After years of limited activity, Grand Valley State University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations are experiencing a resurgence, marked by a recent wave of new member presentations that aim to highlight a renewed presence and growing campus impact.
Student leaders and advisors are working collaboratively to revitalize Black Greek life on campus, not just through ceremonies and symbols, but through tangible acts of leadership, academic support and community engagement. By holding new member presentations—many for the first time in years—signals not just a return, but a reinvestment in scholarship, service and cultural representation on campus.
On Sunday, March 23, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held a reactivation ceremony for the GVSU Chi Xi Chapter, designating the sorority’s return to the University after a period of inactivity. Two days later, on Tuesday, March 25, the Chi Xi Chapter introduced itself to the campus community with a new member presentation. The event welcomed four recently initiated members who now represent the revitalized chapter.
The resurgence of NPHC organizations at GVSU has been marked by several fraternities reestablishing their presence. The Pi Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. announced its return to GVSU with a presentation on March 27. The event aimed to relaunch the fraternity’s legacy of brotherhood, excellence and tradition. Similarly, the Iota Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. reintroduced itself to the GVSU community on March 20. The event highlighted the group’s commitment to leadership and service.
“It’s exciting to see the growing presence of NPHC organizations at GVSU,” said Kamora Johnson, president of the Chi Xi Chapter.
New member presentations are a long-standing tradition in NPHC organizations. They publicly honor the commitment of new initiates, showcasing their identity within the organization, line names and the positions they hold.
“Each member is given a name that represents their personality and character traits,” McCloud said. “This is a tradition within NPHC organizations that honors the hard work and dedication of new members.”
The “line” structure assigns members positions such as “Ace,” “Deuce,” “Tre” and “Tail,” which often indicate the order in which members crossed and their leadership role or dynamic within the group.
The reactivation of Zeta Phi Beta is part of a broader trend of renewed momentum within the University’s Black Greek-letter community. Founded in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was established to champion the highest standards of scholarship and service while fostering sisterhood and integrity.
“Over 105 years ago, our five founders envisioned a sorority that would raise the consciousness of all women, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement and foster a commitment to serving others,” said Laila McCloud, the GVSU chapter’s undergraduate advisor. “Zeta Phi Beta has consistently focused on addressing social issues through our international platform.”
According to McCloud, that mission is evident in the chapter’s activities both on and off campus.
“Some of the activities we’ve hosted include Cupcakes and Conversations, study tables and making care packages for residents of Green Acres in Allendale,” McCloud said. “We are also planning a stress-relief activity to provide encouragement to students during finals week and are developing programming for the 2025-2026 academic year.”
As the Chi Xi Chapter looks ahead, recruitment remains a vital part of its plans.
“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is looking for women who want to grow as leaders,” McCloud said. “For 105 years, Zeta has been a trailblazing organization filled with women who are leaders on college campuses and in their professions.”
McCloud emphasized the importance of academic commitment and campus engagement for those interested in membership. She stated that prospective members must demonstrate a commitment to their academic goals by having at least a 2.75 GPA, be involved on campus and in the community, value sisterhood and “carry themselves with class and dignity.”
McCloud called attention to the impact of groups having renewed campus presence.
“These organizations have a long-standing legacy of academic excellence, community service and social justice,” stated McCloud.
