For today’s Frat Boy Friday, HerCampus GS wanted to recognize Ashlen Bernard, aka Ash. Originally from Rochester, New York, Ashlen relocated to Augusta, GA in high school.
Ashlen is apart of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, specifically the Pi Rho chapter here on campus. As a senior, information systems major, he has worked himself up to become President of the chapter!
Phi Beta Sigma is a fraternity founded in 1914 at Howard University by three African American men. They are founded on the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.
The website states,
“The Founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as “a part of” the general community rather than “apart from” the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family background or affluence…without regard to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. They desired for their fraternity to exist as part of an even greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the “inclusive we” rather than the “exclusive we”.
Not sure if you’ve seen Sigmas on campus? Here are some of the events they’ve hosted that you might’ve come across!
- 5k Race===> Stridez in Pink
- Fresh Cuts
- Wiggle Like A Sigma
- House of Blues
- Sigma Sweat Sessions
Now that we’re towards the end of Sigma Week (Nov.4-10), you’ve probably seen the men in blue and white around campus or lending their hands to community work in Statesboro.
“I love helping out in the community because kids are the future and I believe that when you positively contribute to society, whether it be through charity work or volunteering, good things will come back to you. I want to inspire young, African American men to go to college, get involved on campus, and to make a career out of something they’re passionate about. This fraternity is more than just an extracurricular to me. They’re my brothers for way beyond graduation!” Ashlen said.
Aside from leading his fraternity, Ashlen enjoys working out, traveling, hanging out with friends/family, trying new restaurants (especially barbecue), and going on outdoor adventures.
He recently went skydiving!
His dream vacation spot? Brazil, of course!
While Ashlen is the youngest of three siblings, he also considers everyone in the fraternity his brothers.
After graduating from GS in May, Ashlen plans on moving to Atlanta, or anywhere with profitable job offers, and working in the Information Systems field.