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University of Cincinnati
22/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 22/08/2024 16:41
Trio embrace second sisterhood, create community at UC
Trio embrace second sisterhood, create community at UC
Induction of identical triplets a first on campus for Black Greek-letter service organization
8 minute readAugust 22, 2024Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
Smart. Savvy. Stylish.
A person might be lucky to have just one of these attributes. To have all three traits would be exceptional indeed.
But multiplied by three? Then you get Brianna, Brittany and Brooke Jones.
The identical triplet sisters came to the University of Cincinnati as part of the Darwin T. Turner Scholarship program and are starting their third year of study. They embraced the university and Cincinnati soon after arriving from their native Cleveland.
Brianna is majoring in communications, while Brooke is a public relations major, and Brittany is a marketing major.
They are all active across the campus: the trio is part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), a historically Black sorority which counts Vice President Kamala Harris among its most famous members.
Sorority sisters
Brooke, Brianna and Brittany Jones are members of the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Photo by Ife Joy Osh Photography.
They were inducted in the Omicron Chapter of AKA in April making history as the first triplets to join the organization at UC. The sisters may also be the first set of triplets to join any fraternity or sorority at the university.
The Cincinnati Herald featured the students in a recent edition.
"Our sorority promotes several service projects, and our motto, "Service to all mankind," is at the heart of everything we do," explains Brittany Jones. "We are always looking for ways to impact our community positively."
The sorority sparked their participation earlier this year in community service projects such as adopting a block in Cincinnati's Clifton neighborhood for cleanup, hosting a game night at a local school for youth and planting trees and weeding at a local recreation center. The trio also were part of advocacy activities such as Black Dollar Days, an event sponsored by AKA in June that focuses on leveraging collective buying power to support Black and women-owned businesses.
"Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is heavily involved in service projects at UC and the surrounding community, fostering strong sisterhood connections to the university and greater Cincinnati," says Kate Butler, director of fraternity and sorority life at UC. "When we examine the value of Greek life on campus we talk about the holistic experience of our students."
"Fraternities and sororities emphasize leadership, service and community involvement while creating a sense of belonging," says Butler.
About 2,400 students were members in 40 chapters of Greek-letter organizations at UC during the spring 2024. The first fraternity at UC was established in 1840. African American Greek letter organizations appeared on the UC campus in the 1920s. AKA established the Omicron Chapter at UC in 1921.
Brianna, Brittany and Brooke are considered "legacies" since their mother is an AKA member. Their father is also active in the Greek-letter organization Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Brooke, Brianna and Brittany Jones shown in a striking pose. Photo/Ife Joy Osh Photography
"They are legacies and it shows their family's commitment to service," says UC's Butler.
The sisters have additional service, academic, social and other activities at UC, as well.
Brittany is a mentor in the Transitions program at UC's African American Cultural and Resource Center, active in the Business Fellows program in the Lindner College of Business and a volunteer for Cupcakes for a Cure, which provides students with a way to support those who have battled or who are currently battling breast cancer. She is a university housing operations assistant and a marketing and communications co-op student in UC Student Affairs Marketing & Communications.
Brianna is a sportswriter for the student newspaper The News Record, a mentor in the Darwin T. Turner program and an equipment manager for the UC football team.
Brooke participates in Bearcat Buddies as a tutor to younger students in public schools, active in the Public Relations Student Society of America and a mentor for first-year students in both the Transitions and Turner Scholars programs. She is a student worker in UC Housing and in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.
Sisters in the spotlight
All three sisters have an interest in professional modeling and acting and at some point they were active in theater.
The triplets have appeared in air purifier commercials for SharkNinja, while Brooke modeled for Sephora cosmetic products.
"Although we don't often discuss it, we've been acting since the age of five," explains Brooke. "We began our journey in local theater productions in Twinsburg, Ohio, performing in shows like 'Annie' and 'Peter Pan.' Our passion for theater continued throughout our school years. In high school, we started transitioning into television and film acting, as well as modeling."
Brooke says pursuing acting and modeling full time is a dream she's actively working toward while also continuing her college education.
While the sisters spend plenty of time together, they also give each other space. Brianna and Brooke roomed together last year but they rarely saw each other during the day because of different class schedules and commitments.
"Yes, we are sisters and we are triplets, but we have our individuality," says Brianna. "Growing up that was something we didn't really get all the time. In college that's something we ensured that we are going to be individuals. I have things that I am doing that are different from what my sisters are doing."
The trio say they wouldn't trade their UC experience for anything and offer some thoughts for incoming students.
Advice for students
Brooke says first-year students shouldn't be anxious about meeting new people and that relationships can take time. She started as a pre-nursing major and found it wasn't for her and is now in public relations and enjoying her work. Everything falls into place in time, she adds.
"You're probably not going to find your people or friend group as soon as you get to college," explains Brooke. "The people you meet right when you get there, probably won't be around in the spring semester. You might not like your major right when you get to college, and that's OK. It's a learning experience. I didn't know what I wanted to do officially until my sophomore year."
Brittany says getting involved on campus really helped her find her "Bearcat family."
"I wish someone had told me to be patient with myself," says Brittany. "Going from high school into college is such a transition with academics and the amount of work you are given. You won't have your schedule all mapped out right away. It takes time learning a new curriculum."
And Brianna says new students should consider stepping out of their comfort zone by networking and connecting with organizations that relate to their area of study.
"It helps with making friends and meeting people that have the same or similar career goals," explains Brianna.
"I know it all seems scary at first, but you will grow to love Cincinnati and all it has to offer. I was in that same place two years ago and now I couldn't see myself going anywhere else. My time at UC has been nothing but amazing."
Featured top image of Brooke, Brianna and Brittany Jones. Photo/Ife Joy Osh Photography
Brooke, Brianna and Brittany Jones are students at the University of Cincinnati. Photo by Photo/Ife Joy Osh Photography.
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