Student Organization Spotlight: Delta Sigma Pi

Clarence Bongalos, President of Delta Sigma Pi.

This semester, the Fowler College of Business is highlighting Delta Sigma Pi, a student organization that is making a difference both on campus and in the local community. This year, they have hosted weekly general meetings, scholarship workshops, and other workshops where brothers can expand their professional skills. Clarence Bongalos (Senior, Marketing), President of Delta Sigma Pi, describes the importance of getting involved on campus, the influence of their brotherhood, and more! 

About Delta Sigma Pi

Q: What are the goals of your organization?

Delta Sigma Pi is a professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business in universities; to encourage scholarship, social activity, and the association of students for their mutual advancement by research and practice; to promote closer affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce, and to further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture and the civic and commercial welfare of the community.

Our mission as the Iota Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi is to utilize our three pillars of professionalism, commitment, and brotherhood to strengthen our presence within the Aztec Community and National Fraternity by improving upon our fundraising, member engagement, and achievements. 

Q: Why should students join your organization?

Students should join Delta Sigma Pi if they are looking to grow their professionalism and expand their resources on scholarships, networking opportunities, and internship opportunities.

Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?

We host weekly general body meetings, executive board meetings, scholarship workshops, and other professional workshops to further expand our brothers’ professionalism. We also host social events like picnics, karaoke nights, and bonfire nights for our brothers to further develop the brotherhood in the chapter.

Q: When does your organization meet?

Our executive board meeting is every Sunday from 3:00 - 4:30 pm followed by our general body meeting from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. All our meetings are exclusively for current brothers.

Q: How can a student get involved with your organization?

At the beginning of each semester, we host multiple recruitment events for two weeks before interviewing to join Delta Sigma Pi. Then, after receiving and accepting a bid, pledges go through a five-week professional development program to better expand their professional knowledge, learn about the fraternity’s history, and ensure that there is a good fit between them and the fraternity.

Q: What are your organization’s social media handles?

Instagram: @dsp_iotapi

Facebook: @DeltaSigmaPi.IotaPi

LinkedIn: Delta Sigma Pi

Q &A with Delta Sigma Pi President, Clarence Bongalos

Name: Clarence Bongalos

Major: Marketingwith a Leadership Minor

Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?

I'm in a different place in my life than most college students, and I wanted to share the skills and lessons I've learned through my experience. I have a strong belief that there's a disparity between what we learn in school and how a lot of things are out in the real world. A lot of the knowledge and skills we gain really come from real-world experience, much of which we're not usually prepared for. So I got involved with the mindset of helping bridge the gap in that disparity while also continuing to challenge my skills and thought processes.

So far, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. I have (hopefully) learned as much from others as they have from me.

Q: Are you involved in any other organizations on campus?

In addition to Delta Sigma Pi, I am also a Peer Leadership Consultant with the Glazer Center for Leadership & Service. I am also a member of the National Society for Leadership & Success, in which I am currently working towards my Advanced Leadership and Executive Leadership certifications.

Delta Sigma Pi's 2021-2022 Executive Board.

Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful so far? 

The brothers of our fraternity are some of the most amazing, talented, and skilled people I've met on campus thus far (I promise I'm not saying that out of bias). They challenge me every day to think differently and to reassess how I view both leadership and professionalism, while I strive to challenge them just the same. I think that the transformational relationship between our members and me has been the most impactful so far.

Q: What has been your favorite event you've attended at SDSU? Why?

My favorite events so far at SDSU were probably Convocation and Welcome Week. I came in as a transfer student, and I was a bit worried about whether or not I would feel connected to the Aztec culture. However, Convocation and Welcome Week set the tone for my experience as an Aztec, and it will always be the most memorable experience for me.

Q: Why is getting involved on campus important to you?

I've always been passionate about leadership, hence why I'm minoring in the discipline. For as long as I can remember (since the first grade), I have always pursued leadership roles. From leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of class to being a line leader and later Student Body President, leadership roles always attracted me, and now it's truly a passion. I believe that a lot of the problems we see in the world today are the result of poor leadership, and I want to help do my part in making sure that we diminish the effects of poor leadership over time by developing better leaders now.

Q: What is the best advice you have for future Fowler College of Business students? 

Take risks, try new things, and don't let fear keep you from discovering new things. College is a time for discovery—it sets the path for your career and, truly, the rest of your life. It's where you learn a lot about yourself, your passions, your motivations, goals, and so much more. So take risks and be intentional about your self-discovery!

Q: Are you involved in any internship opportunities? 

I currently work as a Director of Marketing & Business Development for Rehab United, a health and wellness company based here in San Diego and work full-time doing that while working on my degree. I am not currently involved in any internships, but Delta Sigma Pi, as an organization, is great at helping our brothers obtain competitive internship opportunities!

Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?

I've been blessed to be able to already have a good job in my field, so I want to just take the next step in my career after graduation. I plan to open a full-service marketing agency shortly after graduation, with a strong focus on helping small businesses thrive.

Q: Pancakes or waffles? Waffles!

Q: Favorite band? Boyz II Men or Maroon 5!

Q: Instagram or TikTok? Instagram

Q: Horror or comedy movie? Comedy

Q: Sunset Cliffs or La Jolla? La Jolla

Q: Fun Fact? I initially studied as a music major back in 2007-2010 at UC Riverside, with the intention of getting my teaching credentials and becoming a music teacher. I taught voice and piano lessons for about six years to students from age 4 to 62 until I decided to switch to business.