A bookcase lined with framed photographs capturing moments of family, accolades heralding a legacy of leadership, and a proud display of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. merchandise, each item is a symbol of a legacy her aunt created for four generations to come.

Interim President Dr. Bonita Durand specifically chose to show the photo of her daughters all in their para with a proud smile, all sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a testament to the generational tradition of joining the organization.

It became evident that within this bookcase, black history, black excellence, and sisterhood converged to shape the path of leadership, a path in which Dr. Durand wanted for all Buffalo State students.

“The sense of belonging, academic achievement, visibility that these organizations give to the school’s population. Part of the undergraduate experience that everyone should be able to choose,” she said.

Over her short time being Interim President, Dr. Durand helped bring her sorority and three other organizations to a yearlong “provisional status”, a feat that Dr. Durand took time out of her other responsibilities to personally do.

“Provisional Status” means organizations do not currently have any undergraduate members actively in a school but are in the process of recruiting each semester according to the Greek Life standard at Buffalo State.

With the elimination of city-wide chapters that allowed for multiple members from various other universities in the area, the Divine 9 unfortunately was not able to continue recruitment on Buffalo State’s campus unless there was at least one Buffalo State student on campus to recruit.

“(Greek) Organizations are at the invitation of the President,” said Durand. “There is no requirement to have Greek Life.”

With her status, she vowed during a residence life barbecue prior her first semester, fall 2023, in office, one of her missions was to allow students to find themselves within an organization like her own Divine 9 organization.

One of the three organizations being Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., the last organization to be added to the Divine 9 in 1963. Brian Eastman, an alumnus of Buffalo State University, is a part of the revival for his organization.

Eastman came to Buffalo from Brooklyn, NY, as a transfer student not knowing anyone. He states his resident assistant was a member of his organization and recruited him.

“I just knew that the comradery and energy I saw displayed from the members of this fraternity captured my attention. It was a bonus that they all looked and talked like me.”

With Eastman graduating as a brother and continuing to wear his letters with pride, he quickly noticed years later as his wife obtained a job in Admissions that Greek Life had changed.

“I was walking around the campus and realized there was no liveliness, no energy whatsoever,” he said. “I was disappointed to know there weren’t many of the Divine Nine organizations left on the campus, which can be viewed as an outlet for many of the African American (Black) and/or minority students. I felt that the existing students were being cheated out of a collegiate experience, I wanted to change that.”

Eastman acknowledges Dr. Durand for enabling both present and future Buffalo State students to cultivate a profound sense of pride like his own within an organization.

“Working to revive my organization on Buffalo State’s campus was a 2-year feat that wouldn’t have happened without Dr. Durand,” said Eastman. “Dr. Durand shared the same vision of bringing the Greek Life energy back to the campus and removed the barrier to entry. For that, we will forever be grateful.”