Iota Phi Theta
Fraternity gives back to community through volunteering
By: Audrey Ferguson
Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
~excerpt
Instead of simply following time-honored traditions, the brothers of Iota Phi Theta endeavor to create their own.
Iota Phi Theta fraternity seeks to contribute to Murray State and the community by building traditions. Operating under the motto "Building a tradition, not resting upon one," the members of Iota Phi Theta attempt to make a difference.
"(The members of Iota Phi Theta) are trying to develop and perpetuate scholarship, citizenship, leadership, fidelity and brotherhood amongst men," said Derrick McReynolds, Iota Phi Theta faculty adviser and assistant director of residential education. "From what I've gathered and seen, they really do try to do that."
According to iotaphitheta.org, Iota Phi Theta was founded at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., in 1963. This was during the Civil Rights Movement, and the 12 original founders sought to work toward making a difference, while encouraging others to do the same.
One of the newest black Greek organizations, Iota Phi Theta was chartered at Murray State on March 4, 2001. The chapter, called Epsilon Theta, works in conjunction with the national fraternity. Nationally, Iota Phi Theta is involved in Iota and Youth Alliance, the Developing Better Fatherhood Project and the Cultural Education Movement.
"The Cultural Educating Movement is working to educate students about the culture we are now in," McReynolds said.
On a local level, the members of Iota Phi Theta volunteer through the Toys for Tots program with the Willis Center day care center for children of single parent homes.