–By Diana C. Hernandez–
Fraternities and sororities on campus faced a turning point last year when no one wanted to take the position of Greek Senate President at NJCU.
According to the Greek handbook, the Greek Senate is a student-run, governing board of all Greek affairs at NJCU that represents recognized fraternities and sororities. There are five fraternity members with a set of responsibilities including: president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and a parliamentarian.
How would there be Greek Life on campus with no Executive Board (e-board)?
Leandro Rodriguez, 24, psychology major from Jersey City, stepped up for the leadership position.
“I believe my responsibilities are to make it known that there is a Greek Life,” said Rodriguez. “[Let’s] show people why Greeks are beneficial by creating more of a bond in terms of Greek unity as well as help the growth of Greek Life on campus.”
Rodriguez, along with his e-board, has organized several events on campus such as a Greek Panel discussion called “Are You Even Greek?” and a Greek BBQ which was co-sponsored by Campus Life, Black Freedom Society (B.F.S) and Federacion de Estudiantes Latinos Americanos (F.E.L.A). He also helped manage Meet the Greeks which was co-sponsored by the Student Government Organization.
Off campus, he worked with other Greek members by participating in community services at the Boys and Girls Club located in downtown Jersey City. The fraternity engaged the children with recreational activities and homework assistance.
“Leandro is very much into having Greeks work together. He is very open to expansion. He has been one of the more progressive Greek Presidents. He is open to trying things differently oppose to what has been done in the past. He is a productive and a hardworking leader who does not give up easily,” said Amani Jennings, Dean of Students of NJCU.
Before his life at NJCU, Rodriguez admitted he was heading down a wrong path until his brotherhood in Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc.commenced.
The fraternity is the Baronet Beta chapter of Psi Sigma Phi and was founded in 1990 at NJCU. They are the only multicultural fraternity in NJCU, the only one in NJ, and the first in the nation. Unlike other fraternities, PSP is about multiculturalism—embracing men of all ethnicities and races. For Rodriguez, PSP is the reason why he steered his life back on the right track.
“I had potential, but never tapped into that ability for failure of knowing how. My brothers put me on the right path and have shown me the way to become the man I am today.”
One of his brothers from PSP, who knew him since enrollment at NJCU in 2007, recognized Rodriguez’s ability to succeed due to his dedication and hard work.
Rocco Lucciola, 24, art major from Jersey City, pledged to PSP in 2008 to then become Rodriquez’s mentor by Spring 2009.
“…He was a dedicated and hard working man and I knew he would do well in life. The both of us worked together in the Fraternity to make life at NJCU better for the students,” said Lucciola. However, “Leo went the extra mile and took on the role of Greek Senate President where he brought Greek Organizations together to impact the NJCU community. That influenced me to open up my network. Hard work, sacrifice, and courage are three things that he lives by.”
Rodriguez’s leadership role helped him build relationships with students and faculty members on campus.
Being a fraternity member and President of the Greek Senate helped involve him in SGO meetings, associations, and other student networks. It helped him learn how to better his organization and the Greek Senate.
The SGO V.P. of Public Information Karen Mateus, 22, criminal justice major from North Bergen appreciates Rodriguez’s hard work and leadership skills.
“Student Government Organization and Greek Life work together by collaborating with each other and co-sponsoring different events. Most importantly, Leandro is a dedicated student, passionate, responsible, funny, and a natural leader,” said Mateus.
In accordance to dedication, by Spring 2015, Rodriguez expects a bachelor’s degree in psychology. His ultimate goal is to become a nurse and work in the Psych ER to help those in need.
“I come from a family that is always trying to help someone and sometimes even help them before themselves. This is in my blood and something that I love and look forward to,” said Rodriguez.
Because of Rodriguez’s leadership skills, outside of classes at NJCU or the Greek Senate, he works at the Surgical Center in Bloomfield. Rodriguez urges students to become more involved at NJCU.
“Be active on campus, and look around not only for a Fraternity or Sorority, but for an organization in general. NJCU has so many opportunities for us we just have to look and find them. Broaden your horizons and I promise you will find something you love or will love on campus.”