The Crescent On The Yard Winter '26

International President's Message

Greetings Sigma Brothers,

Excellence wears many faces – and in this issue, we proudly celebrate the Sigma Brothers who are proving that achievement has no limits.

At the heart of this edition are the remarkable Sigma Brothers across campuses nationwide who exemplify academic excellence. These scholars are setting the bar high in lecture halls, research labs, honor societies, and leadership roles. They are innovators, thinkers, and emerging leaders whose commitment to scholarship reflects the highest ideals of our fraternity.

We also shine a well-deserved spotlight on Sigma student-athletes who are excelling not only in competition, but in the classroom. They rise before dawn for practice, compete under bright lights, and still commit themselves to late-night study sessions and academic rigor. Their discipline, time management, and relentless drive embody what it truly means to pursue well-rounded success.

Finally, this issue challenges us to think strategically about the future through a deeper look at the value of quality marketing and promotion in recruitment. Excellence must be visible to be impactful. In a competitive and evolving collegiate landscape, how

we tell our story matters. Effective branding, intentional outreach, and authentic representation are essential tools in attracting the next generation of leaders.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel inspired by the dedication, discipline, and determination of the students we highlight. Their success is a reflection of what is possible when opportunity meets preparation – and when purpose meets action.

Thank you for your continued commitment to Achieving the Vision of Our Founders.

In the Brotherhood,

Hon. Bro. David A. Turner, International President

INTERNATIONAL SECOND VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Welcome Brothers to the Winter 2026 Edition of The Crescent On the Yard – a celebration of the drive, discipline, and distinction that define our Brotherhood. In these pages, you’ll meet Sigma scholars who set the academic standard on campus, demonstrating that excellence in the classroom remains one of our highest principles. Their achievements reflect long hours of study, intellectual curiosity, and a shared commitment to lifting our brother higher. We are proud to spotlight these Sigma Collegians not only for the honors they’ve earned, but for the example they set for us all.

You’ll also find a gallery honoring our highperforming Sigma Student Athletes, whose dedication to their sports mirrors their dedication to our values: teamwork, resilience, and integrity. And don’t miss the winners of this year’s Founders’ Day Flyest Photo Challenge. These chapters’ creativity and vision capture the spirit of our fraternity in fresh and inspiring ways.

Together, these stories and images remind us that excellence takes many forms – and that our strength lies in celebrating each brother’s pursuit of it. Thank you for being part of this awesome fraternity and for continuing to shape a legacy we are proud to share.

Fraternally,

Bro. Devean Bush, International Second Vice President

THE CAMPUS HOMECOMING: A VALUABLE RESOURCE for RECRUITMENT

Bro. Monaleto C. Irby, International Director of Collegiate Affairs

How was your Homecoming? Did you enjoy the fellowship? How was your tailgating experience? Did your chapter tailgate experience provide the vibe? Did your chapter create an atmosphere that left an Impact?

A campus Homecoming bridges the gap between current students and alumni. Seeing successful Sigma alumni—from CEOs to community leaders—returning to “The Yard” and interacting with current collegiate Brothers, provides prospective members with a tangible vision of the fraternity’s lifelong value to society through members who return for the Homecoming Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to show prospects seeking to know about Fraternity life, how Phi Beta Sigma creates the Vibe – a true depiction of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service on full display while having a great time.

Homecomings can serve as a vibrant, high-energy catalyst for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. recruitment, transforming campuses into living showcases of the organization’s motto: “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.” We should be intentional about our efforts to not only enjoy our Blue and White Family, but also give prospective members the definition of BROTHERHOOD defined on display. Make sure there’s a strategic plan to help the collegiate chapters build their roster with potential members who’re seeking an organization to help them with their college journey. What better organization than Phi Beta Sigma?

Image matters and the intentional atmosphere you create at Homecoming can be just what the collegiate chapter needs to help boost interest—especially small chapters. Start thinking outside the box to help with recruitment efforts.

Host events like the Meet & Greet and Kick-Off festivities, offering free entry and live music to attract a wide range of students, who can also help with recruitment efforts for the chapter.

During Homecoming, the legacy of your chapter should be on full display. The Chapter’s history of your time on the yard should exude through your engagement and interactions with current members and potential recruits. The pride you have in your organization while fellowshipping with Alumni Brothers should be displayed during your tailgating experience. This is the perfect time to help collegiate students build their interests.

Remember that the relaxed atmosphere of tailgates and meet-andgreets allow for organic recruitment. Interested students can engage with brothers in a low-pressure environment, moving beyond formal flyers to genuine connection. Many chapters strategically schedule Interest Meetings shortly after Homecoming to capitalize on the peak “Greek pride” and emotional connection generated during the previous weekend.

Homecoming is more than returning to campus to party. There is a greater opportunity to help build our collegiate chapters. Happy Homecoming Brothers! Building the House of Sigma takes each of us. Let’s use Homecoming as a tool to recruit outstanding potential members.

Let’s Start Planning Now!

Bro. Monaleto C. Irby

Sigma collegians and leaders were well represented at the AFLV Central conference in Indianapolis, IN from January 29 – February 1, 2026. AFLV Central includes the National Black Greek Leadership Conference (NBGLC) and the Cultural Greek Experience, where each year, more than 2,300 participants from more than 150 campuses come together for an experience with programming at all levels of the fraternity/sorority experience. Coordinating and leading Phi Beta Sigma’s participation was Bro. Monaleto C. Irby, International Director of Collegiate Affairs.

NBGLC is an integral part of the AFLV Central experience and gives NPHC students a chance to connect with and learn from other NPHC leaders across the country. Created in 1986. It brings together more than 600 NPHC student leaders, which represent 27% of the conference’s attendees. It was created to give undergraduate members of NPHC organizations the opportunity to network on issues that they deal with on predominantly white campuses and celebrate fellowship among the Divine Nine.

PHI BETA SIGMA COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP ACCELERATE PROGRESS AT AFLV 2026

Some of the events sponsored during AFLV Central were the Welcome Reception, Town Hall, Educational Sessions, Affiliation Luncheon and Showcase, an organizational competition and signature event where groups from across the country unite and perform a step, stroll, call, etc. for the chance to win prizes and national bragging rights!

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity sponsored a Collegiate Networking Meeting & Luncheon, attended by all conference participants and facilitated by Bro. Devean Bush, International Second Vice President, Bro. Jaylen Rasberry, Collegiate Member-At-Large 1 and Bro. Matthew Johnson, Collegiate Member-At-Large 2.

The Cultural Greek Experience is specifically geared to provide a forum for multicultural fraternity/sorority members to network and dialogue on topics impacting cultural Greeks.

Congratulations to the winning chapters!

Every image tells a story – but the right image can shape a legacy. As we celebrate the 2026 Founders’ Day Flyest Collegiate Chapter Photo Challenge Winners for the third year, we’re reminded that powerful visuals do more than capture a moment; they capture attention, spark pride, and strengthen connection. On today’s college campuses, where competition for enrollment is fierce and first impressions are often digital, highquality photography has become essential to effective marketing and promotions. Compelling visuals elevate institutional storytelling, amplify brand identity, and play a pivotal role in attracting prospective students while reinforcing belonging among those already on campus. This year’s winning images embody the spirit, energy, and community that drive recruitment, engagement, and long-term retention.

Second Place - $750

Delta Theta Chapter

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View, Texas

Gulf Coast Region

Third Place - $500

Beta Pi Chapter

Florida Memorial University

Miami Gardens, Florida

Southern Region

Fourth Place - $400

Iota Rho Chapter University of Central Florida University, Florida Southern Region

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri

Southwestern Region Fifth Place $250 TIE

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Southern Region

CONNECTING WITH PURPOSE:

THE CAMPUS PARTNERS MEETING

The Campus Partners Meeting serves as a strategic touchpoint designed to strengthen collaboration, enhance support for collegiate members, and ensure clarity around key operational processes that impact the undergraduate experience. Its purpose extends beyond routine updates—this gathering reinforces shared responsibility for cultivating safe, informed, and empowering environments across campuses where Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is represented.

A central goal of the meeting is to formally introduce the International Headquarters (IHQ) staff to campus partners. Establishing these connections ensures that university administrators, advisors, and student affairs professionals know exactly who to contact for guidance, escalation, or collaboration. By putting names, roles, and responsibilities at the forefront, the meeting builds trust and streamlines communication between IHQ and campus stakeholders.

Two Campus Partner Meetings have been held since launching in 2025. Instituted by Brother Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, International Executive Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the meetings are progressing positively. Dr. Flapp shares, “There were over 60 campus partners from colleges and universities nationwide that attended, with recordings sent to all partners, in the event they desire a follow-up meeting. Partner-attendees represented Directors of Greek-Life, Directors of National Pan Hellenic Councils, Advisors – all

campus-based professionals working at colleges and universities.” Participants on the fraternity side also included Hon. Bro. David A. Turner, International President, Bro. Malwan Johnson, International First Vice President, Bro. Devean Bush, International Second Vice President, Hon. Bro. Martin Currie, Director of Risk Management, and Bro. Monaleto C. Irby, International Director of Collegiate Affairs

Membership intake, event insurance, and risk management remain areas where clarity and consistency are essential. The meeting provides a structured forum to address questions, explain expectations, and ensure campus partners understand the fraternity’s policies and procedures. By walking through these topics together, IHQ helps campuses feel confident in their oversight role while reinforcing the fraternity’s commitment to safety, compliance, and responsible operations.

The Campus Partners Meeting ultimately serves as a bridge— connecting IHQ leadership with the campus professionals who support Sigma men every day. Through relationship building, collaboration, and transparent communication, the meeting strengthens the foundation that allows collegiate members to thrive academically, socially, and civically.

SIGMA STUDENT ATHLETES

In every arena and every classroom, Sigma Student Athletes are redefining what it means to excel. They sprint toward finish lines with the same determination they bring to late-night study sessions, proving that strength and scholarship are not opposing forces but powerful partners. Balancing grueling training schedules with demanding academic pursuits, these remarkable individuals embody discipline, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. This feature celebrates the drive, focus, and character that set Sigma Student Athletes apart—champions not only in competition, but in commitment to excellence in every aspect of their lives.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE LEADING SCHOLARSHIP, SIGMA COLLEGIANS EXEMPLIFYING with

Across campuses where Phi Beta Sigma has presence, a remarkable group of Sigma collegians is redefining what academic excellence looks like. They are researchers and resident assistants, debaters and data scientists, artists and engineers – individuals whose curiosity stretches beyond the classroom and whose discipline turns aspiration into achievement. United not only by the colors of royal blue and pure white, high GPAs and intellectual courage, they also ask better questions, pursue deeper understanding, and elevate the standards of their peers along the way.

This gallery of academic excellence feature scholars who exemplify the power of focus, resilience, and purpose. Whether pioneering undergraduate research, leading collaborative initiatives, or mentoring classmates, they demonstrate that excellence is as much about impact as it is about performance. In celebrating their accomplishments, we also celebrate “Culture for Service and Service to Humanity.”

EASTERN GREAT LAKES

GULF COAST

SOUTHEASTERN

SOUTHERN

SOUTHWESTERN