Gathering donations for Coats for Kids, working with Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club, visiting the elderly and tutoring young people — yet still they keep their status as part of the top 20 percent of University students.
As one of the largest student organizations on campus, Gamma Beta Phi is well known for its community service and high-ranking members.
As an honorary organization, Gamma Beta Phi allows only the top 20 percent of University students to become members. However, it still has a membership of more than 500 students.
“It’s very easy when you are a student to get caught up in your education, and a lot of our students work very hard toward their grades,” said John Scalzo, faculty adviser for the organization and electrical engineering instructor.
Scalzo, also Gamma Beta Phi’s national adviser, said the organization provides the opportunity to go out into the community and serve the public.
Students voluntarily must complete seven hours of service within their organization and throughout the community.
The organization currently is working with Pat’s Coats for Kids, gathering donations from students and faculty, as well as from off campus.
“Gamma Beta Phi gives students a chance to make a difference around campus,” said Kristen Yokum, the recording secretary.
Yokum said the community service betters members’ leadership qualities, putting scholarly aspects and leadership aspects into one organization.
President Duy Nguyen said in past semesters, the organization collected more than 10,000 books for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and 1,000 letters for sailors aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.
Scalzo said Gamma Beta Phi also collects an average of 400 pounds of food per semester for the Baton Rouge Food Bank.
Gamma Beta Phi started at the University as the first chapter of its kind in 1964, Scalzo said. Since then, about 100 chapters exist nationwide.
Last year, the University’s chapter inducted more members than any other chapter.
“The organization really is being run by students with great leadership capabilities,” Scalzo said. “Members get a tremendous amount of experience in leadership and opportunities they won’t get in the classroom.”
Currently, the organization is preparing for a national convention in Nashville, Tenn., in January.
Nguyen said members plan to visit the Children’s Oncology Center at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital to distribute presents.
Any student interested in helping out or finding out more about the organization can e-mail Duy Nguyen at [email protected].