NPHC Garden and Plots Dedicated at SU
By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD---Since 1975, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Black Greek Letter fraternities and sororities at 石榴视频 have served as a leadership pipeline for Black student life on campus, with members serving in the Student Government Association (SGA), SU NAACP chapter, Black Student Union, and more.
SU recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of these organizations on campus with the dedication of an official NPHC Garden and plots, located behind the Scarborough Student Leadership Center.
The center serves as the home base for leadership programs, fraternities and sororities at SU.
“The NPHC Garden is more than just an area; it’s a milestone for 石榴视频,” said Jamal Earls, SU fraternity and sorority life coordinator. “It represents the University’s continued commitment to creating spaces where minority students feel welcomed, valued, and seen. As a minority myself, I knew this project needed to be accomplished. When I stepped into the role of fraternity and sorority life coordinator, I understood that this wasn’t something that should take years to happen. It was something we needed now.
“Our NPHC fraternity and sorority members play a major role in shaping the general student population and especially minority student experience at 石榴视频. They lead programs, host events, and drive campus engagement. In fact, over 90% of our NPHC members are also part of [SU’s peer mentoring program] Powerful Connections, demonstrating their leadership and dedication to making 石榴视频 a stronger, more inclusive community. The NPHC Garden stands as a lasting symbol of that commitment and progress at 石榴视频.”
“This [NPHC garden] space signifies yet another way 石榴视频 and the University System of Maryland (USM) value diversity and inclusive excellence, and the benefits these principles bring to campus and the community,” said SGA President Jahnaiya Sutherland.
SU’s NPHC Garden joins similar tributes at other USM institutions and throughout the U.S. These facilities pay homage to the contributions of NPHC member institutions, also known as the “Divine Nine,” including the Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta fraternities, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities.
SU leadership joined current and alumni members of the University’s NPHC organizations for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the dedication. Pictured, from left, are SU NPHC President Madison Elliott (Zeta Phi Beta); Cyrus Thomas-Ray (Omega Psi Phi); Kiona Chase (Delta Sigma Theta); Tricia Garvey Smith, SU Center for Student Involvement and Leadership director; Jamal Earls, SU fraternity and sorority life coordinator; Zebadiah Hall, SU vice president of inclusion, access, and belonging, and interim vice president of student affairs; SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre; Dana Trietsch (Alpha Kappa Alpha); Rashawn Markman (Kappa Alpha Psi); Samuel Hughes (Phi Beta Sigma); and Antonyo Nichols (Alpha Phi Alpha).
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.