BIG-C expands, adding first Asian fraternity to its ranks

The Asian fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon has been a part of the InterFraternity Council since its creation in 1993. But last week the group officially became part of the umbrella organization for historically black and latino fraternities and sororities -- the Bicultural InterGreek Council. By becoming a BIG-C member, the 18-member fraternity will increase its interaction with other minority fraternities and sororities. Incoming Lambda Phi Epsilon President Glenn Luck, a Wharton and Engineering junior, said he was very excited about the move, noting that BIG-C membership affords the fraternity "another venue to meet people and show them what we're about." Lambda Phi Epsilon will become part of the organization on a provisional basis for the spring. At the end of the semester, it will be reviewed by a student and faculty board to obtain permanent BIG-C membership. Representatives from the fraternity petitioned a few weeks ago to become part of the organization. "[As a BIG-C organization] we can work together, and we can learn from each other," said outgoing Lambda Phi Epsilon President Thomas Peng, an Engineering senior. "I definitely see that there are a lot of events that we can organize together as an umbrella organization." BIG-C Program Director Larry Moses said Lambda Phi Epsilon's acceptance into the BIG-C is a big step for both the BIG-C and for Greek life in general. "Penn has always been at the forefront of meeting the needs of [minority] organizations," Moses said. "It's going to show the willingness of our office to represent these groups." Peng also noted that the fraternity has organized projects over the years with many BIG-C groups -- such as the Alpha Phi Alpha and Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternities -- including the annual minority bone marrow drive, which recruited approximately 120 volunteers this year. Incoming BIG-C President Marcela Poveda, a College junior, said this addition would definitely benefit the group. "We felt [the fraternity] would be an asset to the organization as a whole and would shed light on the issues that the Asian community and Latinos and African Americans face," Poveda said. And OFSA Director Scott Reikofski said the benefits of Lambda Phi Epsilon joining the BIG-C extend beyond the Greek sphere. "I think that it certainly lends support and credibility to the group and will allow for increased communication and support between not only those organizations but potentially between those various cultural populations on campus," Reikofski said.

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