During the spring semester of 2014, supply chain management junior Aaron London decided he wanted to get down to business.
London approached his friend, supply chain management junior Duy Le , with the idea of bringing business-based fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon to campus.
After contacting the headquarters of the organization, obtaining permission from the Eli Broad College of Business and writing the constitution, the pair had completed the list of requirements to start up the Eta Beta chapter at MSU.
London, who is the president of the organization, said his brother was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon at Central Michigan University which sparked the idea to open a chapter at MSU.
“It seemed like a cool organization because they’re creative with their events. And all the business organizations we were involved with before ... seemed set in their ways and seemed like as a general member you never got a say in anything,” London said.
Le said the group welcomes the ideas of all members, whether on the executive board or a general member.
“Though (the organization) is very structured, like a business, it’s a very entrepreneurial type of business fraternity,” Le said.
While Pi Sigma Epsilon focuses on sales and marketing, they welcome people of all majors, and unlike other greek letter organizations, Pi Sigma Epsilon has both male and female members.
Le said he sees having both genders in the organization as an advantage.
“Guys have a different way of thinking and we have certain ideas, but when girls come into play, they definitely give us a different perspective,” Le said.
Since Pi Sigma Epsilon is a newer organization, Le and London said the fraternity wants to grow more before holding philanthropy events but plans to hold them in the future, specifically for leukemia awareness and research because of Lacey Holsworth .
“We feel like it’s already connected to the student body so a lot of people would want to come out and donate,” London said.
Currently, the fraternity has been working on their business skills and practicing for their first competition in November.
Competitions include simulations for marketing strategy and public speaking.
“The purpose of PSE is to enhance people’s business skills, share experience and network,” Le said.
This fall marked the fraternity’s first recruitment period, which began Oct. 6 and finished on Oct. 12, when potential new members were asked to sell an item to the current members.
Marketing sophomore Joseph Wylie said he decided to join to gain more knowledge about sales and marketing in addition to using the activity to put on his application for the business college.
“It’s been a great opportunity so far and I look forward to learning more about the major I’m in,” Wylie said.
