The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Parties of one: One-member fraternities offer unique experiences

Parties of one: One-member fraternities offer unique experiences
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Justin Morales and Genesis Reed flash their fraternity and sorority signs. Photo credit: Ellen Smith

 

Justin Morales schedules his fraternity’s chapter meeting based on his schedule. He talks to the Omega Psi Phi advisor when he needs to. Morales, a junior, is the president, but he’s also the treasurer, record keeper and recruiter.

With all those jobs to juggle, it is no surprise to find that Morales is the sole member of SMU’s Nu Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi.

“I want it to be known that even though it’s just me on campus, we’re still capable of putting things together,” Morales said.

Morales is not alone. Genesis Reed, a senior political science and human rights double major, is the only SMU member of her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta.

Both Morales and Reed joined their respective Greek organizations last spring in what National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters on campus call a probate. At the time, there were two student members of Omega Psi Phi and no members in Zeta Phi Beta.

Reed’s case is unique. After hearing about the Greek experiences from SMU staff members, she began researching, trying to find an organization that would increase her involvement in community service.

Zeta Phi Beta, at the same time, was working to create a resurgence chapter, where students from across Dallas universities would join in one city chapter. Reed became a member of Zeta Phi Beta, which is based at the University of North Texas.

“Don’t let what you see limit your options. Make an organization, bring another organization back to campus,” Reed said. “Don’t settle.”

Morales, who grew up hearing stories about Omega Psi Phi from his uncle, decided to join the small fraternity because of the values of the organization: manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.

“I’ve improved a lot,” he said. “To be in my position you have to stand on your character and know you’re capable, you have to have the wisdom to use the resources you have, always be reaching for your goals and continually bring those around you up as you climb your ladder.”

The alumni of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity have been a great help to Morales in the last semesters, as they are always available to share words of advice.

“Most of my support comes from off campus, other campus chapters and alumni,” Morales said.

His favorite memory of his time in Omega Psi Phi occurred this past January at the fraternity’s International Undergraduate Summit over Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. As the sole member of his fraternity, he was the representative for his chapter at the event.

“It was such a great opportunity to meet so many different people from different backgrounds who all share the same values. For me, it was so great to turn a corner and see five new faces, especially because I am the only Omega at SMU,” Morales said.

For Reed, the alumnae and other member support is what keeps her going.

“It’s more than just the group of people you come in with. It’s a sisterhood that is vested physically in the community,” Reed said. “When you think about joining a sorority, look at who is in the organization and what they do. You have to pair with their values and principles more than anything.”

SMU Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life Ashley Fitzpatrick emphasized that values are integral in the success of Greek organization.

“The success of a Greek organization or individual chapter is not measured by the number of members they have, but by actions of those members. Each of our councils operate slightly differently, but as long as a chapter’s members are living by the values set by their founders, they are successful organizations,” Fitzpatrick said.

Since the formal recruitment process for NPHC chapters is underground, neither Morales nor Reed could disclose whether more SMU students would be joining their organizations this spring.

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