Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated will be performing at the Chicago Bulls city edition game during halftime where it will be highlighting the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Divine Nine organizations.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated was founded on September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University.

The Beta Gamma chapter was chartered here on Eastern Illinois University’s March 16, 1968. The chapter then closed in 1994.

It was reactivated in 2021 by Kristian “KP” Philpotts with I.S. R.E.I.N.C.A.R.N.A.T.I.O.N.

Since then, they have had three new members be initiated between 2021 and 2022. Their latest addition to Beta Gamma is Kent Quilling, their Fall 2022 initiate.

The members of Beta Gamma have been working very hard to prepare for this performance.

Kristopher Gross, a junior majoring in sports management, is also the vice president of the chapter.

Gross shared how it felt to get this opportunity to share the halftime show with the other Greeks participating.

“It feels so good to be sharing the floor with other Greeks no matter where they’re from,” Gross said. “Because it’s the unity that everyone shows when we come together.”

This opportunity came about for them after his brothers performed previously in 2021. After that performance, the host invited the chapter to come back and perform with more members.

Gross said “this is a blessing… [I] never thought I’d have the opportunity to perform at the United Center.”

Gross also commented on how this performance will affect how the Iotas are viewed on Eastern’s campus.

“I feel like this will show that my chapter here on EIU’s campus means business,” Gross said. “And show that we know how to network with our brothers to have opportunities like this one.”

They are very excited about their performance but Gross said, “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m not just a little nervous.”

The Iotas are set to perform during halftime on February 24 at the United Center.

Christina Holman can be reached at 581-2812 or at clhoman@eiu.edu.