Dressed in black hoodies with yellow letters, the men of Psi Upsilon kicked off Psi U Think You Can Dance with their own dance number. The Lambda Sigma Chapter of Psi Upsilon drew hundreds of students and alumni to its event resembling one of America’s most popular television series, “So You Think You Can Dance,” in Waves Cafe on Tuesday night.
Although this event brings the Pepperdine community together and allows for some dancing, music and fun, the fraternity is working hard each year to help provide for its philanthropy and fulfill an even bigger purpose.
Last week, Psi Upsilon had booths set up for students to purchase Psi You Think You Can Dance tickets and dance gear. All proceeds went toward the fraternity’s philanthropy, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.
“We pride ourselves on being a service fraternity,” Philanthropy Chair Steven Kim said. “This foundation is close to our hearts.”
The event raised nearly $7,000.
Psi You Think You Can Dance is an annual on-campus event open to all, with sororities competing in various dance competitions. The guys were later accompanied by the Pepperdine Dance Team. Seven sororities participated, all with their own unique dance moves and songs, but in the end, Delta Gamma took the winning title.
“There are good vibes, the music is great, the sorority competition is all healthy fun,” Kim said. “Our main focus when we do service is not to show off; we do it because we truly enjoy it.”
Sam Schmidt was one of the founding fathers of the Psi Upsilon fraternity. Schmidt was paralyzed after graduating from college in a race car accident. Schmidt’s foundation now helps people overcome spinal cord injuries, paralysis and neurological disorders. The funds from the event go toward scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances regarding such injuries and disorders.
“It’s good to give to a brother,” Kim said.
The lighting was vibrant, and the live DJ and sorority dance teams added to the splendor and excitement of the event.
“All girls love to dance,” Kim said. “It’s great to see all the girls go hard for the same good cause.”
The Psi You Think You Can Dance event has evolved over the years. It was created by a former president of the lambda sigma chapter, Scott Varner. Varner was looking for an innovative and fun way to support philanthropy.
The fraternity is already looking forward to Schmidt’s annual banquet where the group will be able to hand over the check reflecting all the fundraising they received from Psi You Think You Can Dance.
The fraternity chapter has expressed a desire to make the event even bigger in years to come. The group is now considering having a fraternity competition, adding to the relaxed fun and fundraising event.
