Phi Psi triples with pledge class

The Phi Kappa Psi fraternity recently accepted a freshman pledge class that nearly doubles its current membership. Eight brothers -- four of whom are seniors -- currently comprise the organization. But this year's pledge class boasts a "colorful" group of 15 members, according to Wharton freshman Clive Correia, who is also president of the Freshman Class Board. College freshman and Phi Psi pledge Josh Diamond said the pledge class decided to rush the fraternity as a group before the rush process began last month. "We all got to start off as friends and we picked each other instead of getting picked by a fraternity," he said. College freshman Neal Chazin said he agreed, adding that he hopes to help shape the fraternity with his pledge class. "It's more of a challenge to try to start something new than to join something that's already established," he said. "We can make [Phi Psi] what we want to make it." Phi Psi President Scott Pearlman, a College senior, said he thinks the new pledge class will "lead to a bright future" for the fraternity. "It's definitely a step in the right direction," he said. "They seem like a great group of guys, so it will be a lot of fun molding the old and the new." According to Phi Psi pledge Noah Bilenker, a member of the Undergraduate Assembly, the fraternity is following the chapter's national community service-based pledging program. "It's a positive form of pledging," the College freshman said. "Idealistically, this is what it's supposed to be, anyway." InterFraternity Council President Josh Gottheimer, a College junior and Alpha Epsilon Pi brother, said the pledging program is in line with the IFC's 21st Century Report, which is scheduled to be released later this month. "It's incredibly promising for the Greek system," he said. "This house has taken the first step toward our plan for the next century, and I commend them for that." Gottheimer added that he believes the pledge class will help to revive the chapter. "You're definitely in peril when your numbers start to drop," he said. "This is obviously a clear sign that this house is on the rebound and is glowing -- obviously the upperclassmen have worked very hard to reach this point." The pledge class began its program last Thursday at St. Mary's Church, where they helped to prepare a dinner for the homeless, Correia said. "We're doing this as a pledge class, but even after we're initiated, we're going to continue doing this throughout the semester," he added. Lee Ann Draud, meal coordinator for the University City Hospitality Coalition, said she appreciated the help from the pledge class. "I think it's very nice they came and helped out," she said. "We appreciate our volunteers."

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