Alpha Psi Rho (), also known as APsiRho, is an
Asian and
Pacific Islander-interest
fraternity
A fraternity (from Latin language, Latin ''wiktionary:frater, frater'': "brother (Christian), brother"; whence, "wiktionary:brotherhood, brotherhood") or fraternal organization is an organization, society, club (organization), club or fraternal ...
founded at
San Diego State University in 2000.
It has expanded to include four chapters located in California and Nevada.
History
The student founders of Alpha Psi Rho grew up in an era when Asian and Pacific Islander Americans were struggling to find their identities in the United States.
Although the founders became involved in cultural organizations at San Diego State University, they wanted to create a group people who have similar interests, lived a similar lifestyle, and hungered to make greater impacts in the community.
The Ten Founding Fathers established Alpha Psi Rho on March 1, 2000, as a fraternity for Asian and Pacific Islander students.
The fraternity was based on four pillars: Brotherhood, Academics, Prosperity, and Strength.
Although established as an Asian or Filipino fraternity, it welcomes all races.
The founding fathers of Alpha Psi Rho are:
*Benjamin Abiva
*Reuel Anday
*Jay Balanay
*Kenny Fong
*Anthony Gambol
*James Kuniyoshi
*Ryan Lucina
*Kenny Ortega
*Jeremy Quirante
*Jason Valoroso
The fraternity's ''Beta chapter'' was established by five students at
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge (CSUN or Cal State Northridge) is a public university in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. With a total enrollment of 38,551 students (as of Fall 2021), it has the second largest un ...
in 2003.
This followed by the ''Gamma chapter'' at
California State University San Marcos. ''Gamma'' chapter started as a special interest group called BAPS on August 26, 2006, and was chartered as Alpha Psi Rho on February 22, 2012.
The ''Delta chapter'' at the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas was chartered on April 2, 2011.
Alpha Psi Rho members are referred to as "brhothers".
The ''Gamma chapter'' won the university's Community Development and Lifelong Membership award for 2014-2015.
The fraternity hosts events such as a cultural festival at California State University, San Marcus for
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and participated in the annual Festival of Communities at UNLV.
Members also volunteer with charities that work with Asian-Pacific Islander youth.
The fraternity's national headquarters is located in San Diego, California.
[Lurding, Carroll and Becque, Fran. (December 29, 2022)]
Alpha Psi Rho
,
Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities
'. Urbana: University of Illinois. Accessed December 23, 2022. Its publication is the ''Alpha Psi Rho Monthly Newsletter''.
Chapters
Active chapters are in bold, and inactive groups are in ''italics''. There are currently 4 active chapters and 1 inactive colony.
Notes
See also
*
Cultural interest fraternities and sororities
References
{{Reflist
Fraternities and sororities in the United States
Pacific Islands American culture in California
California State University auxiliary organizations
San Diego State University
2000 establishments in California
Student organizations established in 2000
Asian-American culture