XYZ: The Atypical Fraternity

Fellas Focus on Improving Whole Person

John FlynnTHE SANTA CLARAMay 14, 2015 

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]raternities have an image issue. Stories about property damage, whimsical racism or semi-consensual sex have teetered these macho pillars of university life. XYZ aims to be different.

“Not all fraternities are the same,” said junior member Kalvin Luo. “There are stereotypes, and there are stereotypes for a reason. But, to enclose us all in a bubble is something I don’t understand.”

Started in 2004, XYZ now boasts a tight, but strong membership of 25. Their focus on community service and social justice shows that scandals are not the only things these organizations produce.

“Everyone is from a different background,” said sophomore Nick Shing. “As long as you want to improve yourself and exceed expectations, then XYZ is the perfect spot. Regardless of where you are in life, we want to highlight your abilities until you figure them out on your own.”

To coax the best from the brothers, XYZ has a three pronged mantra: mind, body and soul.

“What we’re aiming for is balance,” Luo said. “We’re reflective of our place in the community. I’m more conscious of how I’m affecting the world, and whether that’s negative or positive. Even an individual can make a big impact.”

The brothers lack beer guts and bleary eyes. They are clean shaven, immensely grateful and humbly energetic about their desire to improve themselves and their surroundings.

“I started out as someone who just wanted to have fun,” said junior Mark Ramelb. “But those three values made me take school more seriously because my parents are paying for it, and I can use it to give back.  It’s obviously normal to want to have fun, and we do that too. But when that becomes your main focus, then you can start to lose yourself.”

To remain grounded, the brothers try to get involved in the community almost every weekend. XYZ is a opportunistic  service group, constantly seeking new ways to help others.

“Community service doesn’t feel like a requirement because there’s so many opportunities,” said sophomore Earl Russell. “When we do it, we do it together. So, we have fun while we help the community. It doesn’t feel like a chore. It feels like something I want to do.”

Recently, they made over 80 lunches to give to the homless population in San Jose. The desperation of those in need made clear just how cozy life is at Santa Clara.

“We arrived, and immediately they were actually coming up to us and asking for the food,” Ramelb said. “It made me realize how hungry they were and how fortunate we are to have food in our lives every day.”

XYZ is also responsible for restoring forests, cleaning parks and spearheading bone marrow drives, but the hand-to-hand service holds a special place in the fraternity’s values.

“It was really cool because our impact was so evident,” Shing said. “We had done things like picking up trash, but to see a smile on someone’s face -— that’s nice.”

Like all fraternities, XYZ has a rigorous and confidential pledging process. Though they guard the details with apologetic smiles, their overall philosophy emphasizes personal growth over conformity.

“The process is extreme, but there’s no hazing,” Shing said. “You’re never in harm’s way. You’ll never be humiliated. But, you’ll be pushed to your limits.”

“I had to be the best I could be,” Luo agreed. “It brought that out of me, and that’s why I kept going back. It was a very reflective process. I learned a lot about myself.”

Once initiated, the focus turns outward. The brothers give presentations on world problems and other cultures during their weekly chapter sessions. Occasionally, they’ll consume the food and movies of another country to bond while broadening their horizons.

“In this fraternity, you get to see there are other types of people besides you,” said Russell. “By embracing all these cultures, it gives us perspective. And the more perspective you get, the closer you are to reality.”

In keeping with this acceptance,  an XYZ bash will never be guarded by weary pledges asking for proof of your worthiness to enter.

“When we have parties, we don’t discriminate at all,” said Shing. “We let anybody come. We’re not letting in only girls, or letting in a certain type of guy.  It doesn’t matter who you know or what you do. You’re welcome.”

The blend of self-improvement, service and inclusion are noble goals that need spreading. But with just one other chapter at USF, XYZ isn’t itching to seep onto other campuses just yet.

“We’re hoping to grow in the near future,” Luo said. “We want to be a presence in the community. But before we expand, we want to make sure our ideals, strengths and messages are clearly defined. We don’t want this turning into something else.”

Contact John Flynn at jfflynn@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.