Epsilon Delta Chapter
Epsilon Delta Chapter (Founded 28 April 2003) is located at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. The Chapter is a member of the Southeast Region.
Contents
Chapter History
Founding
The Epsilon Delta Chapter was founded at the the University of South Florida on April 28, 2003. The Chapter is part of the Southeast Region, which includes three other Florida chapters: Gamma Epsilon (University of Florida), Gamma Chi (University of Central Florida), and Gamma Eta (Florida State University). The Epsilon Delta Chapter is one of the youngest chapters of Phi Sigma Pi, but looks forward to making its mark nationwide.
The diversity of the USF student body extends to the Chapter. The brotherhood has a number of nationalities represented (Russian, Albanian, Filipino, and Pakistani, to name a few), as well as a wide cross-section of majors. Brothers are able to help each other academically through study groups, book swapping and general advice.
The Epsilon Delta Chapter participates in various activities and events at USF and in the community. Service projects include participation at USF's annual Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society; Joshua House, a local group home for children and teens; and Hope Lodge, a short term residence for cancer patients seeking treatment in Tampa. The chapter also participates in USF sponsored service events, such as Community Plunge. Each spring, we hold our Founder's Day Banquet, a formal event to celebrate the founding of the chapter, and take part in the Super Bull festivities during USF's Homecoming Week. Scholarship events include attending lectures by speakers such as Desmond Tutu, visits to local museums, and workshops to aid members in their academic and professional lives.
Early Years
Our Chapter was founded by 78 Charter Class Members!
The Active Chapter
The active chapter ranges in size from as small as 20, to as large as 40.
E-Board Members
President, Christine Vazquez
Vice President, Gynnekia Booth
Recording Secretary, Julie Manuel
Corresponding Secretary, Riny Thomas
Treasurer, Megan Carreras
Recruitment Advisor, Suzi Greenleaf and Moe Khawaja
Initiate Advisors, Alysia Cruz and Sarah Thomas
Historian, Shelby Hagemann
Parliamentarian, Stephanie Leombruno
Brother At Large, Matthew Turner
Alumni Advisor, Ryan Goldstein
Faculty Advisor, Marissa Zwald
Committee Chairs
Alumni Chair - Shelby Hagemann
Awards and Scholarship - Stephanie Leombruno
Fundraising Chair - Jessica Daily
Public Relations - Mia Tignor and Bryttani Sylvain
Regional Committee Delegate - Kathleen Carter
Service Chair - Danielle Goldsby, Kenitra Betts, and Jennifer Alvarez
Social Chair - Jenny Greene
Members
Devin Ambron, Randetta Archer, Brittney Benson, Jessica Burgess, Tristan Casanas, Whitney Dubuisson, Katie Hasson, Jacqueline James, Nykenya McBayne, Jessica Newport, Jennifer Palubin, Christina Peek, Ashley Peters, Porsche Purkett, Jasmine Siddiqi, Jerica Singleton, Bryttani Sylvain, Candice Thacker, Tiffany Todman, Khoury Vendura, Genesis Vieyra, Brandis Waiz and Amber Wilson
Mascot
Our Mascot is a Dinosaur named EDD, which stands for Epsilon Delta Dinosaur!
Past Chapter Presidents
- Jennifer Mathis (Spring 2003 - Fall 2003)
- Kiala Clark (Spring 2004 - Fall 2004)
- Wayne Bryant (Spring 2005 - Fall 2005)
- Casey Moore (Spring 2006 - Spring 2007)
- Jose Pizarro (Fall 2007 - Spring 2008)
- Justin Rizer (Fall 2008 - Spring 2009)
- Christine Vazquez (Fall 2009 - present)
Initiate Classes
Main Article: List of Epsilon Delta Chapter Initiate Classes
Chapter Events & Activities
Founder's Day Banquet
Epsilon Delta holds a banquet every year in honor of Founder's Day the weekend around the exact date. Alumni are always welcomed and we have a blast. During this banquet, numerous awards are presented. Here are the main awards:
- The Outstanding Brother Award in honor of Joey Suarez
- Brother who most exemplifies the tripod
- The Most Spirited Brother in honor of Aireen Ortiz
- A Brother who shows exemplary Phi Sigma Pi spirit
- The Admiration Award in memory of Darcy Enrille
- A Brother who shows tremendous dedication to the Brotherhood even while facing major hardships
- Mr. and Ms. Phi Sigma Pi
- Most spirited, most dedicated, most outstanding, best all-around
- Unsung Brother Award
- Brother who gives to Phi Sigma Pi from behind the scenes and goes unnoticed
- Most Dedicated Brother
- Most Dependable Brother
- Outstanding E-Board member
- Outstanding Committee Chair
- Outstanding Committee
- Mr./ Miss Congeniality
Alumni Weekend
In March 2009, Epsilon Delta began the idea of creating an Alumni weekend. This year, thanks to Alumni Chair Shelby Hagemann, the alumni came for dinner at Beef o' Brady's, Relay for Life fundraising party and bowling to meet the current Chapter and reconnect with members of their class. We hope to continue this every year and keep making it bigger and better.
Parents' Weekend
Epsilon Delta started a Parents' Weekend in Fall 2007. During this weekend, the parents of the active Chapter were invited to come and learn about the great organization their son or daughter is so involved in. We put this event in the Fall to bring parents to either watch a football game in Fall 2007 or tailgate and attend a game such as in Fall 2008. There is always a large turnout and parents get to meet the people their son or daughter always talk about or spend so much time with.
Brotherhood Retreat
Alumna member and past President Casey Moore started a Brotherhood Retreat in Spring of 2006. It was held at Day Springs and is held there every year.
Relay for Life
Relay for Life is very need and dear to the Epsilon Delta Chapter. In Fall 2008, we lost an alumna to Osteosarcoma. Darcy Enrille was a Beta Class member and was a dedicated Brother. She would use Relay to help spread her message of her cancer and we can only keep doing the same. Epsilon Delta raises over $1,000 in Relay. This is always a large turnout and brings the Chapter closer together. In Spring 2009, we dedicated our entire weekend to walking in her memory.
Phi Sigma Pi Scholarships
- On April 20, 2007 Epsilon Delta awarded their first Phi Sigma Pi Scholarships to two Hillsborough County high school seniors, Melissa Chudow and Jason Almcrantz.
- In 2008, Epsilon Delta awarded Kiran Keeshan from King High School and Jonathan Casanas from Hillsborough High School the Phi Sigma Pi Scholarships.
Notable Alumni
- Darcy Leilani Enrille (Beta Class)
- Born June 3, 1984, Darcy was diagnosed with the pediatric cancer Osteosarcoma on March 6, 2006. She passed away on November 8, 2008 after a long hard battle. She is missed and thought about everyday.
- Rachel Plate (Zeta Class)
- On March 10, 2009, Rachel got accepted to be a Teach for America Corp Member, a first from the University of South Florida. We look forward to adopting her classroom as our Teach for America Philanthropy activity.
Chapter Honors and Awards
National Awards
University Awards
- 2009 Most Spirited Organization at Relay for Life
Other Awards
- March 26, 2006: Epsilon Delta receives the "Most Helpful Chapter" award for GET SLAM'D from the Gamma Epsilon Chapter.
