Showcasing History, Culture and Community W&L’s third annual NPHC Step Show Competition invited the campus and local community into a vibrant tradition.

By Kelsey Goodwin
February 14, 2025

The Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement hosted its third annual NPHC Step Show Competition on Saturday, Feb. 8, in Keller Theater in the Lenfest Center for the Arts.

National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters from Washington and Lee University and other schools in Virginia showcased their history, culture and traditions as historically Black Greek letter organizations through choreography and skits. Tamara Futrell, dean for diversity, inclusion and student engagement, said the event is an opportunity for W&L to participate in an integral part of the shared culture of historically Black Greek letter organizations, also known as the “Divine Nine.”

“Many people don’t know the history of NPHC organizations and haven’t experienced a step show,” said Futrell. “Having this event on campus educates the W&L community about this important part of the Greek community and provides children in the Rockbridge area with a glimpse into college life.”

Participating organizations included W&L’s Beta Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., James Madison University’s Iota Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Virginia Tech’s Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Virginia Union University’s Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Jerzee Allentini ’25, a member of the Xi Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Laura Murambadoro ’26, a member of W&L’s Tau Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., served as event emcees.

This year’s panel of judges included Lena Hill, W&L provost; Adrienne Jones, DeLaney Center postdoctoral fellow and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Nasir Nichols, assistant athletic director of business operations at Virginia Military Institute and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Allen Clay Jr., Rockbridge County resident and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The panel used a detailed rubric to evaluate performances, focusing on criteria such as precision, creativity, appearance, vocal clarity, synchronization, stage presence and crowd engagement, noting how well teams incorporate storytelling and originality into their routines.

Heidi Bustos, W&L’s assistant director of inclusion and engagement, serves as NPHC’s campus adviser and oversees the event’s logistics, from coordinating with participating teams to securing judges. Students also play a crucial role; members of the NPHC and other student volunteers assist with marketing and promotion, ticket sales, stage setup and guiding performers throughout the night. Bustos said the opportunity to showcase the evening’s performers in Keller Theater added something special to the event.

“The venue provided a dynamic atmosphere that made for an engaging and energetic night,” Bustos said, “with plenty of room for audience participation and excitement.”

The Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University placed first among the fraternities, taking home the grand prize of $1,000. The Beta Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. from Washington and Lee University won the second-place prize of $500. The Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from Virginia Union University placed third. The Iota Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was the only sorority to compete in this year’s competition and took home the $1000 prize for first place.

All proceeds from the event will go to W&L’s National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations to support their programming and future events.