Story and Photos by Brennan Hoskins
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article was published, introducing the chapter name incorrectly. It has since been updated and corrected. Talisman regrets this error.
WKU’s Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. chapter, Epsilon Theta, held its annual probate ceremony in Downing Student Union auditorium on Saturday, April 4, introducing six new members to the fraternity. Chapter Adviser Lamario Moore said he expects good things from the group.
“This is probably one of the best classes of recruits that I’ve seen come to this chapter in a while,” Moore said. “Their maturity, their development, their eagerness and their curiosity all make me excited as an advisor.”
Moore said Phi Beta Sigma is unique among fraternities for its inclusivity.
“We call ourselves ‘the people’s frat’ because we don’t discriminate,” Moore said. “It’s not just about us as Sigma men; it’s about everybody else.”
The auditorium lights shut off as Phi Beta Sigma entered with a series of chants. Its new members, faces concealed by skeletal masks, took the stage and performed musical tributes to the chapter’s graduating seniors.
The audience applauded as each recruit revealed their identity after a solo dance routine. In attendance were the friends and family of the new members, including Faith Hall, a special and elementary education major from Louisville.
“I know a few of the boys crossing, so of course I had to come support my great brothers and friends,” Hall said. “I can’t tell you, because it’s a surprise.”
The night carried on with more sketches and dance numbers. It concluded with a circle of fraternity brothers, new and old, singing the Phi Beta Sigma hymn.
Aquilla Dunn, an economics major and new recruit to the chapter, said he and his fellow fledglings worked hard to prepare for the event.
“I rehearsed a lot with my brothers to make a beautiful show for the public,” Dunn said. “Now I’m a proud member of this fraternity, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Dunn said the fraternity gives him a platform to advocate for social justice, which has always been a passion of his. He also said it will help him chase his true ambition in the future.
“Someday, I will become a professional actor, and this is only the beginning for me,” Dunn said. “I’m really grateful and proud of the legacy and brotherhood that I have found here at Western Kentucky University, in the Epsilon Theta chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.”
