Omega Phi Kappa Fraternity

Brandon Baptiste

Chapter/School: Alpha Chapter- Sacred Heart U.

Semester Joined: Spring 2007

Current Position: OPK Alumni

Ethnicity: Haitian

Hometown: Concord, NH

Education: Criminal Justice

Why did you decide to join OPK?

My brother used to work at Sacred Heart University, and when I was in High School looking at colleges, I came to Connecticut to visit my brother and visit the University's campus. While on campus I saw a diverse group of Brothers performing. When I found out they were a fraternity on campus my interest grew. Once I came into SHU as a freshman, I found out my brother was leaving his job and moving down to Virginia. In an effort to find more individuals I could share experiences while also having a sense of family, I began to look further into Omega Phi Kappa. After evaluating both what the fraternity could help me with, as well as what I could bring to the fraternity, I decided to pledge.

Why is Diversity so important to you?

I am from Concord, New Hampshire where there is not much diversity. I was the only Black student in my graduating class in High School and only one of two Black students in the entire school my graduating year. However, the majority of my childhood was spent in both Boston and New York, so I knew throughout high school that I was missing out on the importance of being in a Diverse environment. To me, Diversity is the most important aspect of an individual's personal growth. Being open to others beliefs, cultures, and ideas helps us strengthen and broaden our own beliefs, cultures, and ideas. I have learned countless things from my brothers' different backgrounds and cultures. Through learning from them, and them learning from my experiences, we all have become better individuals personally, and to me that is what being a Fraternity Brother is all about. We must help each other to better ourselves, so that we succeed...Unity and Diversity leads to Knowledge.

Ahmad Cantrell

Chapter/School: Beta Colony- Fairfield County, Fairfield U.

Semester Joined: Fall 2007

Current Position: Beta Colony Viceroy

Ethnicity: African American

Hometown: Hartford, CT

Education: Double Major Political Science & New Media

Why did you decide to join OPK?

Coming into Fairfield University, the lack of diversity was a major issue. Fortunately, I met several talented and diverse brothers that never tried to imitate other individuals. I discovered many brothers had different outlooks and perceptions on simple and intricate issues in life. Founded on February 1^st 1995, the fraternity still had room to grow and transform. My goal was to have a positive impact on policies, events, and the fraternity’s craft with innovative ideas.

How has OPK helped you get where you are today?

OPK has definitely shaped the man I am today. It has taught me the etiquette of being a leader and effective communicator. Whether it be networking, planning an event, or community service, the ability to converse with individuals on an intellectual basis is crucial to the success of the event. Effective communicating has helped me impress hiring managers for job interviews and publicly speak eloquently at charities. With all the practice, I landed a position at MetLife Auto upon graduation. Ultimately, the dedication and persistence that OPK has instilled in me has allowed me to expand my horizons socially and intellectually.