FOLLOWING IN THE FOUNDERS’ FOOTSTEPS

A Legacy Of Leadership

by Rachel Greene

FEW PI KAPPA PHI UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERS have shoes to fill that are as large as members of the Alpha Chapter (College of Charleston). Faced with the pressure of living up to the founders’ legacy, this pressure that all brothers of Pi Kappa Phi may sometimes feel is an everyday feeling within the borders of the College of Charleston. Alpha Chapter Archon Bailey Sumner knows this pressure all too well but does not let it deter him in his efforts to make a name for himself in his chapter, on campus and within his community.

“I have always loved Charleston,” said Sumner, “It’s a beautiful city, and if you ask me, it’s America’s number one city.” This passion for Charleston is not newfound, though. In a pamphlet from his freshman year of high school, Sumner wrote in the margins a testament to his lasting love for the city, “I am going to the College of Charleston.” Whether it was fate or a self-fulfilling prophecy, that is exactly where the history and secondary education major would find himself just a few years later.

As a freshman at the College of Charleston, Sumner knew he wanted to join Greek life, but was unsure of how the actual rushing process worked. Some of his older friends who had gone on to college before him had joined Pi Kappa Phi at the University of South Carolina, so he was familiar with the letters and the flag, but that was the extent of his knowledge. As luck would have it, he would see those same letters and flag the week after rush and make the decision to start a conversation with the two men tabling on campus. This conversation would ultimately lead to him joining the Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. Despite not quite knowing what he was getting himself into when he joined the Fraternity, Sumner quickly stood out to his brothers and stood up as a chapter leader, serving two terms as Alpha’s chaplain and two terms as archon. He is currently wrapping up his final term as archon, and despite the challenges that he has faced along the way, he does not regret his decision to join Pi Kappa Phi or take on these roles, particularly the two-time archon role. “Back-to-back terms were difficult, definitely not easy at all, but I would not change it for the world,” he said. “I love spending time with my guys and leading the chapter to what is best for us alongside my executive council. We’ve had our challenges, but when you have the right people standing behind you and a good head on your shoulders, you can overcome anything.”

Aside from his pride in the chapter and his brothers, Sumner now has two additional accolades to show for his hard work during his undergraduate years, one of which is the College of Charleston Fraternity Man of the Year Award. The award annually recognizes one fraternity man who has demonstrated outstanding involvement and achievement within the fraternity and sorority community as well as on campus, while upholding the individual values of his Greek organization. There are nine nationally recognized Interfraternity Council (IFC) men’s fraternities on campus, as well as one culturally based organization, and together they comprise roughly 40 percent of the College of Charleston’s male identifying student body. Nominations are open to all members of the fraternity and sorority life community. Though he still doesn’t know who nominated him, Sumner is grateful they did, saying, “It is a huge honor to be the Fraternity Man of the Year. At least 40 percent of the men on campus are involved in Greek life, so it’s great to know that my work is recognized by the college and be reminded that it’s not for nothing.”

His second accolade is not actually an award, but rather a permanent place in the College of Charleston’s history, being named to the Hall of Leaders. According to the nomination form, criteria for nomination to the Hall include having given selfless time and leadership to an organization, making a significant contribution to the campus community and encouraging and motivating others in the organization. Each year, each eligible organization at the College is allowed to submit one individual for induction into the Hall but is not required to unless they deem an individual worthy of the honor. Sumner was chosen as the 2023 inductee for IFC, and he has not taken this honor lightly, saying, “Being inducted into the Hall of Leaders, it’s so extraordinary. I don’t even know how to put it into words.”

As a part of this distinguished group of individuals, he received a plaque, and his name has been added to the Hall of Leaders wall in the Higdon Student Center at the College of Charleston. Aside from the tangible evidence of his accomplishments, Sumner said, “Being a part of the Hall of Leaders is something that not only ties me back to the College but to the rechartering of the Alpha Chapter. It comes back to all the brothers who pushed me and helped me to get there. You don’t just win these awards; you earn them when you continuously do what you think is the right thing.”

As the archon of his chapter, he feels it is his responsibility to prepare and support whoever the next archon might be, passing the baton to the next generation of chapter leaders. With his undergraduate experience coming to a close, Sumner hopes that these awards, which he believes represent the Alpha Chapter as a whole despite having his name on them, serve as a reminder to not only his chapter but any struggling chapter or newly chartered chapters, that turning their current situation around really is possible. “In the four years I’ve spent on campus, we’ve really built the chapter from the ground up to become one of the largest, best fraternities on campus,” he said. “When you do the right thing, choose to speak up rather than stay hidden and take the time to sit back and really listen before acting, you can be successful.”

Though he is not naive to the fact that he will likely never be the most memorable or notable member of the Alpha Chapter, Sumner trusts that his actions and his legacy of leadership will outlast any award or recognition he could earn. For that, he hopes to have made his chapter brothers, current and founding members alike, proud.