Gamma Xi Chapter
Gamma Xi Chapter (Founded 3 February 1997) is located at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The chapter was founded by Alpha Epsilon Chapter Alumnus Patrick Herron and is a member of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region.
Contents
Chapter History
Founding
During the 1990s, Phi Sigma Pi experienced unprecedented growth nationally. During this period of expansion, the national staff sought out prospective colleges/universities beyond the geographic regions where chapters were well populated, such as the Eastern United States. Pennsylvania had long been a stronghold of PSP Chapters with several in the Philadelphia Metro region including Alpha Lambda Chapter at Temple University, Alpha Epsilon Chapter at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and Zeta Iota Chapter at Saint Joseph's University. In addition to the work of our national staff, many chapters came into existence through the efforts of undergraduate and alumni Brothers.
In the summer of 1996, Patrick Herron, an undergraduate Brother of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, worked part time as a bartender at the Blarney Stone at 40th and Sansom Streets in University City, at that time owned and operated by his family. During that time, he had the opportunity to meet and network with students and staff from Drexel University, one of whom worked at the Office for Greek Life. After several conversations with staff in the Office for Greek Life and later Student Life, he had the support needed to bring Phi Sigma Pi onto campus and begin work towards establishing a chapter. Throughout the Fall of 1996, Betsy Robinson, then Director of Expansion for Phi Sigma Pi National Office, completed the necessary steps towards establishing a chapter. Following a successful campus marketing campaign to introduce the Drexel community to Phi Sigma Pi, the Gamma Xi Chapter was born.
Early Years
During the early years, Mandy Younger (now Ferizz) was a real powerhouse for the Gamma Xi Chapter. She joined Phi Sigma Pi during the birth of the Chapter and was in the charter initiation class. She became Gamma Xi's second Chapter President and also the Chapter’s first female President. Spirited and motivated, she led Gamma Xi to the top of Phi Sigma Pi’s ranks in a very short time. She helped the Chapter win two National Awards: the 1998 C.H. McClure Single Service Award and the 1998 Clarence O. Williams Most Improved New Chapter Award. Mandy was awarded the Chapter Service Key, and was the 1998 recipient of the Richard Cecil Todd and Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship. In addition to the support from Mandy Younger, the Gamma Xi Chapter also had a lot of support from Michael-Andrew Noll of the Alpha Lambda Chapter.
The Active Chapter
Drexel University operates on a quarter system. The Executive Board is elected in the middle of the Winter term each year. Transition takes place during the second half of the Winter term, with the new E-Board taking over at the start of Spring term. Committee Chairs are elected by the Chapter prior to the start of every term.
Current Executive Board
- President: Jennifer Mongiat
- Vice President: Ambuj Suri
- Treasurer: Sagar Vallabh
- Recording Secretary: Marina Cugluiari
- Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Chung
- Parliamentarian: Drew Houriet
- Historian: Kristina Nikolova
- Rush Advisor: Janet Cai
- Initiate Advisor: Patrick Anstine
- Co-Initiate Advisor: Julia Wisniewski
- Regional Delegate/ICR Chair: Theresa Moriconi
- Alumni Relations Advisor: Ambuj Suri
Current Alumni Advisors
- Alumni Advisors: Vincent Zaccone, and Kristin Cuprizinski
Fall 2013 Committee Chairs
Past Chapter Presidents
- David Whittaker (1997)
- Mandy Younger (1997-1999)
- Jamie Ostroha (impeached) (1999)
- Andrea Morrocco (President Pro Tem) (1999)
- Donald G (last name unknown)
- Michelle Ballisalisa (nee Sangree)
- Ryan Marquiss
- Adam Aldrich
- Mona Darji
- Bob Zimmerman (Spring 2003 - Winter 2004)
- Corrinne Abrams (Spring 2004 - Winter 2005)
- Roger Dickerman (Spring 2005 - Winter 2006)
- Ashley Horton (Spring 2006 - Winter 2007)
- Bradley Youst (Spring 2007 - Fall 2007) - graduated in Fall 2007
- Antonio Greco (Interim) (Winter 2008)
- Emily Martorano (Spring 2008 - Winter 2009)
- Katlin Adlon (Spring 2009 - Winter 2010)
- Sarah Donnelly (Spring 2010 - Winter 2011)
- Chuck Longen (Spring 2011 - Winter 2012)
- Patrick Anstine (Spring 2012 - Winter 2013)
- Jennifer Mongiat (Spring 2013 - Present)
Initiate Classes
Main Article: List of Gamma Xi Chapter Initiate Classes
Past Chapter Officers
Main Article: List of Gamma Xi Past Chapter Officers
Major Chapter Events & Activities
Founder's Weekend
The Gamma Xi Chapter celebrates their Chapter's Founder's Day the first weekend of February every year. The weekend usually includes a formal dinner dance. In 2006, Gamma Xi and Delta Chi (Lehigh University) Chapters held a joint Founders Day formal at Li Michaels restaurant in Philadelphia. In 2007, Gamma Xi celebrated their 10th anniversary aboard the Liberty Bell, a cruise ship on the Delaware River, which is where their very first Founders Day formal had been held. In 2012, Gamma Xi is looking forward to celebrating its 15th year with the hosting of the 2012 Philadelphia Metropolitan Regional Conference, a lavish Founder's Day weekend celebration as well as a host of great local events.
Philly Cup
Gamma Xi jointly hosts Philly Cup with Alpha Lambda (Temple University) every November. The event raises money for the two Chapters local philanthropy, Autism Speaks. The weekended includes an info session on Autism awareness and education, an indoor soccer tournament, free cheese steaks from Pat's, and a party at a local bowling alley. In 2011, Gamma Xi had its most successful Philly Cup thus far, with over 200 Brothers from Chapters scattered across the country in attendance and over $2,400 was donated to Autism Speaks.
Notable Alumni
- Mandy Ferriz (nee Younger) (Charter Class): 1998 recipient of the Richard Cecil Todd & Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship; Chapter Service Key recipient
- Ryan Marquiss (Gamma Class): 2005-2007 Director of Communication, Phi Sigma Pi Foundation; Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter Officer; Honorary Delta Chi
- Charles Pindle (Nu Class): 2007 Nominee for Vice President of Alumni Development; 2008-2010 Vice President of Alumni Development
- Chris Costantino (Tau Class): 2010-2012 Senior Vice President; Chapter Service Key recipient
Chapter Honors and Awards
National Awards
- 1998 C.H. McClure Single Service Award
- 1998 Clarence O. Williams Most Improved New Chapter Award
- 2011 Top In Region Award - Philadelphia Metropolitan Region
- 2013 Outstanding Regional Event, Philly Cup co-hosted with Alpha Lambda
Other Awards
- 2006 Alpha Lambda Chapter and Gamma Xi Chapter's Philly Cup Tournament Champion
- 2007 Alpha Lambda Chapter and Gamma Xi Chapter's Philly Cup Tournament Champion
- 2009 Alpha Lambda Chapter and Gamma Xi Chapter's Philly Cup Tournament Champion
- 2012 Alpha Beta Chapter Volleyball Tournament Champion