When Iverson Mitchell, UCLA ‘20, joined Delta Sigma Phi at UCLA, he wasn’t looking to become a DJ—or even to make music a career. But what began as a practical solution for a fraternity party ended up reshaping his future.

“I didn’t know I was ever going to be a DJ,” he says. “We were throwing parties and didn’t have the budget to hire someone. So I just said, why not? I’ll try it.”

Iverson had experimented with DJing during UCLA’s Freshman Summer Program, a bridge experience before his first year on campus. His roommate brought a small controller, and five minutes into trying it out, Iverson had a natural feel for the craft. Still, it wasn’t until he stepped up to DJ for a Delta Sigma Phi event that things really clicked.

“That first party changed everything,” he recalls. “People started knowing me as ‘the DJ from Delta Sig.’ The house became the place to be—not just for music, but for good energy and a safe environment. People felt comfortable. We created something really special.”

The Beta Gamma Chapter quickly gained a reputation on campus, not just for great music but for the atmosphere of respect and positivity. Iverson credits another brother, Justin Sanchez, UCLA ‘19, with launching consent talks at the door before events—something he says helped make Delta Sigma Phi stand out as the best fraternity experience on campus.

“Justin started that. It meant people knew they were coming into a safe space. So between the music, the people, the vibe—it was different. It was better.”

Unlike other campus parties focused narrowly on EDM or house, Iverson brought a multicultural blend of genres: Afrobeat, reggaeton, Brazilian funk, amapiano, hip-hop, and global rhythms that reflected the diversity of the student body. His sets became known for their emotional impact, too—sometimes even sparking tears of joy from partygoers.

“I’ve had people cry during my sets—in a good way,” he says. “They’ll say, ‘I’ve never felt this safe before at a party.’ That’s powerful.”

Iverson's path from aerospace engineering to music hasn’t been easy, especially as a first-generation college student. “My family wanted me to go get a six-figure job. And I understand that,” he says. “But I had to follow what made me feel whole. I’m not meant to sit at a desk doing math all day just because someone else wants me to.”

Instead, Iverson leaned into his musical roots—from African drumming and church piano to middle school drumline and elementary school step team—and began producing original music. It was a leap of faith fueled by the confidence, support, and leadership experiences he gained in Delta Sigma Phi.

“None of this would’ve happened without Delta Sig. I have to shout out Preston Briggs, UCLA ‘84,—he provided equipment, checked in on me mentally, helped me balance DJing and school. He’s the reason I got to grow in that space.”

Now working part-time and playing the occasional gig, Iverson is focused on producing original music and building his future. He’s inspired by artists like Olea—a fellow Bruin who made the leap to full-time music—and DJs like Jaden Bojsen, whose sound and style have shaped his vision of what’s possible.

“I need my own space—a studio, a place to work without worrying about neighbors. That’s the next big goal. But I know I’ll get there.”

Iverson’s story is a reminder of the unexpected paths that can unfold when students join the best fraternity for brotherhood, opportunity, and personal growth. For him, Delta Sigma Phi didn’t just give him a place to belong—it gave him a platform to discover who he was meant to be.