Collegiate Spotlight | May 17, 2020 by PBSWest.org

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Western Region's May spotlight shines on Collegiate Bro. Christopher Pribilo, a member of Lambda Kappa Chapter | University of California, Davis.

Christopher is a graduating Aerospace Science and Engineering major at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). He has worked to gain technical experience and knowledge through numerous internships and involvement with on-campus organizations and programs. He participated in the Leadership in Advancement, Diversity, and Retention (LEADR) program where he was able to mentor underrepresented students entering the engineering field. He also became the Vice President of the UC Davis National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter where he worked to increase the retention of freshmen and transfer engineers and prepare them for professional careers in their discipline. He also currently serves on the Regional Executive Board for NSBE. Christopher has been an advocate for social action and promoting the idea of community within the African Diaspora.

Bro. Pribilo was initiated into our wondrous band via Lambda Kappa Chapter | UC Davis on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Since joining, he has worked with his chapter to increase involvement on campus, within communities, and within the Fraternity. Christopher's path to leadership began as Secretary, then he was elected to First Vice President before finally becoming President. As he graduates, he leaves behind a great legacy that includes raising money for the chapter, increasing professional services for the community, and strengthening Lambda Kappa's involvement with the Fraternity both regionally and nationally. Under his leadership, Lambda Kappa grew to become the largest undergraduate chapter in the Western Region.

Three For The Founders...
Please share your journey to Sigma...
I like to say that my journey to Sigma started during my senior year of high school. I was part of the San Diego Links Achievers program with other college-bound Black men and we were practicing our step routine coordinated by Brothers from the Lambda Iota Chapter | San Diego State University. I was inspired by their service to the community and I knew I wanted to give back to my community as well. When I came to UC Davis my freshman year, I was mentored by Bro. Ryan Vernon who was pursuing the same engineering major as me. He gave me guidance navigating the school as a Black engineering student while showing his leadership with the other Lambda Kappa brothers. I felt like a Brother before ever donning my letters. Eventually, I joined the Fraternity in Fall of 2017.

"Lambda Kappa works hard to uphold the Fraternity’s motto by implementing international programs quarterly. For Bigger and Better Business, we host “Fresh Fridays”, which is a program that addresses the lack of barbers that specialize in Black hair in the Davis area. The chapter provides barbers [with] the equipment and a location to cut hair, and [they] are [then] able to make appointments with clients and set their own prices. For Education, the chapter hosts “Sentences with Sigmas”, where we invite writing tutors and students to get individual writing assistance and tutoring in an uncontested setting. For Social Action, we partner with an additional organization on campus for our “PB&J Feed” where we make over 200 sandwiches which are donated to homeless and in-need families in Sacramento."

"I think Lambda Kappa has been able to see growth in our membership due to our involvement in diverse spaces outside of the Fraternity. Our chapter has athletes, engineers, artists, researchers, and board members for other organizations. So while we make a great impact [in] our community when we are together, we also share all the great things we do as Sigma men in the other activities we care about and contribute to. This helps our exposure to potential members and highlights our service."

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