The Beta Psi Nu sorority of Lakeland University, a group founded in 2018 based on diversity and service, takes February to celebrate a past member, Angela “Angie” Carrasquedo. This organization shows strength in sisterhood from the start, especially in commemorating their past member.
Beta Psi Nu highlights a need for diverse perspectives, the fostering of confidence and empowerment of young women. Their purpose is crucial to maintaining viewpoints that may have been lost at Lakeland.
Dr. Karin Miofksy, professor of criminal justice, has been a foundational individual on campus for Lady Betas. Miofsky explained that at the time of its founding Lakeland lacked a recognized organization for Black women on campus. She proudly assists a historically Black women’s sorority that allows women to have a voice on campus.
In 2022, Lakeland’s campus and specifically the Beta Psi Nu sorority suffered the loss of their member Angie. Since Angie’s passing, there has been an increase in membership, Miofsky notied how strong friendships have grown and strengthened in the past few years. Miofsky reflected on that time and acknowledged a shift in sisterhood within Beta Psi Nu. Miofsky discussed how “They are a community of like-minded women where they build homes away from home.”
Beta Psi Nu alumni Liv Curley ’24 reflected on Angie’s passing and how it “really shaped the organization by really enjoying each other’s company and knowing nothing is forever and people could be taken away just like that.” Having the bonds, the sisters of Beta Psi Nu consistently have meaning more now than ever. They understand the impact of such a painful event and how it brings everyone closer. The turnout for their annual candlelight ceremonies for Angie is a prime example of this. For some, it feels like yesterday that Angie left the campus she had heavily impacted. Curley remembers “watching our Beta family come together for her is such a powerful sight to see.”
Close friend of Angie and Beta Sigma Omega alumni, Elijah “Santi” Santiago ’24, recalled how uplifting and what a bright energy Angie was for anyone she encountered. Santiago talks about Angie and how she was “not only being a positive face for the people at Lakeland, she taught a lot of people how to be love.” By “be love”, Santiago explains that Angie showed how to embrace love and actively use it every day. Angie wasn’t picky with her love; she made sure the world knew it.
Santiago remembered some of his favorite memories with Angie, one that stood out to him was during COVID when him and some of his fraternity brothers had caught COVID and all had to quarantine together. He explains, “It was a random Monday after class and [Angie] went to make all of us empanadas and brought them to our apartment to make sure we were eating good.” Angie showed up for her family on campus, and this was one of many instances. She not only brought food but made sure Santiago and his brothers had everything they needed. This did not surprise anyone who knew Angie; that was just who she was. Santiago describes her as, “a loving soul and [someone] who wanted everyone to feel the love she always wanted.”
Angie’s legacy has and will continue to leave an impact on Lakeland and its community, Santiago realized “Angie left a legacy to never give [up]. Angie fought through a lot of different challenges at Lakeland but never gave up.” He remembers how Angie left school then came back and did even better than before.
Miofsky has been the advisor of the Beta Psi Nu since their beginning in 2018, knowing Angie well and holding the Beta Psi Nu sorority close to her heart. Miofksy is proud of her advisees, boasting about how Beta Psi Nu helps build future leaders with an inclusive environment and better academic outcomes.
Miofsky talks about how being the advisor for Beta Psi Nu is one of the things she is most proud of. She feels as though the members of Beta Psi Nu feel a sense of belonging, lifelong friendship and building leadership. Being a part of a sorority like Beta Psi Nu is part of the college experience that Miofsky recognizes she did not take part in.
Miofsky also recognizes how the women that have joined Beta Psi Nu have been amazing, and they offer generosity in their time and philanthropy, advocating for others. Their time spent on campus has been amazing.
Curley thought back to joining the Beta Psi Nu sorority because it was something different than what she was used to, “I wanted to be a part of something more than just a team” and continued how she was wanting to get out of her comfort zone and push herself to be more outgoing. “The family the Betas have created was always something special from the outside looking in.”
The best part of being in Beta Psi Nu, according to Curley, is sisterhood. She acknowledges that she has made some of her lifelong sisters from this organization, and she will forever cherish the time she has got with them. Curley says, “The sisters I have will forever be in my life and it’s such an amazing feeling” being able to know that if she would have never pushed herself into doing something she never thought she could do. She continued that she has Beta Psi Nu to thank for the beautiful women in her life that she may not have been able to connect with otherwise.
The Beta Psi Nu sorority continuously shows strength in sisterhood and advocating for others. Angie’s legacy lives on through her friends, brother fraternity and sisters in Beta Psi Nu. A legacy and impact we all may learn from, never give up and love those around you.