As is the majority of the customs of multicultural Greek life, probates are deeply rooted in the traditions and values of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also known as the “Divine Nine”, a council that umbrellas nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. The tradition of probates began with the Divine Nine to showcase their new members into the Greek community. 

A probate is a new member presentation that generally involves an organization’s new members partaking in greeting, strolling, presentation of history, and a reveal. The main purpose of a probate is not only to ‘reveal’ the organization’s new class into Greek life but to foster connections between the Greek community while proudly representing the new members’ respective organizations.

Within the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) community, probates occur often towards the end of the semester. In addition to ASU’s NPHC, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) also partakes in this tradition. Alpha Phi Gamma’s Xi Chapter demonstrates their pride in being part of the MGC community at ASU and recognizes its historical significance to African American culture by partaking in their first probate since 2018; this is their first probate since becoming Xi Chapter in 2020.

The Kappa ‘Koopa Troopa’ Class of Alpha Phi Gamma’s Xi Chapter comprises Amber Jee, Divyanshi Khatri, Sumaiya Manjra, Diana Nguyen, Phyness Pickett, Kayli Sasaki, Eliana Yuke, and Jasmine Zehn; this is the chapter’s largest crossing class since Spring 2020, an equinumerous amount to the Zeta ‘Zaydreamz’ class. 

“I felt super proud of our chapter for organizing our first probate in forever. It was a lot of work but together with active house and us, it was worth it,” Jasmine Zehn, explains her experience.

… But the new class could not have done this all alone. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of their Ritual Chancellor, Flora Lu, and Mom, Amy Tran – both members (and twins!) of the Theta ‘Tsuki’ Class of Fall 2021 – Alpha Phi Gamma’s Xi Chapter was able to accomplish one of the largest events in their chapter’s history.

“This is one of the legacies I’m proud to leave for our chapter and I cannot wait to see what else we can all accomplish together,” expressed Tran, emphasizing her dedication to the formation of the event.

Tran continues, with a message for all, to take risks to achieve their goals, even if it may seem daunting at first.

“Don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown. I had no idea what I was doing and was met with some skepticism, but that’s the beauty of it.” 

The Active House of Alpha Phi Gamma, Xi Chapter would like to express appreciation to the Fall 2022 Ritual Chancellor of Alpha Phi Gamma’s Omicron Chapter at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign’s KC Rivera for her guidance for their probate and for traveling from Chicago to Tempe to show her support.