A new chapter of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity is in the works on Wofford’s campus, all thanks to Mason Mitchener ‘27 and the nine other members of the founding executive council.
There are various service and academic fraternities on Wofford’s campus, but Mitchener realized that opportunities were lacking in the business department. He wanted to fill this gap, not only for himself, but for anyone studying or interested in business.
“It’s one of the main facets I noticed Wofford didn’t have,” Mitchener says.
Mitchener had to search for a business fraternity that met the proper qualifications and accreditations that aligned best with Wofford.
Alpha Kappa Psi was a perfect match, and Mitchener knew that this fraternity would be a good fit for Wofford and its student body.
The process of becoming an official chapter can be complicated and lengthy. Mitchener explains that once the ten members get approval from the college to officially activate the organization, they then must work towards earning chapter status.
There are three steps in order to gain chapter status. First, the members must move from their initial colony to a charter colony, and then become officially charted as a chapter.
Earning chapter status consists of hosting events like speakers and career interest and educational meetings. The founders will create a petition that displays all of the events hosted throughout the year and be sent to nationals in hopes of moving up the ladder.
They are hoping to be granted this approval in the spring and pending this, continue as an organization afterward.
The members are currently fine tuning an outline of what they want the future chapter to look like on campus as well creating budgets, and working with the school and a national Alpha Kappa Psi chapter developer to get the ball rolling.
This is a powerful position for the members of this initiative because they have the ability to build this club however they feel will most benefit its members.
“It’s ultimately about hearing student opinions on what they want the fraternity to be, and trying to gear it towards their needs,” Mitchener says.
Josh Draheim ‘26 shares a similar passion for offering opportunities for students to hone their communication and networking abilities.
Mitchener brought Draheim on board as the bridge to brotherhood executive member where he plans to be head of new member education once recruitment begins.
Draheim explained that he feels effective communication is a skill set necessary for any profession. As a junior, he wishes to build a fraternity that works to foster growth for future careers.
“I feel like the most important thing you can gain from this is the ability to talk to people,” Draheim says.
Draheim shared that he wants this future fraternity to not only provide networking opportunities outside of Wofford, but also on campus. He wants students to be able to connect with people who may be outside of your normal circle.
“I’m excited for a different Wofford perspective. This is making connections and thinking about your future,” Draheim says.
Draheim’s current role consists of spreading the word about the plans for recruitment in the future so anyone who is interested has the chance to join.
He has also been in communication with surrounding colleges’ business fraternities to gain more knowledge and inspiration on how to best execute this future chapter.
Mitchener expressed his excitement for the future and the ideas he and his team are working on to allow members to grow in their business expertise.
“I want this to be an opportunity for people to expand their business knowledge and networking,” Mitchener says.
As a brother of Sigma Nu, Mitchener explains that this fraternity will be open to all and has no connection to Greek life. Additionally, he encourages members outside of the business majors to consider joining if they are interested in business or just want to learn more.
Draheim also wants to promote the inclusive nature because he feels strongly that it will serve anyone’s career.
“This is for anybody that wants to learn the business side of life. It’s really for anyone. The more people you know, the better,” Draheim says.
At the beginning of the 2024 school year, the idea came to fruition and has been growing more into a reality each day. Although this process will take some time, the members hope this future chapter will serve as an outlet for students seeking connections at Wofford and beyond.
