E Pi, etc. We like to extend our network beyond the black community as this is a humanity service organization (MGC, IFC, ISC)
In the future, the Zeta Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma will be expanding its service horizon to the West Indies. Beginnning this Fall (of 2014) ZH will be collecting books, school supplies and well as monetary donations to be donated to St. Charles a primary school on the Island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
INTAKE
Are You Interested in Becoming a Member?
The members of the Fraternity are constantly looking for men with a distinguished portfolio of professional achievement, community service, and personal development. Membership in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is by invitation only. In order to be considered for membership, interested men must submit an application packet for review by a team of members. The team members will exam your qualifications, background and character.
The membership intake process is conducted by intake certified members whose principle task is to provide guidance and impart knowledge about the Fraternity to potentials who are selected to participate in the Membership Intake Process. Additionally, the Membership Intake Team’s ultimate goal is to create a viable member through the instilment of a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, professional achievement and the thirst for service through individual and collective works.
If you are interested in membership we suggest that you contact a member of the chapter so that you can be contacted by the Chairman of the Membership Committee.
As an interested individual, you should be aware that there will be membership assessments and fees in addition to gathering the information and materials listed below:
A completed Membership Application
Provide a copy of your college degree or college transcript
Complete a Hold Harmless Form
Letters of recommendation vouching for your character
2 – letters from professionals
1 – letter from a financial member of the Fraternity
Your personal statement of interestMembership fees/assessments
