Service

Zeta Phi Beta Sorors Help Students Impacted by COVID-19 at Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus

Since the start of the fall semester, students have resumed their daily activities by returning to classrooms either virtually or in-person. As the world attempts to transition to our new socially distanced normal, for some students at Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus, the planned progress of reopening has slowed. After twenty students tested positive for COVID-19, one dormitory has enacted a 14 day self- quarantine for the 165 students that reside there.

On September 26th, the sorors of Zeta Phi Beta learned that their only member on campus, Soror Ayana White, President of Gamma Upsilon, was one of students impacted. A request was made from a University Administrator, also a member of the Sorority, asking for support to help uplift the spirts of those quarantined students.

The Zetas answered the call with service and relief efforts. New York State Zetas, Gamma Upsilon undergraduate chapter, and sponsoring Graduate Chapter Alpha Alpha Omega Zeta, mobilized their efforts in space donated by First Baptist Church of Bronxville, where Brother Lamont Granby of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated is the Senior Leader. Within 48 hours of the request, over 200 care packages were assembled filled with essential items such as healthy snacks, leisure activities, mindful mental practice and toiletries to help those quarantined.

“The mere existence of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated over the last century has been deeply rooted in the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. In this, our centennial year, we continue to honor the commitment to our founding principles by serving the communities we live in, work in, and ultimately learn in,” said New York State Director Amber D. Koiner, CPA. “It was our privilege to serve the Pace University community – especially at a time when service to others is so crucial and needed. It’s my hope that this gesture will inspire other sororal and fraternal organizations at the university to the task of service, and we look forward to partnering with Pace and said organizations in future endeavors.”

The effects of COVID-19 have been both physically and emotionally draining on the Pace student body and their families. As a result, New York State Zetas are worked together with Pace University’s Dean of Students to curate special programming to provide support for the students. One of those events, a virtual party on Friday, October 2nd included live music provided by DJ Shannell B. who is also a member of the sorority.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend the sorors of Zeta Phi Beta in New York for their commitment to improving the lives of students in their community. This is what it is all about.