In the Spring of 1999, the Brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi decided that minority groups on campus needed a unified voice and purpose. Initially designed as an open forum for these groups to ‘come together' for a day of service, the First Annual Project Come Together (PCT) was a success as nine student organizations collectively aided Habitat for Humanity to build homes around the Austin area.
The following year, in the Spring of 2000, the Brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi wished to expand the event by working in conjunction with the Neighborhood Longhorns Program (NLP), a tutoring program for underprivileged elementary children around the Austin area. The Brothers wanted to encourage the children in the program to lead successful lives and encourage them to consider higher education by exposing them to college life and students and by providing those who demonstrated exemplary scholastic aptitude, maintained near perfect attendance, and who proved to have exceptional leadership ability with a carnival on-campus at the University of Texas. Over 300 children were rewarded with the help of 18 organizations.
In the years that followed, the Brothers continued PCT's mantra of diversity and harmony, expanding the number of organizations and the number of children. In 2003, in addition to the carnival, a full fledge entertainment show was incorporated at the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center, the practice football dome on UT campus. Over 1,600 children from 16 different schools started the day with a concert hosted by various Austin entertainment and positive enforcement groups. In 2004, UT Athletes attended the event, signing autographs for the children. In 2005, UT Talent Groups performed and the Austin Fire Department came to give a demonstration and talk. Last year in the 8th Annual PCT, the Brothers brought over 3,000 students to Gregory Gym for a day of fun involving entertainment, carnival rides, and over 50 booths set up by different student organizations on campus.
This year, the 9th Annual PCT on May 2nd promises to be even bigger with over 4,000 students and over 60 student organizations! The Brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi hope to see you there! |