Synopsis of the Iota Phi Theta and Phi Beta Sigma Probates

Within the last two weeks, most of the campus' attention has been turned to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy and the subsequent days off school. However, the campus continued to host events to encourage student's involvement in campus life. There were numerous things to do, but the most heart-warming were these two probates.  

Last week Iota Phi Theta Incorporated Fraternity held a probate to welcome three new members into its family. On October 26^th three young men joined a family that would forever change their lives. The probate was held in the Lane University Center and started roughly around 7:30 PM. Looking around the crowd, one would notice that while not every seat was filled, the diversity of the attendees could be seen. While the Iota Phi Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter is relatively small compared to other fraternities on campus, they are rich in tradition and history.

 Marching down the center isle of the performance room came the new Iota brothers. As they made their way down, they were singing the Hymm of Iota. Once the new members reached the stage, they began to step and sing renditions of popular hip-hop songs. Each of the songs that were performed were tailor-made to describe their journey to becoming an Iota. Throughout the performance people were cheering and congratulating the three new Iota brothers.

 The probate did not last very long and moved efficiently compared to other probates. The audience was silent when they had to be and almost everything that was said was heard.

Another probate I attended occurred on November 5 at 8:14 PM. The Kappa Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma held an event in the ARMAH to welcome its new brothers Kenny Anyikude and Osirus Baab. This probate was similar to one I attended last week because the main event featured the two new members stepping and singing modified versions of popular hip-hop songs. There were not many people in attendance however, and in fact, there were less people at this probate than at the Iota probate. This is probably because the probate took place on a Monday, when many students have homework and other obligations to fulfill. I also noticed that this probate was not as diverse as the one I attended last week.

I noticed that on the stage, the current members of the fraternity stood on the left side while the members who had graduated or do not attend here stood on the right side. I asked junior Mike Jones about his thoughts on the probate. “It was pretty good, I wish Kenny and Osirus were a little louder so I could hear what they were saying, I also wish the crowd wasn’t so loud either.” I also asked junior Brenden Williams the same question. He responded by saying “I’m really proud of everyone who just crossed over. It’s good to see so many people on campus getting involved in greek life.” 

These probates can almost instantly fill a person with a sense of pride and joy. One cannot help but be happy for anyone who decides to cross over into a new family.