College is about more than classes and tests, it is about the experience of being on your own and learning who you are. Students often join sororities and fraternities, which have earned their fair share of negative press in the past. However, Junior Chad Manhertz’s decision to join Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was not a difficult one. “Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is the only fraternity without a stereotype,” Manhertz said. “I wanted to join a fraternity where I wouldn’t be judged by the Greek letters that I wore.” Manhertz, a Durham native and current President of his fraternity, stays busy participating in many organizations on campus. He is Social Chair of the Carolina Caribbean Association, a member of the Minority Student Recruitment Committee, and most recently, Chair of the Marketing Committee of CUAB.Manhertz has demonstrated his ability to lead and continues to carry out the standards set by Carolina through his commitment to community service and scholarship.
HC: Which organization do you enjoy most and why?
Chad: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. because joining a fraternity is something you have to have a lot of passion for and I love it with all my heart and soul. I love my brothers and our efforts to put our fraternity in a positive light through continuing the legacy that the founders set forth. My inspiration to join came from the fact that it runs by inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness. We are built on the idea of diversity.
HC: Which activities does your fraternity take part in?
Chad: My fraternity takes part in many activities, especially through community service, which is one of our principles. We participate in Adopt-A-Highway, March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few. We also host forums and social events about life issues that appeal to the college student.
HC: Aside from activities in community service, the NPHC holds an annual Homecoming Step Show. What was it like winning for the third year in a row?
Chad: The step show takes a lot of preparation. We have to make up the steps, come up with a theme, and put everything together. This year we started practicing mid-September and practiced about every night until the show, which was in late October. We are known for winning the step show so that just adds to the pressure on us. This year was more stressful than usual because of the fact that I was the only one with experience being in a step show, so it was a little more work getting everyone prepared. It gets really stressful, but is definitely worth it if you win.
HC: How do you balance school and your extra-curricular activities?
Chad: I make a schedule for myself for when I will do schoolwork so I will have enough time to get everything done and still stay active in extra-curricular activities. It is hard to balance though.
HC: What is your favorite thing about Carolina?
Chad: My favorite thing about Carolina is the diversity. Diversity is a key part of life and I have learned to embrace it. It has taught me a lot about myself as well as others.
HC: What are your post-graduation plans?
Chad: Maybe graduate school and then I think I want to do Teach for America.
HC: What is your life motto?
Chad: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Phillippians 4:13
HC: How would you describe your experience with being Greek at Carolina?
Chad: It has its ups and downs. I feel like Greeks are put on a pedestal and it’s cool at first, but eventually it gets old. People are always judging Greeks and have this preconception about them. Overall, it’s been great. I enjoy having a second family.
HC: What has been your favorite memory at Carolina?
Chad: My favorite memory at Carolina is when we won the National Championship. It was the same day I crossed Sigma.
HC: What is one thing you want to accomplish before you leave Carolina?
Chad: I want to leave my mark somehow, I want to be remembered when I leave. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it yet, but I will.