While in their undergrad, and of course, balancing athletics, academics, extra curriculars, volunteerism, employment, and alike, Eta Phi managed to succeed in bringing home multiple awards.
It started off strong when brothers won their third consecutive IFC basketball championship. In the final round of the event, Retrievers managed to secure and inevitably maintain a 20 point lead over Phi Kappa Sigma. Similarly, the following afternoon Eta Phi, along with the other Pi Kappa Phi chapters in the Capitol Region Ð Theta Zeta (George Washington), Theta Eta (American), & Zeta Epsilon (George Mason), participated in the Ken Forti Cup. Since its inception in 2011, brothers from each school have represented their chapter in this tournament style football event. Although only won once previously, Eta Phi again gained that title this past week in the final round against Theta Zeta on the fields hosted by Theta Eta (American). A tremendous amount of talent and hard work was displayed by all.
Moreover, with the return of Monday came the inauguration of Greek Week and all of the competitions that would come. On all accounts during the nearly ten event duration, Eta Phi Chapter managed to emerge from each category as a top contender. As a result, Eta Phi was bestowed with the Service Award for its outstanding contribution among all other fraternities and sororities on campus. Next, came a popular event favorite Ð Greek Factor.
Greek Factor, in short, is a competition based performance involving each fraternity and sorority showcasing a specific talent, dance, story, etc. As winners of the dance category of Greek Factor last year and looking to defend their title, Eta Phi impressed those who attended. With a lasting success from the previous year, members decided to further the tradition of an electric style dance number.
Performers had the audience at the edge of their seat as they executed upbeat routine on stage. With recognition in both dance and novelty categories, Eta Phi took home the victory as overall champions of Greek Factor. On a related note, Eta Phi was also bestowed as the overall winners of Greek Week at the culmination of the process, Greek Ball. The Greek Week Chair for Eta Phi – Nicholas Pham, who was abundantly present and imperative to the success throughout the week, accepted the award on behalf of the chapter. When asked how he felt, Nicholas responded “I’m so proud to have won Greek Week this year!From winning Greek factor with our choreographed dance to getting all the brothers to come out and support for Take Back The Night, it had become such an honor to know that we truly did deserve this award.
Also announced at Greek Ball was the award “Greek Man of the Year.” The recipient this year was none other than Eta Phi’s own Brother Sahand Yazdanyar. Sahand, among many other things, is a second semester senior and this summer will be participating in the Journey of Hope as a cyclist.
Throughout the past few weeks Sahand has held events to raise awareness and donations for his page within the UMBC Greek Life community. After hearing the news, Sahand commented “I am extremely humbled to have been bestowed this award. I can’t think of a better way to end my time as an undergraduate member of Pi Kappa Phi than to be able to bring home this award for a second year in a row. I owe all of my success to my brothers and my chapter.