Interview Notes: Upsilon Zeta Members - Spring 84 and PG Lines

Introductions

Jackson Farrar

• Upsilon Chapter, Spring 74 line, member of the U 50th History Committee
• Lives in Garner, NC, originally from Cary, NC
• Business major from ECU, retired

Other Members of the History Committee

• Brian Delaney: Fall 89, Trey dog honcho, looking forward to the conversation
• Mara Murphy: Fall 94, currently in Silver Spring, MD, excited for the interview

Spring 84 Line Members

• Arthur Burks: Ace dog, Raleigh, NC
• Jeff Cedy: Number Two, Tacoma neighborhood of Washington DC
• Bruce Murray: Number Three, Morehead City, NC, commercial electrician
• John Lud: Number Four, from Anson County, NC near Charlotte, works in public health

Initial Impressions and Experiences at ECU

Arthur Burks

• Came to ECU in Fall 83 from Morehead, NC for academic reasons
• Initially intended to pledge Omega due to family members who were Omegas

Jeff Cedy

• Came for Division One football and proximity to family in NC
• Experienced culture shock due to regional and racial contrasts from Washington, DC

Bruce Murray

• Track scholarship led to ECU, had multiple sports scholarship offers
• Found easy integration due to previous multicultural environment in Fayetteville, NC
• Known for rich social life; ECU was known as a partying school

John Lud

• Enrolled in 1982, exposed to ECU through a basketball camp
• Aimed to assimilate in a primarily white school environment
• Found a greater black community at ECU than expected
• Stress and challenges in balancing social activities and academics

Campus Organizations

• Gospel Choir: Influential group among black students
• Expressions magazine: Transformed by Jeff Cedy from CEO of Ebony Herald; won awards for journalism
• Different Groups/Gatherings: NAACP, Souls, and other black organizations

Decision to Join Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Diverse Influences and Motivations

• Arthur Burks: Connection to family members who were members, impressed by the fraternity's unity and visibility
• John Lud: Influenced by prominent individuals on campus and Omega’s reputation as the best
• Jeff Cedy: Influenced by spending time with current members before pledging

Pledging Experiences and Challenges

• Hard Times and Unity: Intense pledging process solidified unity amongst line members
• Diverse backgrounds and transitions to being co-dependent and interconnected during pledging
• Defining Moments: Shared rigorous experiences that bonded the group

Post-Pledging Experience and Integration as Brothers

Transition to Active Members

• Initial Leadership Challenges: Taking on roles like Dean of Pledges, transitioning to leadership roles within the chapter
• Successful Fundraising Initiatives: Inclusion in planning profitable events like parties and step shows
• Improving Campus Presence: Actively giving back to the community through fundraising and engaging in public service

Road Trips and Broader Fraternal Engagement

• Joining Broader Events: Attending regionals, conclaves, and other national events
• Supporting Campus Unity: Partnered with sororities and other organizations for events and charity activities

Legacy and Influence on Following Lines<br>

• Maintaining chapter traditions like making Pro Pro-fight and organizing events level
• Setting High Standards: Establishing a strong, respectful, and active chapter reputation on campus and beyond
• Influence on Later Lines: Motivated later members and influenced maintaining high standards through subsequent generations even with cultural and procedural shifts

Reflection and Acknowledgment

Affirmation of Brotherhood and Shared Values

• Expressing Brotherhood: Shared experiences and collective support fostered deep respect and camaraderie among members
• Enduring Connections: Lifelong connections through shared trials and accomplishments

Final Thoughts

• Gratitude and Pride in their Chapter: Continuous appreciation for the fraternity's role in personal growth and community impact
• Assurance in Future Generations: Confidence in younger members carrying forward the established legacy and impact of the chapter