Gamma Xi Phi

The Fraternity for Artists and Creators

Tag: Fraternity

  • Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Initiates New Members

    Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Initiates New Members

    Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Welcomes Distinguished New Line of Artists and Educators.

    CHICAGO, IL — July 2, 2026 — On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the international professional fraternity for artists and creators, proudly welcomed four distinguished artists, educators, and scholars into the fraternity during an inspiring initiation ceremony celebrating artistic excellence, scholarship, and service.

    The chapter’s newest members are:

    • Vincent Singleton, an award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and Assistant Professor and Director of Media and Technology at Loyola University Chicago. His work as a filmmaker and educator has earned national and international recognition for its innovative storytelling and commitment to cultivating emerging artists.
    • Kent Ross Brooks, an acclaimed theatre artist, director, and educator at Northwestern University. His extensive career in performance, directing, and actor training has influenced generations of theatre practitioners and communicators.
    • Karla Rae Fuller, a scholar, author, and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago. Her research and publications examining race, media, and Black cultural representation have made significant contributions to the fields of communication and media studies.
    • Kamesha Khan, a director, educator, and professor at Chicago State University whose work in theatre arts, education, and community engagement continues to inspire artists while expanding opportunities for creative expression throughout Chicago.

    Collectively, these accomplished professionals represent excellence across filmmaking, theatre, visual arts, higher education, media studies, and community engagement. Their induction into Gamma Xi Phi strengthens the Kappa Chapter’s mission to advance artistic practice through fellowship, scholarship, leadership, and service.

    The initiation ceremony culminated in a memorable Odean Performance, an interdisciplinary celebration of the arts that reflected Gamma Xi Phi’s commitment to creative expression. Guests experienced an engaging artist talk with the production’s director, an inspiring ceremonial address, original poetry, vocal performances, live instrumental music, a film presentation, and an intimate piano mini-concert. The evening beautifully demonstrated the power of the arts to educate, heal, connect, and inspire.

    Gamma Xi Phi is an international professional fraternity dedicated to artists and creators across disciplines, fostering fellowship, philanthropy, artistic excellence, and community engagement. Through its members, the fraternity continues to build bridges between artists, educators, scholars, and cultural leaders while advancing opportunities for creative collaboration and public service.

    The Kappa Chapter, located on Chicago’s south side, looks forward to the leadership, scholarship, and artistic vision these new members will contribute as the fraternity continues its mission of strengthening artists and communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

    Gamma Xi Phi’s Public Motto: “Uniting the World, One Artist at a Time.”

  • GXP hosts successful World Suicide Prevention Day event

    GXP hosts successful World Suicide Prevention Day event

    Gamma Xi Phi, The Fraternity for Artists and Creators, hosted a successful event in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2023. The event was held virtually and featured a presentation by Sister La Toya Hankins, National President,  and Venise Keys, Program Director, Kappa Chapter, Chicago, Ill, who spoke about mental health and the importance of seeking help.

    The event provided an open space for attendees to share their own experiences and resources for supporting those in need. Members of the fraternity showcased their own artwork, highlighting the power of art in starting conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. 

    “We are thrilled with the response to our World Suicide Prevention Day event,” said Hankins. “It was important for us to create a space for open conversation about mental health and provide resources to those who may be struggling. We are grateful to our members for sharing their artwork and their stories.” 

    The event saw attendance from 23 members of the fraternity, who joined from various locations across the country.

    “Gamma Xi Phi remains committed to supporting mental health initiatives and promoting open dialogue about these important issues,” said Brother Patrick D. Butler, National Vice President.

    For more information about Gamma Xi Phi and its initiatives, visit https://gammaxiphi.com

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    Gamma Xi Phi is an anti-racist, non-hazing, all-gender professional fraternity for artists and creators established in 2010 by undergraduate students attending Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey. Organized on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation, Gamma Xi Phi seeks to create a world in which artists are valued as thoughtful and justice-oriented leaders in their communities and in their careers. 

  • Shayna Hayes, Newest honorary Member

    Shayna Hayes, Newest honorary Member

    Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists and creators, initiated an honorary member during the 2023 National Convention in New Orleans, La.

    Shayna Hayes is Head of Content, Entertainment & Initiatives at the National Football League (NFL). She pilots the editorial and creative vision around all content for the NFL’s social justice and social impact initiatives, as well as entertainment content for tentpole events such as the Draft and Super Bowl. She was previously a Senior Producer at BNC and a Producer at ESPN. Prior to that, she worked as a Senior Producer for KLAS in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a Producer at WTVM in Columbus, Georgia. In recognition for her outstanding work, Shayna has received two Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a duPont-Columbia Award.

    She is an alumna of American University in Washington, D.C., where she was President of the American University Gospel Choir and was active in campus media and residence life. Her hometown is Mobile, Alabama.

    Shayna believes, “effective communication is the pathway to identifying actionable solutions that can be used to create a more accepting society.” She has spent nearly 20 years as an expert at coaching, training, and supporting creators through their processes, living out Gamma Xi Phi’s principle of Elevation through creative connections.

    Shayna is excited to join Gamma Xi Phi at its first in-person convention initiation of an honorary member since the first National Convention in 2013. Her service interests include connecting artists and creators to the fraternity and in supporting west coast expansion.

    “We are deeply honored that Shayna Hayes has accepted our invitation to honorary membership and is joining us here in New Orleans,” said National President La Toya Hankins during the ceremony.

    * * *
    Gamma Xi Phi is an anti-racist, non-hazing, all-gender professional fraternity for artists and creators established in 2010 by undergraduate students attending Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey. Organized on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation, Gamma Xi Phi seeks to create a world in which artists are valued as thoughtful and justice-oriented leaders in their communities and in their careers.