Executive Board | U of SC Delta Sigma Pi

Beta Gamma Executive Board

Letter from the President

My college journey might look similar, or quite different from yours. However, I believe we share a common ground in what we hope to gain from our college experience. My name is Gavin Erickson, and this is my story.

During my senior year of high school, I found myself uncertain about my future. After applying to 35 colleges, I decided to take a chance on the University of South Carolina, a decision that brought me over 1,000 miles away from home. The transition was both thrilling and intimidating as I aimed to learn how to live independently and build meaningful friendships.

Like many portrayals of college life, I anticipated a vibrant social scene filled with adventure and personal growth. However, my first semester was a bit of a letdown. My routine rapidly became monotonous: attending class, hitting the gym, grabbing Chick-fil-A at Russell House, doing laundry, studying, and repeating it day after day. I wasn’t connecting with new people or stepping out of my comfort zone.

The turning point for me came in the spring semester of my freshman year when I discovered Delta Sigma Pi. Joining this organization was a transformative experience that challenged me to embrace discomfort and realize my capabilities.

As the oldest business fraternity at the University of South Carolina, founded in 1929, the Beta Gamma Chapter has a rich history of making a positive impact on its members and the community. Through membership in Delta Sigma Pi, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various community service initiatives, including beach clean-ups in Charleston. I've also engaged in brotherhood retreats in the mountains of Tennessee, attended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events that foster meaningful discussions, and experienced professional development opportunities such as networking with industry professionals and enhancing my resume and LinkedIn profile.

Beyond these events, my involvement has also allowed me to compete in case competitions, intern at Fortune 500 companies, and study abroad in Vietnam. If you were to tell my high school self that I would have accomplished all of these things during my time in college, I wouldn't believe you.

The truth is, my story is just one of the 110 that you will see scrolling through our active brother's pages. What sets this organization apart is the diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique story—ranging from our upbringing to our aspirations for the future. The one common thread we share is our membership in Delta Sigma Pi and our commitment to learning from one another. Through this organization, I've built lasting connections that I will value long after my time at South Carolina.

I owe much of my growth—both socially and professionally—to the incredible community within Delta Sigma Pi. The support of my brothers has been instrumental in helping me develop confidence and strive for excellence in all I pursue.

As you embark on your college journey, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities that await. Our organization is a platform for growth, service, and lifelong friendships, and I hope that our brotherhood inspires you as it has inspired me. All it takes is that first step—coming out to recruitment—and I assure you, you won't regret it.

Fraternally,
Gavin Erickson
President, Beta Gamma Chapter
Delta Sigma Pi, University of South Carolina