Gay Fraternity to Open Northern Arizona University Chapter
Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity announced late last week that it plans to start a new chapter at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Having gained conditional approval from NAU’s Greek Life office, the fraternity for gay and allied men has already begun to recruit potential members in Flagstaff for what will be their second chapter.
"After successfully founding our first chapter at Arizona State University, we look forward to building our Sigma Phi Beta brotherhood at Northern Arizona University," Sam Holdren, the fraternity’s president and chairman, said in a release. "Launching our first expansion project at NAU is a logical step for our fraternity, as it will allow our NAU members to receive direct support from our Tempe-based national office and our award-winning ASU chapter."
Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity’s expansion team has already begun taking steps to form the new chapter at NAU. Fraternity leaders met with interested NAU students, university officials and members of other fraternities and sororities on campus in April in preparation for a strong recruitment drive when students return to campus in August. Additionally, the fraternity is encouraging interested students to complete an online interest form at www.sigmaphibeta.org.
According to Holdren, fraternity leaders plan to introduce potential members to the fraternity through a traditional rush process, consisting of a week-long series of events and gatherings.
"During our rush process, we really strive to break the ice and really get to know the potential members," Holdren said. "We create a fun, social environment where people can truly be themselves."
After the rush process, those selected to continue will partake in a pledge education period before being initiated into the fraternity. This initial group will form Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity’s NAU Colony. Before the fraternity will recognize the group as a full chapter, the colony must meet several requirements, which can take one or two years to accomplish.
Officials in NAU’s Greek Life office have given their preliminary approval, agreeing to recognize the NAU colony when fraternity officials announce their formal recognition of the colony.
