Briana Thomas is the sole member of Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ) at Pace and is the only one responsible for the organization’s obligations to the University. Saying her life is “busy” would be an understatement.
A dual major in media arts and communications and film and screen studies Thomas also serves as the president of ΔΣΘ locally at Pace, vice president of ΔΣΘ’s metro chapter in Westchester, president of National Pan-Hellenic Council at Pace, vice president of Pace Drama Alliance and still plans on graduating next semester in May. Thomas’ involvement at Pace reflects how most Deltas contribute to their schools across the nation.
“One word for us is ‘ready.’ We’re always ready to do work and serve,” said Thomas.
Thomas is the only local member at Pace but ΔΣΘ is a metro chapter (one chapter divided across multiple schools) and in total has four members across four different schools. Even by metro standards, they’re a very small organization but that doesn’t impede their contributions or readiness on campus.
This past semester ΔΣΘ has already had multiple events contributing to philanthropic causes including American Cancer Society. ΔΣΘ held a “Red Café” open mic night which consisted of spoken word performances, singers, dancers and musicians. The event had a small entry-fee and a portion of the profits went to the organization’s Breast Cancer Walk team “Hope Pray Love.” ΔΣΘ also helped co-sponsor a voter registration tabling event along with other Greek organizations Kappa Alpha Psi and Zeta Phi Beta.
Being politically involved is one of the five point programmatic thrusts that ΔΣΘ adheres to. The others include: Educational Development, Economic Development, International Awareness and Involvement, and Physical and Mental Health.
While most Greek organizations have ideals for their members to live up to, it’s apparent that ΔΣΘ takes these suggestions as personal obligations. Just as Thomas is active at Pace, her fellow sorority sisters at other schools are also highly involved. Thomas cited Symiara Jenkins, a senior mass communications major at Iona College, as another example of the dedication Deltas have. Jenkins is working towards a minor in political science and holds a position in Iona’s student government. Thomas believes the smallness of ΔΣΘ in her chapter attributes to the drive that the members have.
“I’m the only one at a campus where Greek Life is widely represented. In that token, I have to make sure that I’m achieving my goals to show others that they can achieve theirs,” said Thomas.
Thomas’ goals for next semester include planning a ΔΣΘ masquerade ball event towards the end of spring 2013. The event would consist of students being able to dress up in masquerade attire and enjoy a social gathering that’s very different from the other types of events at Pace. The event is still in the planning stage, but Thomas hopes to have the event in April.
Over the long-term, Thomas hopes to see her organization grow and gain recognition both from Pace and ΔΣΘ nationally.
“I hope to leave and come back in a few years and see one of my sorority sisters involved in everything. I’m so involved with everything and I’m just one person. I can only imagine what a group of people would accomplish,” said Thomas.