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Alpha Kappa Psi, Maine’s only professional business fraternity, is in the process of recruiting new members.
AKPsi is the biggest professional business fraternity in the nation. The group is open to any member of the University of Maine, but focuses mainly on economy and business majors. Like other fraternities, it seeks to help the community, uphold high ethical standards and build a brotherhood. But it has original characteristics separating it from other UMaine fraternities and sororities. The group can serve as a networking tool for students as they graduate and seek jobs in the workforce. With chapters around the nation, there are many options for meeting people in similar fields. At a national level, seminars and conferences are offered every year to heighten the professional skills of the members.
“The fraternity will teach us business etiquette, how to dress properly, how to give your best interview,” said business student and founding member Amber Gallant. “If you’re going to want to interact with people in a professional environment, you’re going to want to be in this group. It provides vital contacts and prepares you for the real world. Any fraternity looks good on a resume, but this is one geared specifically to our field and that looks great.”
Planning for the year’s events is already under way. There is a committee for social events, community service and efforts to work more closely with other business organizations on campus. Semester dues of $214 should pay for such activities, along with the possibility of informational guest speakers.
However, the fraternity has a deadline to meet. They will send their petition to the national chapter Sept. 17 to be chartered Sept. 19. They are preparing for a visit from Chad Smith, the regional director, who will decide on the recognition of the Maine chapter nationwide. AKPsi must have 44 members by that point. Right now, it has about half the requirement. Officers of the fraternity said now is the best time to join, regardless of the deadlines.
“I joined Alpha Kappa Psi, for one, to be more involved on campus and in business because it is my major,” said AKPsi secretary Michelle Bartar. “And secondly, to meet new people and have fun. It’s just a great experience all around, and when I graduate from UMaine, I feel that it will amaze interviewers for jobs when I can say that I am a founding father and officer of AKPsi at the University of Maine.”
“Together we can set the tone of the fraternity and how it runs,” Gallant said. “We will be making history and a big impact for those who follow us.”
Bangor Daily News