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 East 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 Delaware Valley region including Alpha Lambda Chapter at Temple University, Alpha Gamma Chapter at University of Pennsylvania, Alpha Epsilon Chapter at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and Alpha Delta Chapter at Widener 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 every year, with the new E-Board taking over at the start of the spring term (around April). Committee Chairs are elected by the Chapter at the start of every term.
The current chapter Executive Board
- President: Emily Martorano
- Vice President: Sarah Fick
- Treasurer: Joel Gerstman
- Recording Secretary: Katlin Adlon
- Corresponding Secretary: Patrick Smith
- Parliamentarian: Patrick Smith
- Historian: Ashley Bathgate
- Rush Advisor: Joanna Elkes
- Initiate Advisor: Andrea Looney
- Assistant Initiate Advisor: Daniel Tonetti
- Regional Delegate: Neal Magnotta
Past Chapter Presidents
- David Whittaker (1997)
- Mandy Ferriz (nee 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) - Vacated in Fall 2007
- Antonio Greco (Interim) (Winter 2008)
- Emily Martorano (Spring 2008 - Present)
Initiate Classes
Main Article: List of Gamma Xi Chapter Initiate Classes
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.
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. Last year, over 130 Brothers from Chapters on the east coast attended, and over $2,500 was donated to Autism Speaks. For more information on this years Philly cup, contact the Gamma Xi President at pspgammaxipresident@gmail.com.
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
Chapter Honors and Awards
National Awards
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