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NEWS
| JAN. 29
Greek Life
New co-ed organization focuses on
Christian principles
Beta Phi Chi’s UTA chapter
holds an interest meeting and works on recruitment.
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| The Shorthorn: Brandon Wade |
| President Tenika Benjamin of the UTA
chapter of Beta Phi Chi talks about the co-ed Greek organization
Tuesday night in the UC Neches Room. The fraternity/sorority
was established in Dallas in October 2001 and currently
has three chapters. |
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by Britney
Tabor
The Shorthorn staff
The first co-ed Greek organization is going where no fraternity
and sorority have gone before — taking the gospel to the world
no matter what it takes.
Beta Phi Chi Christian Fraternity and Sorority Inc. held its first
interest meeting Tuesday to recruit members to the new chapter,
which started on campus this semester.
Beta Phi Chi, which stands for “Builders for Christ,”
is a Christian co-ed organization established in October 2001 by
21-year-old Minister Dennis Dotson of Rhema Christian Fellowship
Church in Dallas. Under the direction of Minister Rodney Berry,
Dotson and other members of Beta Phi Chi, the organization has established
four chapters in the past two years. The chapters include the Alpha
Omega (the beginning and the end) chapter at Rhema Christian Fellowship,
the Genesis (beginning) chapter at Texas Women’s University,
the Exodus (departure) chapter at Northwood University and the Leviticus
(the law) chapter at UTA.
Leviticus President Tenika Benjamin said the new chapter allows
students at UTA to have fun and not compromise their religion. Benjamin
said goals for the UTA chapter are bringing unity among students
and providing a healthy college experience.
“We’re giving people the opportunity to walk in the purpose
and destiny God has called them to,” she said. “Since
we are a Christian organization, our main focus is ministry, and
we never get too beside ourselves that we miss our opportunity to
minister to those who are lost and in need.”
As students entered the room Tuesday, they were entertained with
the sounds of gospel recording artists. The table at the head of
the room was draped in different colors, a picture and biography
of the founder and a Bible. With 12 students in attendance, the
meeting opened with prayer and a reading of Proverbs 3:6.
Radio broadcast sophomore Karlene Kilburn said she attended the
meeting because she is new to Texas and wants to surround herself
with Christians.
“I came from Michigan, and I just want to be around Christian
people,” she said. “I want to be around people who are
godly and working toward the kingdom of God because that is the
most important thing.”
Beta Phi Chi is a fraternity and sorority with members between the
ages of 18 and 25. Members of the fraternity are known as the Men
of Standard, and their colors are black and gold to represent dominance
and prosperity. Members of the sorority are known as the Women of
Excellence, and their colors are purple and gold to represent royalty
and prosperity. The group’s mascot is the lion, which symbolizes
being fearful yet dominant and one — a king in the community.
Benjamin said the organization started with 10 members in 2001.
Meetings are the first and third Mondays of each month at Rhema
Center in Dallas. For students to cross over, they must meet the
requirements of the fraternity/sorority and go through the faith
process. She said members hold many functions together to bond.
“The main characteristic of Beta Phi Chi is to carry yourself
in the spirit of excellence, meaning not only spiritually but also
mentally and physically,” Benjamin said. “Our mission
statement is to equip and empower people to dominate and prosper
through order.”
Alumnus Adrienne Hopkins said she attended Beta Phi Chi’s interest
meeting because she wanted to be a part of a Christian sorority.
“I believe the organization can impact the campus in a very
positive manner,” she said. “Having a foundation in Christ
can only impact things on campus. I’ve seen them in action,
and they are a group of young people who love praising God.”
Benjamin said the organization aims to help young men and women
live their lives based on Biblical principles.
“Our vision is to build a strong body of college-level adults
who let the word of God be the guiding force in their lives,”
she said. “Anywhere we go and anything we do, we’re building
up the kingdom.”
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Beta
Phi Chi Christian Fraternity and
Sorority Inc.
What: A co-ed Greek organization founded on Christian
principles
When: Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the first and
third Mondays of each month
Where: Rhema Center in Dallas
For information: Call
817-360-7294
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