Search the Archives
On Tuesday April 1st from 12-6 p.m., Chi Phi is hosting a blood drive at our house, located at 290 S. Lumpkin St. just south of the Holiday Inn. This simple 30-minute procedure actually helps saves lives and with the help of more UGA students, we could increase our state’s blood supply. All blood givers will receive free pizza and T-shirts for donating blood.
In the past, Chi Phi has been extremely successful in donating blood. Last year The Red Cross awarded Chi Phi with a plaque saying the fraternity donated more blood at our blood drive than any other fraternity in UGA history. This Tuesday we expect to break that record, but only with the help of other UGA students, Greek affiliates or not.
Since receiving this award almost a year ago, Chi Phi started hosting blood drives every nine weeks because one can only give blood once every eight weeks. At past blood drives the majority of Chi Phi brothers and their close friends have given blood, but we want to outsource to the whole university. So, if you’re interested in a quick, easy way to help save lives and have some time to spare between classes, make your way over towards north campus to give some blood.
Last weekend over 40 brothers from Chi Phi traveled to Alexandria, VA by car and plane to attend the memorial service of Wiatt Farrar, a truly beloved brother of Chi Phi. The service was held at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Wiatt’s alma mater and the place people knew him best.
Wiatt was always easy to spot because his red hair stuck out of the crowd, but that’s not why everyone noticed him. People noticed his smile, laugh, and of course his feet, as they always seemed to be sliding across a dance floor.
Sitting in the chapel waiting for the service to begin, tears rolled down the faces of women and men alike, as people from all over the world entered to mourn Wiatt’s death. It seemed like there were several reoccurring themes throughout the service. Speakers told old glory stories about his days on the football and lacrosse fields and basketball court. We also heard about his friendliness and how he always made it enjoyable to hang around him. Listening to these stories, family and friends alike both switched from tears to laughter with ease.
Wiatt’s death is not just a loss to the Chi Phi brothers, but to his family, high school classmates, and anyone who was ever touched by his adorning smile or laugh. At the reception, Wiatt’s dad, Scotty, left me with some words of advice as I had trouble controlling my strange mix of emotions; I had the biggest smile on my face as tears rolled from my eyes. He wiped a few teardrops from my check and told me that every time we smile, it brings us closer to Wiatt.
By MMcGoldrick on March 6th, 2008
Numerous exposés on university Greek life have brought into view issues with hazing, binge drinking and endless partying, leaving the public with an inaccurate view of what Greek life is really about.
Sure, we all know us Greeks are a little crazy sometimes. I do not know of any other type of organization that subjects freshman girls to the August heat in dresses and heels for almost a full week in order to become new members.
However, Greek life is not just about rush, socials and fraternity band parties. It includes leadership, philanthropy, academics and friendships that cannot be explained.
As a new writer for Greek Speak, and proud member of UGA’s Greek community, I am going to take it upon myself to shed some light on our activities and motivations. I want to give answers to those who question what we are about and give Greek organizations a chance to share their latest accomplishments.
With that being said, I hope everyone has a fabulous and SAFE spring break. I’ll see you next week… I am going to pack :).
Wednesday night the ladies of Milledge Avenue will be shakin’ tailfeathers in Sigma Delta Tau’s annual Greek Grind dance competition.
Sigma Kappa took home the crown last year, with Alpha Omicron Pi as a close second and Pi Beta Phi finishing third.
“Our initial goal was to have fifteen sororities participate, which we have reached. We are hoping to sell out the Classic Center, which holds two thousand people. We also hope to double the money we raised last year … Greek Grind raises money for such a good cause that we’re hoping to draw a huge crowd, sell out and put on a great show,” said Erika Rubin of SDT.
If you need a little more incentive to come out and support this event, Corey Smith, Knowshon Moreno and Brandon Coutu will be making appearances during the evening!
The show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $10 at the door of the Classic Center and T-shirts are $12. No excuses — come check out what’s sure to be a good time.
Many students within the Greek community devote extensive portions of time and energy to their sororities and fraternities. But those who serve as presidents of these organizations take devotion to an entirely new level. To find out what truely is required to manage a Greek organization, I spoke with the president of my chapter, Kirsten Lee, about her daily life since taking over as president of Gamma Phi Beta.
While many students spend Sundays sleeping off the effects of a crazy weekend in Athens, Kirsten begins her morning by contacting the six other members of the executive council beneath her and chooses a time to meet with the council that day. The meeting, which Kirsten runs, lasts about an hour-and-a-half, and she discusses with each exec member the progress they are making within their departments as well as any other sorority business. Later, Kirsten holds “office hours” during which any member of the sorority can come and speak with her about anything they deem necessary.
If you think your e-mail inbox is full, Kirsten said she receives between 80 and 100 e-mails per day regarding the sorority, with the number being highest on Monday. When Monday arrives, her phone rings throughout the day with individuals calling who wish to speak at that night’s chapter meeting. She must field these calls and decide which visitors will benefit the chapter the most without wasting anyone’s time. Because she is in charge of running Monday night’s chapter meeting, Kirsten then must plan any announcements and readings for the evening. Chapter will lasts about and hour and a half, and she said there always is someone who needs to meet with her afterward.
Tuesday brings the required Panhellenic Council meetings where all sorority presidents meet to collaborate and discuss all Greek issues. Every few months, Kirsten said there is a meeting with all Greek leaders, including those from the Interfraternity Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.
Wednesday always brings an extra meeting or event related to sorority life. Greek philanthropies often are held on this night, which she makes every effort to participate in or attend. In the spring, the Executive Board for Recruitment meets on Wednesday to plan rush.
Thurday nights are known for being social nights in Athens, but as a sorority president Kirsten has more responsibility than most. She must work the door of the event to make sure everyone checks in and is in good standing to attend the event and also must be present in event something were to go wrong.
By Friday, Kirsten said she is ready to relax and escape the e-mail, phone calls and frenzied meetings and knows that Saturday most likely will bring even more sorority-related activities. Parents weekends, philanthropies, date nights, retreats, alumnae meetings, etc. dominate most weekends of a sorority president.
On top of all of these committments, Kirsen constantly is on call to deal with any issues that arise between sisters and and any sister who is facing membership issues. And as a senior, Kirsten must still resides in the sorority house on Milledge Avenue, giving up some of the freedoms of apartment living. When asked what the hardest part was, she said, “the personal sacrifice of time in college. At any given point in time, the sorority has to be your ultimate priority.”
But in spite of the stresses that come with the job, Kirsten said,” I’ve absolutely loved it … you get what you put into it, and since you put so much in, you really do get so much out of it. You know everyone and everything. Since you’re so devoted, you become so proud of your organization.”
Every year Greeks and non-Greeks come together to celebrate the University’s annual homecoming week.
This year, the week kicked off with the 5K Dawg Dash benefiting UGA Dance Marathon with approximately 100 participants coming out (in the cold!) to run for the kids.
Runners in front of Stegeman
Sunday night, sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha won the crown in the Greek category for their artistic talent in the street painting competition. They were followed by Alpha Chi Omega in second place and Delta Gamma and AKL in third place. The Student Merchandising Association placed first for non-Greeks, followed by 4H/Sigma Alpha and Gamma Sigma Sigma.
The Homecoming Extravaganza was a hit on Monday in Tate — free pizza was given out and students could vote for homecoming court on the spot. The Brumby Beach Bash also was a success Tuesday, with games, food and giveaways. Legion Field block party hosted more than 30 Athens restaurants giving away food along with several live performances.
The always popular homecoming parade led to a float-building victory for Delta Zeta and Alpha Gamma Rho, trailed closely by Sigma Delta Tau with Sigma Nu and Gamma Phi Beta with Alpha Tau Omega. Non-Greek winners were the Engineering Club, 4H/Sigma Alpha and then the Student Merchandising Association (These groups seemed to clean-up with awards…).
Gamma Phi/ATO post-parade
And finally Saturday, while the Bulldogs tackled Troy, the oh-so-fabulous Natalie Webb was crowned Homecoming Queen 2007 with Dennis Byrd as her king. Congratulations to both of you!
Kappa Alpha Theta is ready to rock ‘n’ roll this Friday with its first annual “Rock the CASA” philanthropy event featuring TJ Mimms Band, Drew Dixon Experience, Mogus, Elijah, Mickey Finn and Mama’s Love. Bands will be playing from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Moe’s, and Raising Canes and Larry’s Giant Subs will be there to refresh anyone worn out from this brand new event. Tickets are only $5 from any Theta sister or at the door.
According to the C.A.S.A. Web site, ” The mission of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.”
So, pay your $5 and get kick-off Auburn weekend with these concerts for a cause.
What’s not to love about cute kids in costumes and candy? Panhellenic hosted its annual Trunk-or-Treat for the children of Boys and Girls Club, and here are a few snapshots of the afternoon.
Thank you to Meaghan Holley of the University’s Panhellenic for the photos.
To give a little bit of perspective other than my own, I asked a few of my sorority sisters why they became Greek. Here’s what they had to say:
”I think Greek life ties people together and gives them a common bond. I’m a freshman, and being in a sorority has made the transition from living at home to UGA much easier. My sorority is my home away from home. It has provided me with a way to develop relationships that will last for the next four years.”- Amy Regan
“I wanted a segue into other organizations … because the out-of-state ratio is so small in comparison to in-staters, and by getting to know more people it makes a big school seem a lot smaller and more personal.” - Katie Hurley
“I joined a sorority at UGA because I thought it would be a great way to get involved and learn the ins and outs of campus my first year. I didn’t expect to make some of my genuine best friends along the way!” - Kimberly Jahnke
“My sorority means the world to me … I’m so thankful that I joined because I wouldn’t have as many wonderful friends as i do now without it.” -Clare Marshall
“It was such a relief to me to know when I came to UGA, not knowing hardly anyone, that I would instantly have a group of friends that I knew I could count on.” -Jessica Prater
Today my worlds collided in a much welcomed way — The Red & Black entered a team into my sorority’s annual philanthropy. Sorry guys, you’re chili didn’t turn out to be award winning according to the judges, but the effort was fantastic!
I’m no photojournalism student, but here are a few snapshots of the festivities.
Ticket sales
My favorite decorations
The Red & Black table
R&B chili/decor
A rockin’ band
The way too posed shots that I love anyway
A pretty good crowd!
Chillin’ with chili
Thanks to anyone who came out today to support us!
And, let me know if your Greek organization is having an upcoming event – I would love to publicize and post some pics!
RSS 2.0
