Alpha Kappa Psi develops members through professional events, networking

Alpha Kappa Psi is different than many fraternities and sororities at the University of Maryland.  For starters Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional business fraternity.  This alone sets it apart. 

             Alpha Kappa Psi was founded in 1904 at NYU with, "the purpose of developing principled business leaders," according to historian Emily Heuver, a sophomore information systems and supply chain management major. 

"It is the oldest and largest professional business fraternity," said Executive Vice President Stephanie Johnson, a junior finance and supply chain management major.

            The Omega Theta chapter (Maryland's chapter) was founded in 2007 and in just their five years in operation, the chapter has won "Chapter of the Year" twice. 

            "Alpha Kappa Psi does all kinds of events, but most of them fall into three general categories: professional, community service and social," said President Aaron Fagan, a junior finance and operation management major. 

            Professional events include such things as industry speakers and workshops or putting on school wide events such as Consulting Career Day each September.  Total, Alpha Kappa Psi puts on six professional events per semester. 

            "Alpha Kappa Psi helps prepare students for the real world by bringing in speakers and consistently putting brothers in professional situations," said Fagan.

            Aside from these professional events, Alpha Kappa Psi has a number of things that set it apart.  For starters, Alpha Kappa Psi is co-ed. 

            "Being in a fraternity with girls is awesome and having both boys and girls work on projects, events and problems gives us unique ideas and perspectives. Second is the professional component," Fagan said. 

            It is the social phase however, which is the most striking.  It truly seems as if the members are part of one big family. 

            "My favorite thing about Alpha Kappa Psi is the brotherhood. This group of individuals has to be the most impressive group I have ever witnessed or been a part of. The unselfishness demonstrated by their willingness to help a fellow brother paired with their drive and professional success makes for an incredible network of lifelong friends," said Johnson. 

            "My favorite thing about Alpha Kappa Psi is the balance between work and play. It's refreshing to surround myself with people who are incredibly driven and bright but who I could also call on a weekend to go to Chipotle and get dinner," said Heuver.

            "...An organization is nothing without the people in it, and the people in Alpha Kappa Psi make it so much fun. Its so cool to hang out with your friends casually on the weekend then see them land crazy jobs and kill it on tests and projects," said Fagan.