Loyola’s Co-ed Business Fraternity named Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) raised $800 at their second annual auction on Nov. 15. The proceeds earned go towards the organization to help fund students’ attendance at AKPsi’s national conventions, conferences, and networking events. The auction offered participants the chance to bid on various products and services. This event was completely free and open to both Loyola students and alumni. President of AKPsi Isabella Desintonio ‘26 was excited to host this event for the second time around. She expressed how special the event is and why students should take advantage of it.
“You’re able to bid and you’re able to raffle on items that are very unique. You’re not seeing this type of event really anywhere else on campus. And that’s what makes the event so special to me–there’s such a variety of items and things that we’re offering, so I think that’s a huge appeal to students on campus,” Desintonio said.
Some of the items sold in the auction were laundry, cooking, and nail services as well as home decor and cooking supplies. The organization auctioned off various raffle baskets with soaps, pillows, snacks, and festive items. The grand prizes included Broadway tickets and a one-night stay at the Premier Suite at the Carlyle Hotel, which is a luxury hotel in New York City. In support of AKPsi, student-owned businesses like Desserts By Darcy, Pep’s Coffee, and City+Sea Boutique donated items and vouchers to the event.
Master of Ceremonies Charles DiNapoli ’27 highlighted his appreciation for events like these. He explained the organization can allow for opportunities for all students.
“This creates good bonding within the fraternity, but also with outside students that might not know what we do and students who might be looking for something fun to do on a Friday night,” DiNapoli said.
Member Cristina Fallon ‘25 helped work the event. She felt that the auction provided students with entertainment and incentives, while still fostering a safe environment.
“It keeps students safe, especially students who live on campus. It gives students something fun to do on a Friday night. I think it’s fun to come together in the community and participate in something that is hosted by an on-campus organization,” Fallon said.
Current AKPsi pledge Colin Plunkett ‘27 bid and won multiple items. He explained what drew him to the event.
“It just sort of seemed like fun. There were a lot of cool baskets that I wanted to bid on and get some Christmas gifts maybe,” Plunkett said.
Plunkett emphasized that AKPsi has already played a significant role in his professional development. As a pledge, he looks forward to seeing how AKPsi can better prepare him for his post-college endeavors.
“College can sometimes feel like you’re closed off…but you have to realize, you only got four years and then you’re out in the real world. So, any organization that helps you prepare for that I think is very helpful to be a part of,” Plunkett said.
Desintonio wants to continue to build a name for AKPsi. She wants Loyola students to know the benefits of joining, both personally and professionally.
“We’ve grown tremendously over the past year and a half. We’ve doubled our membership which is amazing. We want to really establish a strong reputation on campus and we want more people to know about us. We’re a business fraternity but we’re open to all majors,” she said.
To learn more about AKPsi, visit akpsi.org.
