Three Penn State fraternities form independent council
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Three Penn State fraternities have established the State College Independent Fraternity Council (SCIFC) marking a significant moment in the history of Greek life at Penn State.
The SCIFC is working to create a sense of brotherhood with its members and to make a meaningful impact on the State College community. The council looks to foster an environment where members can develop leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and contribute to the betterment of their surroundings. This includes partnering with charities, organizing community service projects, and promoting brotherhood and philanthropic endeavors.
'Fraternities at Penn State were founded over 135 years ago as independent organizations and today we are charting a new independent course with the State College IFC', Founding President of the SCIFC and former president of the Sigma Chi chapter Sam Lanza said. 'The SCIFC is committed to creating a fraternity experience that is both personally enriching and socially responsible. We are incredibly proud that all three fraternities' international headquarters fully support this effort and share our vision for a more impactful and locally driven Greek system.'
Three of the founding fraternity chapters made comments about the council:
'Pi Kappa Alpha is looking forward to working with the leadership of the State College Interfraternity Council as it aids in the development of leadership, recruitment, and health and safety programming for its members,' Executive Vice President and CEO of Pi Kappa Alpha Justin Buck said. 'Pi Kappa Alpha has long supported the interfraternal efforts of organizations that help to advance the Fraternal experience for men.'
'Sigma Chi places great value on the benefits of inter-fraternalism at the campus, community, and international level,' Executive Director of Sigma Chi International Mike Church said. 'With their primary focuses being health & safety, brotherhood, leadership, philanthropy, and excellence, Sigma Chi international fraternity is looking forward to the benefits that will be derived from our chapter participating in the new State College Interfraternity Council.'
'To provide additional structure and support, the Board of Advisors and Collegiate Leadership of our Pi Chapter have decided to join in partnership with several other independent organizations to form a new independent interfraternal council,' Northeast Regional and Alumni Director of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Peter Dawson said. 'We support them in this effort and look forward to seeing the additional support it provides for the students.'
IFC will place an emphasis on safety saying they recognize the importance of member well-being. The SCIFC also partnered with Standing Stone Consulting, a leading provider of event security and risk management services.
The council said all fraternities will work closely with Standing Stone to ensure the safety and security of all events to promote a 'culture of responsibility and well-being.'
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