The Orion Online

Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: Online Exclusives

Nov. 19, 2008

California's second chapter of the national professional fraternity Phi Epsilon Kappa held it's first initiation Friday.

The fraternity's Executive Director Jeff Vessely flew in from Indiana to attend Zeta Phi's initiation meeting. He stood in front of the students to congratulate them on their acceptance and explain the fraternity's logo.

"You have taken on a double responsibility," Vessely said. "Personal responsibilities and professional responsibilities."

According to the fraternity's Web site, membership is open to students interested in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine and sports management.

Zeta Phi's founder and president Scott Amick was visibly excited to see his idea come to life, as he stood in front of his new brotherhood.

"There are five majors in kinesiology, and there is no unifying source for professional development, fund raising, and social camaraderie currently in place," Amick said.

"The goals are to allow students an avenue to service the community and grow professionally by attending state and national conferences relative to their discipline."

Officers took turns explaining the different pillars of the brotherhood. The three pillars were peace, friendship, and brotherly love - defined as mutual appreciation and reverence for one another. Following the explanations, the new members vowed to "uphold the name and honor of the fraternity" and then were given the secret password and handshake, which they were responsible for spreading to the rest of the group.

Duane Knudson, professor and interim chair of the kinesiology department, is looking forward to the future of the department after this advancement.

"Many human health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are often best handled by interdisciplinary approaches, so it is important that future kinesiology professionals work together," Knudson said. "I would like to thank Scott [Amick] and the PETE Club for taking this step toward greater professionalism and unity within the three of the professional clubs."

Kelsey Eidbo can be reached at
keidbo@theorion.com

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools