NPHC Legacy Now Set in Stone in Orange Grove

More than three years ago, members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) began discussions on establishing a monument on campus to represent and honor the NPHC’s history.  After a year and half of planning to place this monument in the Orange Grove, the NPHC proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 5, surrounded by fellow students, alumni, staff and administrators to dedicate the new bench and plaques.

Members of the NPHC at the bench monument dedication

Engraved on the plaques are the nine historically black fraternities and sororities represented by the NPHC, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.  The additional two plaques outline the organization’s history, dating back to 1930 with the founding of the national organization at Howard University.

“To have this visual representation of NPHC on campus means that we are an integral part of Syracuse University as well as the Syracuse community. Although students come and go over the course of four years, what we do while we are here can have an impact that lasts a lifetime,” said Alseny Frederick, a senior in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and president of the NPHC.  “Since the 1920s to present day, members of this council have worked hard to not only uphold the name of our respective organizations, but also uphold the people we serve. Therefore, this bench doesn’t only represent the organizations that make up the NPHC, but the people and communities that give the NPHC a reason to exist.”

Members of the NPHC, supported by their advisor, Debbie Manobianco from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, worked with current students, alumni and many University departments to create this important visual representation of the NPHC’s historic significance and presence on campus.  For those involved, it was exciting to celebrate the students’ leadership and this important effort.

“Students, staff and alumni came together from so many different areas, all to celebrate this tremendous milestone.  Our students created a tangible legacy that will now accompany the intangible, yet meaningful, bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood they develop over their years at SU,” said Laura Sanders, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

For more information on the NPHC or Greek-lettered organizations, contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.