When people think of Greek, mainly it’s in relation to the divine nine Greek organizations such as the Alphas, or the AKA’s. But what exactly is Phi Beta Lambda? Often called PBL for short is a Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity.
I sat down with the newly elected President for the upcoming year of the Theta Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda Mr. DeMarcus Robinson. Housed at Alabama State University, PBL is one of the school’s Business Fraternity geared towards improving not only themselves, but the student body and community. “Phi Beta Lambda is a non-hazing professional business fraternity founded upon the three pillars: service, progress, and education,” said Robinson. PBL has been established on Alabama State University since 1948, and has served not only the students, but outreach within the city of Montgomery. PBL preps members on how to be business professional, and prepare students for the business world. Robinson stated, “We do various conferences and competitions to better prepare us for the work force.” Indeed they do! Each year PBL competes in a national conference. In June 2012 the Theta Beta chapter had three students to place in different categories at the National Conference Competition. DeMarcus Robinson placed 10th in Financial Services, Zainab Olomada placed 3rd in Future Business Executive, and Donovan Archie placed 3rd in impromptu speaking. “The purpose of the National Conference is to network and meet other members from schools all over the United States having some of the same interests as you”, said Robinson.
When asked what the future is for PBL, Robinson exclaimed, “As President locally, my focus is the platform for the future. I want to get college students prepared for business life out side of school, as well as improve Alabama State University while we are here.” Phi Beta Lambda’s mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. For their service rights Robinson mentioned that PBL partners with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce in networking purposes. They host and work with the Chamber of Commerce for many of their events, and socials they host. Robinson added, “By building those connections I was called up by the Director of Marketing at a local business to model suits in California if I wanted to.” Those type of relationships along with perseverance makes being apart of Phi Beta Lambda a life changing and educational success.
The PBL Fraternity is a very close knit family where each member loves the other and is always there to help. When they are not competing in competitions or out reaching in the community, the PBL family does small events for themselves also. “We have various BBQ’s and social events where it’s no cost to anyone. We sit around and catch up with each other and graduate members that are still here in Montgomery”, said Robinson. A few community projects currently in works involve members of the organization tutoring middle and high school students at New Beginning Church of Ascension. “We also tutor older people who are trying to get their G.E.D”, said Robinson. Future plans for PBL include conducting a Voter Registration Rally in the City of Montgomery. “Not just in Montgomery at Alabama State University, but with help from other chapters all over the state of Alabama.” The number of voters in the city is significantly low, and that is a very critical topic surrounding our government and future. Phi Beta Lambda, a great stepping stone for your business future and overall work ethic for life.
Now with further ado meet the members of Phi Beta Lambda; DeMarcus Robinson, Akiesha Anderson, Adrianna Pruitt, Alan Baylor, Amos Furniss, Amy Ashley, Andrea Alexander, Angelica Allen, Braelin Watson, Breauna Brown, Brittany Butler, Byron Kearney, Carleddy Saint-Jean, Chanice Hill, Charles Oneal, Chelsea Adams, Cherrilyn Horn, Christopher Ford, Cordney White, Darius Thomas, Darryl Chambers, Darshanti Robinson, Derrick Bradford, Desmond Gambrell, Devon Greenwald, DeVonta Jones, Donovon Archie, Dreama Starr, Dwight Freeman, Ebony Fields, Ebony Thomas, Elizabeth Williams, Gankoya Leaman, Isiah Golson, Jahari Revis, Jamal Jette, James Harris Jr, Jennifer West, Johnathan Mouzon, Keasosha Mealing, Kenecia Streeter, Kiyomi Moore, Kory Tensley, Kyle McEnheimer, Lonnell Leonard, Macoyia Bates, Mariah Ford, Megan Johnson, Nadia Edwards, Nigel Kimble, Odessa Smith, Precious Jackson, Rachel Miller, Renata Porterfield, Robert Gunn, Roderick Mason, Shamicka Lee, Shaniece Cockrell, Shawn Lockhart, Skye Smith, Tamika Bentley, Tamika Scott, Tanara Smith, Tasha Tolar, Tia Thrasher, TiaLeogh Stoudmire, Virginia McPherson, Wiley Brooks, Zainab Olomada, Zainab Oli, Michael Stinson, Braylon Watson, and Dr. Crawford serving as Advisor for Undergraduate student members.
