Get to know the DePhiant Delta Phi Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. with questions answered by President Jalen Killings!
VSU: When was your chapter founded and chartered on the Valdosta State University campus?
JK: The DePhiant Delta Phi chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded and chartered on March 29, 2001, at Valdosta State University.
VSU: What is your chapter’s philanthropy or mission?
JK: Delta Phi’s mission is to give non-traditional black male students at our predominantly white institution a place to belong, along with the other eight black Greek-letter organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
VSU: Tell us about your chapter.
JK: My chapter has embodied the image of our founders ever since we were chartered: instead of being like a typical student focusing only on our classes, we also balance working demanding jobs, caring for our families, and overall, just having a more mature perspective on life. This stands true with every generation.
VSU: What made you personally want to join this chapter?
JK: I came to VSU determined to join a black fraternity to break me out of my shell, but what made Delta Phi stand out to me was the way they treated me like family before I was even a brother. I also resonated with their humble yet confident demeanor and being proud of themselves being Iotas when no one else was.
VSU: Is there anything about your chapter that you are especially proud of?
JK: I am especially proud of how my chapter can do the work that we do with such a low number of heads to work with, compared to the other NPHC organizations at VSU. It is a daily reminder that joining Delta Phi is not for the weak. One could say we wear the “underdog” role well.
I would like to end this by saying that while I will always advocate for my frat and my chapter, each NPHC chapter here has great people putting in the work to make VSU a better place for those that share our color. I still have yet to regret my decision to come to VSU and having all the Greek experiences I’ve had here as an Iota.
