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 mid-1990s, Phi Sigma Pi was expanding. There were several Phi Sigma Pi chapters around the Philadelphia Area; 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. The Phi Sigma Pi National Staff was curious why Drexel University, LaSalle University, and Saint Joseph University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania did not have chapters.
Patrick Herron, from the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, took a bartending job at the Blarney Stone at 40th and Sansom Streets in Philadelphia, PA during the summer of 1996. He worked there between semesters and met many friendly students from Drexel University and the Alpha Gamma Chapter from the University of Pennsylvania. Finally, he met with someone from the Drexel University staff who worked at the Office for Greek Life. After several conversations, he contacted the National Office and asked why Drexel didn’t have a chapter there. The National Office response was: “Drexel University didn’t want us when we asked.” Later, Patrick made a few calls to Drexel and finally got the attention of one of the administrators in Student Life. He talked with him about his experience with Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and how his chapter had a great reputation and made a positive impact on the community. After this discussion, Drexel gave the green light to start work on the establishment of a new Phi Sigma Pi Chapter by the end of the summer. During the process of creating a new chapter of Phi Sigma Pi at Drexel, Patrick was between jobs and finishing out his term as a chapter president of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter. He began student teaching. He was unable to continue work on the creation of the new chapter at Drexel, so Betsy Robinson took over the process. Gamma Xi Chapter was born. Patrick continued student teaching, and moved to New Jersey, where he held three jobs until he found a full-time position. He was unable to help out the Gamma Xi Chapter in its first semester. In Spring 1997, Betsy went to the Phi Sigma Pi National Council and asked that Patrick Herron be named the Founder of the Gamma Xi Chapter.
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, and won 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 Claudia Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship. In addition to the support from Mandy Younger, the Gamma Xi Chapter also had a lot of support from Mike Noll of the Alpha Lambda Chapter.
The Active Chapter
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: Marisa McStravick
- 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)
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 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.
Notable Alumni
- Mandy Ferriz (nee Younger) (Charter Class): 1998 recipient of the Richard Cecil Todd & Claudia 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
Notable Active Brothers
- Charles Pindle (Nu Class): 2007 Nominee for Vice President of Alumni Development; 2008 Nominee for 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
