Team Parker Chen 2012!

Parker Edward Chen was born 2 1/2 months too soon. He spent 8 months at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital’s NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and 2 months at their PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). He spent close to 3 months at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey for rehabilitation. Parker finally came home on May 8th, 2009 at 13 months old. He will turn 4 years old on April 10th. He currently still has medical issues that need to be resolved.

There is a history of premature births in our family, but we never would have ever imagined having a child so early. Our pregnancy was perfect, no signs of distress or complications. It was not only a surprise having a child so early and so small (1300 grams, which is less than 3 lbs), but the complications that came after the birth felt so surreal. Parker was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, a genetic abnormality that occurs in 1 out of 10,000 babies. At first it was devastating to us both as parents, because not only was Parker born premature, but we now have to prepare for a child with special needs. How will we guide this child throughout his life, how will we nurture him and educate him for his future? How will society perceive him? Will they accept him? Can we emotionally take on this responsibility? These are questions that we are still trying to answer.

We cannot thank Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc enough for all their support, good thoughts and prayers throughout this journey. We would have never imagined, such an out pour of compassion, understanding and love from brothers, chapters and schools – some we have never even met. I crossed Sigma Psi Zeta in 1996 and Ed crossed Pi Delta Psi Fraternity in 1998. There is a saying in the greek-lettered community that when you have letters, you have them for the rest of your life – this is a true testament to the pride and gratitude that we have for everyone that has supported Team Parker Chen. Your donations and support in joining our team year after year, has not only helped our cause, but has raised awareness of premature births.  It has also renewed the spirit, pride, dedication, and solidarity of the letters that Ed holds so dear.

I encourage you to join our team! With the strength in numbers we can make a difference!

Let’s go Team Parker Chen 2012!

To join or donate to our team, please visit Ed’s personal page: http://bit.ly/GHgzE7

Through that link, you can also learn more about Team Parker Chen and how you can help our cause.

Baruch Colony hosts fundraiser for NYC Teachers

Baruch is hosting a fundraiser for NYC teachers in the Lower East Side. They are working with Trinity Church to fund-raise for school supplies. NYC budget cuts have affected the majority of the NYC school system, resulting in permanent school closings and larger class sizes. With the increase in class sizes, teachers are unable to supply adequate school supplies to their students. Help us provide these students with the tools they need to succeed! Donations will be accepted through March 1, 2012 and can be sent via paypal to xxnfsxx@hotmail.com.

UC Berkeley Colony Established

Congratulations to the newly established University of California at Berkeley Colony of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc.!! We are very proud of the following Alpha Class charters:

Michael ” Nibbles” Fuerte
Year: Freshman
Major: Physics

Michael “Aristotle” Naranjo
Year: Junior (transfer)
Major: Political Science

Kao “Isolation” Saechao
Year: Sophomore
Major: Integrated Biology

Phu “Epiphany” Lam
Year: Freshman
Major: Intended Molecular and Cell Biology

Jeff “Hemlock” Dea
Year: Sophomore
Major: Political Economics

Pi Delta Psi was officially established at the University of California at Berkeley on December 4, 2011 by these five men.  Inspired with aspirations to build a better sense of Asian unity and awareness on campus while addressing the stereotypes of the Greek system, they sought the guidance of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.  This group of men, through dedication, hard work, patience, and perseverance, attained their goal of founding Pi Delta Psi on the campus of UC Berkeley.  Currently, Pi Delta Psi is recognized by the Multi Cultural Greek Council.

First Asian American Student Body President at UF

Today, we celebrate an even greater milestone for our community and fraternity. We are honored to recognize, Anthony-Ray E. Reynolds, UF Sigma Chapter’s Eta 55 – Brother “Fallout” who was the Vice President of the UF student body, and is now the new UF Student Body President. He is the FIRST Asian American to serve as president of the student body in South. This is possibly one of the greatest achievements a brother of Pi Delta Psi has ever accomplished at their respective school. Below are the articles related to Anthony’s success from his campaign as the Student Body Vice President to now his Presidency at UF.

http://www.alligator.org/news/student_government/article_e41fddd0-2e88-11e0-a1d0-001cc4c002e0.html http://www.alligator.org/news/student_government/article_a99b7cbc-3fe2-11e0-b0e3-001cc4c03286.html http://www.alligator.org/news/student_government/article_a852bb1a-f08e-11e0-9b2a-001cc4c002e0.html

Phi Chapter hosts Alcohol Awareness Workshop

University of Central Florida Pi Delta Psi

College comes with more then just an academic education.

For most students, college deals with living independently for the first time in their lives. This comes with a responsibility to not only wake up on time for class or learn how to make a meal other then ramen noodles, but to have an understanding of alcohol awareness.

Pi Delta Psi fraternity and Delta Phi Lambda sorority are teaming up to give students an opportunity to learn more about the effects of alcohol.

The organizations will be hosting an Alcohol Awareness Workshop in the Student Union in the third-floor ballroom (316AB) on Friday, Sept. 30, at 9 p.m.

The workshop, which is open to all students, will consist of playing games, listening to guest speakers and attending a presentation on the effects that alcohol has on the body.

Read More Here.

Minnesota colony hosts leadership retreat

The University of Minnesota Colony of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. recently held a leadership retreat on their campus. Asian American leaders from the campus community came together to critically evaluate their leadership styles in an effort to better understand one another. Through the retreat, the 18 participants further developed their leadership skills and promoted a collaborative Asian American community for the University of Minnesota.