A Petition to the Supreme Council and Chapters of Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity

Transcription

1 A Petition to the Supreme Council and Chapters of Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity From the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Colony of Gamma Beta of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity Spring 2018

2 Statement of Petition To: The Supreme Council and Grand Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma From: The Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Colony of Gamma Beta We, the members of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Colony of the Gamma Beta Chapter, do hereby formally petition the National Fraternity for the establishment of a permanent collegiate chapter at Florida A&M University. With this request, we accept all responsibilities associated with this honor and commit to upholding the Three Objects of Alpha Chi Sigma. We were established in Spring 2015 and have worked closely with our parent chapter Gamma Beta of Alpha Chi Sigma which has allowed us to reach where we are today. Our members have always displayed great interest in getting the colony to reach its best potential through embodying the Three Objects and the Five Obligations. We have grown together as brothers throughout this process which has allowed us to increase the student body s interest here on campus. Therefore, allowing us to have the ability to prosper with each growing pledge class. We have been active in holding educational STEM events as well as volunteering in the Tallahassee Community. With your support and acceptance of our request, we hope to continue this sacred brotherhood with not only members at the Florida A&M University, but other chapters as well. We wish to continue our progress as a chapter in promoting the fraternal objects and obligations on our campus and to the surrounding communities. The brothers of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University colony of the Gamma Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma would like to formally thank you for your time and consideration. We strongly hope that you will see our progression and enthusiasm to this brotherhood and allow us the opportunity to officially become a chapter of the Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity, Incorporated. Yours in the Double Bond, The Brothers of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Colony

3 History of Florida A&M University Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University was founded as the State Normal College for Colored Students, and on October 3, 1887, it began classes with fifteen students and two instructors. Today, FAMU, as it has become affectionately known, is the premiere school among historically black colleges and universities. Prominently located on the highest hill in Florida s capital city of Tallahassee, Florida A&M University remains the only historically black university in the eleven member State University System of Florida. The College was relocated from its original site on Copeland Street to its present location, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students. The name was changed in 1909 to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC). The following year, with an enrollment of 317 students, the college awarded its first degrees. In spite of a setback caused by a tragic fire that destroyed Duval Hall, the main building which housed the library, administrative offices, cafeteria and other college agencies, progress was made when a gift of $10,000 was presented to the College by Andrew Carnegie for the erection of a new library facility. This facility held the distinction of being the only Carnegie Library located on a black land-grant college campus. President Nathan B. Young [ ] directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture and mechanical arts. Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee, Sr., [ ], the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today. Buildings were erected; more land was purchased; more faculty were hired; courses were upgraded, and accreditation was received from several state agencies. By 1944, FAMC had constructed 48 buildings, accumulated 396 acres of land, and had 812 students and 122 staff members. In 1949, under the guidance of William H. Gray, Jr. [ ], expansion, along with reorganization, continued; the College obtained an Army ROTC unit, and student enrollment grew to more than 2,000. Perhaps one of the greatest achievements came under the presidency of Dr. George W. Gore [ ]. The Florida legislature elevated the College to university status, and in 1953, Florida A&M College became Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Obtaining university status meant restructuring existing programs and designing new academic offerings to meet the demands of producing quality students at the professional and graduate levels. Between 1953 and 1968, the Schools of Pharmacy, Law, Graduate Studies, and Nursing were created. During the years , the University experienced its most rapid growth. The administration of Dr. Walter L. Smith [ ], the University grew to eleven schools and colleges and a Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. In 1984, the University was granted the authority to offer its first Doctor of Philosophy degree, the Ph.D. in Pharmacology. For 131 years, Florida A&M University has served the citizens of the State of Florida and the world through its preeminent educational programs that are the building blocks for a legacy of academic excellence with caring. FAMU, "Florida's Opportunity University," is committed to meeting the challenges and needs of future generations.

4 History of Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Chemistry connects the physical sciences, life sciences and applied sciences. Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University offers programs approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This allows students to graduate with an ACS-certified degree. Narquinta Richardson was a Chemistry major at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. She was dual enrolled in Instrumental Analysis at Florida State University. One day while attending class, at FSU, she noticed a flyer to attend a Rush for the Gamma Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity. She contacted Gamma Beta to inquire whether FAMU students were eligible for membership. After being approved to apply for membership Ms. Richardson gathered 5 other FAMU Chemistry majors to attend Alpha Chi Sigma Rush and after applying and going through the initiation process, the six FAMU students were then initiated Fall of 1994 as Gamma Beta s of Florida State University. 20 years later, in November 2014, she contacted the National office of Alpha Chi Sigma to inquire about starting a chapter on FAMU s campus. She was directed to Alpha Chi Sigma District Counselor, Matt Schnippert who gave her an outline and instruction on the expansion process. Ms. Richardson felt that Alpha Chi Sigma would benefit FAMU s chemistry department because there were only a few students majoring in chemistry and the sciences who had a special bond. Dr. Edwards, Physical Chemistry professor recommended DeCoria McCauley, a chemistry student, that would help bring this to fruition. Ms. McCauley showed interest after Ms. Richardson briefed her on the fraternity. In December 2014, Mrs. Richardson met with FAMU s Office of Student Activities to inquire about the process for organizing a group. Ms. McCauley and Mrs. Richardson met weekly to write by laws and a constitution according to FAMU s and Alpha Chi Sigma s process. Ms. Richardson appointed the first Master Alchemist and Vice Master Alchemist, DeCoria McCauley and Jason Scott, respectively. After receiving approval from Dr. Bouyer, Chemistry Chair, and Dr. Edington, Dean of College of Science and Technology (he was pinned) and turned in all of the paper work they were ready to begin the process. In January 2014 Ms. McCauley, Mr. Scott and Ms. Richardson met with Florida State University, our parent chapter, to assist our group through the process. Ms. McCauley and Mr. Scott listed chemistry students for us to invite as prospective students into our fraternity. Our first pinning ceremony was held on FAMU s campus in Jones Hall on March April 10, 2015 was the first initiation, held on FSU s campus in the Dittmer Chemistry Lab Building. Our founding members included DaCoria McCauley, Jason Scott, Kaniece D. Latimer, Nigel Lascelles, Martika Moss, Marca Donaldson, Rodneysha Blackett, Tony Hansberry II, Dr. Nelly Mateeva (co-advisor) and Narquinta Richardson (Advisor). The 2 nd pledge class, of 5, was pinned on February 5, 2016 at FAMU in Jones Hall with FSU, the parent chapter, present. On April 9, 2016 initiation was held on Florida State University Campus at the Dittmer Chemistry Building. The pinning ceremony for the 3 rd pledge class was held at FAMU in Jones Hall with

5 help from the parent chapter, FSU, on September 28,2016. On December 2, 2016 was the first initiation held at FAMU in the Frederick S. Humphries Environmental Science and Research Building, for our 3 rd pledge class, of 8. FSU participated as the parent chapter and Georgia Southern participated and FAMU colony borrowed their regalia for the initiation process. On this same day Matt Schnippert declared Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, Alpha Chi Sigma, group (pre-colony) a colony after reviewing the initiation procedure. FAMU s 4 th pledge class, 0f 8, held their pinning ceremony at FAMU in Jones Hall on February, The 4 th pledge class initiation was held at FAMU, in the Frederick S. Humphries Environmental Science and Research Building on March 31, For the current Spring 2018 school year 5 th pledge class was pinned on February 9, 2018 at FAMU s Jones Hall. This was the largest class at FAMU, with 28 people pinned. As of this date our initiation for the 5 th pledge class will be held at FAMU Frederick S. Humphries Environmental Science and Research Building on April 6,2018. FAMU s first service project as a pre-colony, was held on April 9, The colony volunteered at Florida A&M University s 3 rd Annual STEM day, showing chemistry experiments to middle school and high school students. The first fundraiser, in August, was selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Over $ was raised. In November 2016 FAMU s colony participated in the Turkey Drive. A full Thanksgiving dinner to 5 families was donated by the colony. In December 2016 FAMU participated in the Christmas Connection, the colony helped with the donation of families receiving Christmas gifts. In December 2016 boxes were painted for a toiletry drive for a Women s shelter. In February 2017 a second fundraiser was organized, with the franchise Blaze Pizza. On March 25, 2017 FAMU colony participated in Florida State s The Big Event. On April 8, 2017 the colony participated in the 4 th annual FAMU STEM Day. Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University is petitioning for chapter status. If they are granted the honor of becoming a chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma, Fraternity they will proudly hold this status in high regard and with much respect. As the only publicly funded Black College or University in the state of Florida, FAMU would be the second Historically Black College and University to hold this status. This would be an addition to FAMU s rich history. FAMU colony willcontinue this legacy: To bind its members with a tie of true and lasting friendship, To strive for the advancement of chemistry both as a science and a profession and To Aid its members by every honorable means in the attainment of their ambition as chemists throughout our mortal lives.

6 Members of the Florida A&M Colony Spring April 10 th, at Gamma Beta Rodneysha Blackett Marca Donaldson (Vice Master Alchemist Spr. 2016) Tony Hansberry II Nigel Lascelles (Parlimentarian Fall 2016 Spring 2017) Kaniece D. Latimer (Master Alchemist ; Secretary ; Vice Master Alchemist Fall ) DeCoria McCauley (Founding Master Alchemist Spring 2015) Martika Moss (Treasurer ) Jason Scott II (Master Alchemist Fall 2015-Spring 2017; Founding Vice Master Alchemist Spring 2015) Dr. Nelly Mateeva (Co-Advisor) Spring April 9 th at Gamma Beta Kaylan Brown (Treasurer ; Master of Ceremonies Fall 2017-Spring 2018) Ann Sophie Cherry Bianca McCracken DaMarco Milton Shyamalee Ramaraj (Secretary Fall 2016-Spring 2017) Fall December 2 nd at Florida A&M Shineille Blair Arnel Newsome

7 Marisa Noel Patrice Price Jasmine Reed Mercedes Theodore Sherine Thorpe Jada Timley (Vice Master Alchemist Spring 2018; Secretary Fall 2017-Spring 2018) Spring March 31 st at Florida A&M Shazzia Alexander (Community Service Chair Spring 2018; Parlimentarian Fall 2017-Spring 2018) Stephany Daniels Camisha Few Yameke Fletcher (at Gamma Beta) Jackie Jacqueline Jean-Giles Michael Johnson II Taylor Lindsey Ebonee Maxey

8 fr[oriuu [ grtculturu[ sn[ frlecbsnf tg[ Wxiber,iity TALLAHASSEE, FLoRIDA OO Excellence With Carins COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF CIIEMSTRY TELEPHONE; (850) E FAX: (850)s To: Supreme Council and Chapters of Alpha Chi Sigma Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity 6296 Rucked Rd. Suite B lndianapolis,!n /08/2018 Please accept my enthusiastic endorsement for the Alpha Chi Sigma colony at Florida A&M University. As a co- founder and co-adviser to the colony I have observed their activities since the very beginning. I am very proud of all dedicated, energetic, and professional your people who are working hard toward the advancement of the Alpha Chi Sigma. As a colony they have been very active in the STEM community on campus. They have participated in STEM day as well as the Big Event of Tallahassee. ln addition, they have become involved with assisting Kids lncorporated as well as began to mentor and volunteer at FAMU DRS. I strongly support the petition to grant our colony a chapter status. This will be the second HBCU in the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity and the first chemistry fraternity on campus. zbest Regards, Dr. Nelly N. Mateeva,/ Professor Department of Chemistry Florida A&M University Tallahassee, FL Te!: (850) nelly. mateeva@famu.edu FAMU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUMTY / EQUAL ACCESS UMVERSITY

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11 Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity P ro fe ss i on al in Che mi stry Office of the SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT COUNSELOR Matthew J. Schnippert 920 Shadowlawn Dr. Tallahassee, FL sedc@alphachisigma.org (904) Members of the Supreme Council, March 6, 2018 It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter to you to endorse the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Colony of the Gamma Beta chapter in their petition for a charter. This is a group of motivated brothers who strongly embody the objects of our fraternity in their actions and exude a true love for chemistry. They are a tight-knit group who will do a phenomenal job representing the fraternity as a reactivated chapter. I have had the privilege of working with them from the beginning of this process. From their initial interest meetings to their first initiation on campus, it s clear that the school supports this organization and is committed to seeing them succeed. They ve done a great job participating in events on their own campus and their parent chapter s, throughout the local community, and have been regular attenders of our district conclave. With a fertile ground of great students for recruitment and significant support from their department and the university administration, I am certain that this colony has established a strong foundation for future growth. They ve worked well with me, with their parent chapter, and with the other chapters (and colonies) in the district to grow into a solid group of students ready to take the next step. I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with them as our newest chapter. Yours in the Double Bond, Matt Schnippert Southeastern District Counselor

12 Alpha Chi Sigma Outreach Kids Incorporated: Beautifying the surroundings of the Budd Bell Early Learning Center in Tallahassee as well as assisting the teachers with cleaning classrooms. Thanksgiving: Passing out dinners to families Homeless Shelter: Feeding families that are not able to do so for themselves STEM Day: Showing different experiments based on the theme to children from schools near campus. Focusing on expressing chemistry as not only a science but as a profession. THE BIG EVENT: Beautifying Tallahassee every year at a different site FAMU DRS Science Fair: Showing experiments to the students at Famu-DRS Tutoring (Famu-DRS and Bond Elementary): Assisting students with understanding their lessons in school along with putting the emphasis on the Second Object of striving to advance chemistry both as a science and as a profession. Alpha Chi Sigma Pledge Activities Plaque Paintings: Having the Brothers and Pledges bond and be creative with their plaques, which allows the members to continue forming long lasting friendships. Bowling: Bonding with the Brothers and Pledges by playing on teams with Bigs and Littles allowing friendly competition and them to form close bonds with one another. Game Night (potluck style): Allows the pledges to interact and encourage them to form bonds, putting emphasis of the First Object of binding its members with a tie of true and lasting friendship. Attending events of the Brothers and Pledges to show support such as pageants, tennis matches, and symphony concerts. Alpha Chi Sigma Social Events Movies: Bonding with the Brothers and continuing to implement the First Object Football games and Homecoming events where we go together just to hang out and bond with one another Studying together and assisting one another with assignments and getting and giving advice from Brothers that are in grad school allowing us to implement the Third Object of aiding each member by every honorable means in the attainment of their ambitions as chemists throughout their mortal lives.