By Reima Choute
Rooted in the heart of one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world, Brooklyn College’s campus is a melting pot of cultures and ideas where students from all corners of the globe come together to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Zyeem Nazir, a graduate student at BC pursuing an MBA in general business, exemplifies this commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
As a proud member of Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity (ΦΣΧ), a six-chapter fraternity founded at the New York City College of Technology on November 16, 1996, Nazir has been a part of a unique community that has embraced diversity since its founding. With the founders comprising three African Americans, two Hispanics, and one Asian, the fraternity’s roots reflect the value of inclusivity.
Nazir initially heard about the fraternity at the Brooklyn College “Meet the Greeks” event. “It was refreshing to see bros that didn’t look anything like each other and to come from different walks of life. The only thing that was the same across all those bros was that they wore, with pride, the same letters across their chest,” he said.
A key factor that went into Nazir’s decision to choose Phi Sigma Chi was the evident diversity that the fraternity offered. Over the years, Nazir’s role within the fraternity evolved, from serving as the first philanthropic chair to becoming the secretary and, eventually, the chapter president. These experiences have contributed significantly to his personal growth and leadership development.
Nazir’s academic journey at Brooklyn College has also been marked by achievements. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in business and a minor in film this past spring, leaving BC with much growth. “I became more extroverted, a better leader, and more free-thinking and outspoken on my beliefs,” said Nazir, noting that he attributes his success to being able to connect with other students, especially during the pandemic when numerous student-led group chats were being created.
His decision to go to graduate school came from an email that he received upon completing his undergraduate degree where he was offered a seat in the business program based on his academic records. He has been enjoying his first semester as a BC graduate student at the Murray Koppelman School of Business this fall. He gives credit to Professor David Lynch and Professor Myles Bassell, who “were highly encouraging and motivating to their students and […] easy to approach and get along with.”
Prior to graduating this past June, Nazir and Mohammad Tusar, the chapter’s vice president, were awarded the “Greek Lettered Organization of the Year Award.”
“[It was] very fulfilling to see that all the events that me and my chapter have hosted across this previous year have been recognized by the college and […] as an organization worth noting when looking for events to attend on campus! It truly was an electrifying and redeeming night,” Nazir said.
Nazir’s journey at Brooklyn College serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to diversity, academic excellence, and community engagement. His involvement with Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity reflects the college’s ethos of inclusivity, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds under a common banner.