The 2005-2006 school year for Zeta Chapter at Baylor University was one filled with much adversity, many obstacles, and countless challenges. With only fourteen actives members, many around campus and around the nation wondered whether or not these fourteen men would be able to live up to the standards set forth by founding class. "Not only did they meet these standards, but, in fact, they may have raised them," said Devang Shelat, Founding Class, Zeta Chapter. The fall 2005 semester, which had a rocky beginning, may have easily been the most productive and successful semester in Zeta Chapter's history. Epsilon class rush saw many potentials and over fourteen interviews. However, after the smoke cleared, only two strong and determined individuals emerged.

In addition to crossing two exceptionally well rounded and diverse individuals, Zeta Chapter hosted Sugar-Free Bowl, charity flag football tournament, for the first time ever at Baylor University.  But it was no easy task.  Organizing such a colossal event, in addition to overcoming several obstacles presented by the university, made this one of the most difficult assignments ever faced by any of the fourteen individuals.  However, our brothers Jay Vyas, Malik Hemani and Ankit Shah paved the road to success as they were placed with the burden of ensuring the prosperity of the event squarely on their shoulders.  After countless hours of meetings, seeking sponsors, and publicizing, they were able to host the tournament which included twelve men's teams and four women's teams.  After completion of the grueling two-day, sixteen-team tournament, over $1,000 was raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Many of the faculty and staff have deemed this event as the "best" on-campus service event in the history of Baylor University.

 

Along with organizing the first ever Sugar-Free Bowl, Zeta Chapter also hosted its second annual "Be the Change" also know as National Gandhi Day of Service in October.  Not only did we gather over 150 volunteers, but we also made a huge impact in the community by helping to restore items from an impoverished neighborhood.

Furthermore, the fall semester came to a close with Zeta Chapter hosting its second annual Multicultural Greek Council Thanksgiving Feast in which over 150 members from various Multicultural Greek Fraternities and Sororities came and enjoyed the holiday festivities.

The spring of 2006 was a year of immense growth here at Zeta Chapter. Along with the addition of the new Zeta Class, Zeta Chapter made a difference at Baylor, in the local community, and even nationally. Through a plethora of service events, Zeta chapter raised significant amounts of money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and other local charities.  New to Delta Epsilon Psi is our charity tennis tournament, known as You Got Served! This event aims to serve as a miniature Sugar Free Bowl to raise awareness and funds for our philanthropy. This tennis tournament included both a men's and women's division with over 50 players and raised a significant $1000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Coordinated under the auspices of Ambassador Alok Pandya and Secretary Malik Hemani, this event fostered goodwill amongst Baylor students and brotherhood within the fraternity. We hope to continue this event in future years to come.

As for recognition, Zeta Chapter achieved the zenith of service events: The Best Service Organization on Baylor's Campus. In spite of the fierce competition, our organization won this coveted award, thus adding to the long list of achievements at Zeta Chapter. Moreover, our brother Malik Hemani, Beta Class, successfully competed and was awarded the only Outstanding Male in Community Service at Baylor University.

 

Along with these achievements, Zeta Chapter crossed over several outstanding new members, ten in all. This Zeta Class represents the current largest class to cross over into our chapter. These ten outstanding individuals are already making an indelible mark on our campus and within the fraternity. This class has nearly doubled our number to twenty-four actives. We hope to continue these recent achievements and foster the development of brotherhood, discipline, and commitment in the upcoming years as well.

Lastly, Delta Epsilon Psi Zeta Chapter at Baylor University received the Walk to Cure Diabetes Bronze Award from Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for 2005 – 2006. We were the only student organization nation wide to receive this prestigious award and bring it to Baylor. Through this recognition, we were able to work with several other student organizations and local businesses to donate $2600 last year.