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Fraternity and Sorority Life Annual Report 2013-2014
office of Fraternity and Sorority life division of student affairs
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Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Division of Student Affairs Annual Report 2013-2014
CONTENTS: Year in Review Letter from the Director...... .... 2
Governing Council Update. ....................... 6
Acknowledgements............................... 3
Fraternity and Sorority Awards & Recognition............................ 7
Community Programming.. ................... .... 4 Community Highlights . ........................... 9 Non-profit Organizations Served.................. 4 Expansion Update: Why We Choose to Grow......................... 12
Fraternity and Sorority Grade Report......... .... 5
“Being part of my sorority has many benefits. One in particular has to be the amazing relationships that I’ve made with all the other fraternity and sorority members. Each organization is filled with great men and women who have great leadership skills that they’ve shared and molded along with me.” Victoria Moon, Sigma Lambda Gamma 1
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YEAR IN REVIEW “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Martin Luther King Jr. The theme for this past year was about creating momentum as a community to begin tackling some of the major areas that will take us to the next level. With such a large increase in total membership, many systems and structures needed to be updated to encourage self-governance and to establish a presence on campus. The following new programs and milestones were a big part of creating this momentum: >> Total membership of 1,385 students resulting in an overall increase of 21% from 2013 which is the largest total membership in the history of fraternity and sorority life at WCU >> More than 70% of all members earned a 3.0 or higher for the spring 2014 semester – an astounding statistic for our highly academic successful community >> The Judicial Boards for each governing council have been re-established, with 75 board members trained in partnership with the Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Assistance >> The Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Board has been re-established >> The Black and Latino Greek Council Step Show was re-established after a three year hiatus >> Governing council officer roles were redeveloped to align with national standards and encourage cross-collaboration This coming year will focus on applying all that was learned in assessment efforts over the past year. Through the PASSHE Program Review process and the NASPA Assessment & Knowledge Consortium survey, the departmental priorities will shift to match those opportunities for improvement towards national benchmarking. We learned which areas need more educational emphasis, and are proud to continue making contributions toward students’ self-reported growth in leadership, communication skills, and appreciation of diversity. This annual report describes the successes and challenges for the past exciting year. We hope that you read this and celebrate all that has been accomplished and join us in carrying this momentum forward. Fraternally,
Cara Jenkins Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS As we reflect on the accomplishments of the WCU fraternity and sorority community over the past year, we would like to take the time to thank those who assisted in that growth and development on campus: Dr. Sami Abdel-Salam, Criminal Justice, Assistant Professor Mr. Brad Allen, Accounting, Executive in Residence Mr. Terry Beattie, Associate Director of Athletics Ms. Ilana Berger, Student Photographer Dr. Mary Braz, Communication Studies, Assistant Professor Ms. Christina Brenner, Associate Director, Sykes Student Union Dr. Matthew Bricketto, Vice President for Student Affairs Mr. Jared Brown, Director, New Student Programs Ms. Ann Callaghan, Secretary, Sykes Student Union Ms. Krista Carstens, Staff Assistant, Twardowski Career Development Center Ms. Kirsten Cirelli, Undergraduate Intern, Fraternity and Sorority Life Dr. Angela Clarke, Psychology, Associate Professor Dr. Stephan Clyburn, Political Science, Professor Mr. Brady Collier, University Student Housing Ms. Carolyn Comitta, Mayor of West Chester Dr. Joanne Conlon, Director, Pre-Major Academic Advising Ms. Trudy Cruice, Executive Associate, Vice President for Student Affairs Ms. Ellen DiSanti, Secretary, New Student Programs Ms. Michele Dormer, Program Director for Camp Dreamcatcher Ms. Tracey Duckert, Director, Alumni Relations Mr. Carlos Esteve, Custodial Worker, Sykes Student Union Dr. Jonathan Friedman, History, Professor Mr. Peter Galloway, Assistant Dean of Student Involvement Dr. Stephen Gambino, Director, Campus Recreation Mr. Vernon Gerety, Economics and Finance, Adjunct Professor Ms. Alicia Hahn, Director, Wellness Education and Interim Dr. Brian Halsey, Associate Professor, Marketing Ms. Mary Ann Hammond, Assistant Dean of Students Mr. Marcus Harrison, Resident Director, Allegheny Hall Ms. Patty Hilkirk, Founder & Director of Camp Dreamcatcher Dr. Sara Hinkle, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ms. Stacy Houck, Business Office Generalist, Student Services Inc. Ms. Tiffany Hundley, Student Photographer Mr. Jerome Hutson, Director, Multicultural Affairs Mr. Jeff Iliff, Custodial Worker, Sykes Student Union Ms. Lisa Iliff, Custodial Worker, Sykes Student Union Ms. Tiffany Lane, Social Work, Assistant Professor Ms. Danielle Lewis, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity and Sorority Life Ms. Sandra Jones, Director, Off-Campus and Commuter Services Ms. Mell Josephs, Executive Director, Student Services, Inc. Ms. Toni Kampf, Assistant Director, Sykes Student Union Mr. Jordan King, Consultant, Pi Kappa Alpha Ms. Lynn M. Klingensmith, Director, Judicial Affairs and Student Assistance Mr. Doug Kohen, Custodial Worker, Sykes Student Union Mr. Craig Leduc, Assistant Director, Campus Recreation Dr. David LeVasseur, Communication Studies, Professor Ms. Levette Lewis, Custodial Worker, Sykes Student Union Ms. Querida Lugo, Associate Director, Multicultural Affairs Ms. Kim McCann, Administrative Assistant, Judicial Affairs and Student Assistance
Mr. Barrett McGee, Student Activities Coordinator, Student Services, Inc. Ms. Marion McKinney, Director, Residence Life Mr. Chris Mehrholz, Administrative Assistant, Student Services, Inc. Ms. Diane Miller, Catering Event Sales Manager, ARAMARK Ms. Kellianne Milliner, Assistant Director, Athletics Ms. Amanda Mitchell, Assistant Director, Twardowski CareerDevelopment Center Dr. Katherine Norris, Early and Middle Grades Education, Associate Professor Dr. Brian O’Neill, Criminal Justice, Associate Professor Mr. Alex Paez, Graduate Assistant, Multicultural Affairs Ms. Mary Ellen Panaccio, Secretary, Student Leadership and Involvement/Fraternity and Sorority Life Ms. Stephanie Paulachok, Administrative Assistant, Office of Residence Life and Housing Services Ms. Kathryn Pawlowski, Staff, Information Center Dr. Julie Perone, Director, Counseling Center Mr. Ryan Pugliese, Resident Director, Wayne Hall Dr. Thomas Purce, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Mr. Matthew Queh, Custodial Worker, Sykes Student Union Ms. Ashley Reichenbach, Assistant Director, Twardowski Career Development Center Ms. Lauren Reidy, Consultant, Alpha Delta Pi Ms. Joellen Reindl, Secretary, Service Learning and Volunteer Programs Ms. Sabrina Rightmer, Administrative Assistant, Sykes Student Union Ms. Mary Jane Rogan, Coordinator, Wellness and Alcohol Education Ms. Becky Ross, Director, Twardowski Career Development Center Ms. Jodi Roth-Saks, Director, Service Learning and Volunteer Programs Dr. Lisa Ruchti, Women’s and Gender Studies/Sociology, Associate Professor Dr. Simon Ruchti, Philosophy, Assistant Professor Ms. Holly Sanborn, Board Secretary for Camp Dreamcatcher Director, Women’s Center Mr. Mike Selby, Director of Housing, University Student Housing, Inc. Mrs. Anne Shuniak, Community Outreach & Marketing Director, Chester County Food Bank Ms. Shelley Siedzikowski, Assistant Director, Judicial Affairs Ms. Preeti Singh, Associate Director, Twardowski Career Development Center Ms. Kim Slattery, Information Technology, Web Team Ms. Aneesah Smith, Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs, LGBTQA Services/Special Projects Ms. Mallieen Steimel, Staff, Information Center Lt. Raymond C. Stevenson, Assistant Director, Residence Hall Security/Community Policing Dr. Cassie Striblen, Philosophy, Assistant Professor Mr. David Timmann, Director, Sykes Student Union Ms. Susan Visoskas, Assistant Director, Housing Mr. Hank Walden, Consultant, Pi Kappa Alpha Mr. Charles Warner, Director, Student Leadership and Involvement Ms. Helen Watson, Catering Sales Coordinator Ms. Eryka Weaver, Undergraduate Intern Mr. Ben Weston, Franchise Owner for OrderUp WCU Dr. Christine Williams, Health, Professor Ms. Jamie Williams, Assistant Director, Service Learning and Volunteer Programs Dr. York Williams, Special Education, Assistant Professor Ms. Monica Woutersz, Secretary, Campus Recreation Mr. Ric Winston, Communication Studies, Adjunct Faculty Dr. Deanne Zotter, Psychology, Professor
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy 3
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Community programming – Chapter and Council Programming Social Chapter Management Ritual Recruitment Scholarship Community Development Health & Wellness Leadership Financial Management Cultural Career Planning Risk Management 0
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7,016 Hours of service donated
20
3,519 lbs. of food donated
$15,791.80
30
40
50
52 Philanthropy Events 174 Service Programs
n
2012-2013
n
2013-2014
60
$75,383.97 donated to Philanthropic causes
Total raised for the Fraternity and Sorority Community Philanthropy, Camp Dreamcatcher: Benefitting children and families affected and infected by HIV/AIDS
Non-Profit Organizations Served in 2013-2014 Adopt a Block AIDS Fund Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Alpha Phi Foundation for Women’s Cardiac Care American Heart Association American Red Cross Autism Speaks B+ Foundation Becca’s Closet Beiber & Lamberton Middle School Borough of West Chester Brandywine Hall Senior Center Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Bringing Hope Home Camp Dreamcatcher Center for Exceptional Learners Chester County Food Bank Chester County Homeless Shelter
Holy Trinity Church The House Ear Institute The Jimmy V Foundation The Kay Yow Cancer Fund Kiwanis International Make A Wish Foundation Maternal and Child Health Consortium Miller- Keystone Blood Center Montgomery County Public Schools Mooresville High School The National Education Association Nemours A. I. DuPont Children’s Hospital Overbrook High School of Philadelphia The Painted Turtle Camp Palmer House Senior Citizen Home Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation for School and College Readiness Pine Mountain Settlement School Police Athletic League
Chester County Hospital NICU and Pediatrics Departments Chester Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals Children with Intellectual Disabilities Circle K Hershey Medical Center ConKerr Cancer Campaign Cooper University Hospital Child Abuse Program Cystic Fibrosis Foundation David’s Drive 831 Fame Fire Co. No. 3 Fire Departments throughout PA First West Chester Fire Co. The Giving Tree Habitat for Humanity Hattie McDaniel Cancer Awareness and Health Program
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Relay for Life/American Cancer Society The Renfrew Center Ronald McDonald House Safe Harbor Salvation Army She’s the First Sickle Cell Disease Association Special Olympics St. Agnes Dayroom St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital Starkey Hearing Foundation Susan G Komen UNICEF University Student Housing US Army West Chester Chamber of Commerce YMCA Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness
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West Chester University Fraternity and Sorority Fraternity and sorority Community gradeGrade reportReport - spring- Spring 2014 2014 Rank
+/FA13
CHAPTER
Council
Chapter/ Colony Size
Sem. GPA
+/FA13
Cuml. GPA
+/FA13
3.36 3.38 3.26 3.28 3.27 3.26 3.21 3.25 3.18 3.19 3.27 3.01 2.95 3.12 2.97
0.05 0.00 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.07 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.14 -0.03 -0.07 0.01 -0.01
3.22 3.21 3.16 2.97 3.02 3.03 2.89 2.86 2.95 3.02 2.60 2.26 2.64 2.64
0.06 0.01 0.09 0.09 0.01
# of New Members
New Mem Sem GPA
New Mem Cuml. GPA
4
3.73
3.614
6
3.22
3.33
5
2.87
2.89
8 10 9 3 5 33 9
3.04 3.12 3.32 3.05 3.14 3.12 2.87
3.08 3.20 3.25 2.94 3.03 3.03 2.77
10 5 2 2
2.46 2.94 2.83 1.72
2.74 3.02 2.78 1.82
2
2.40
2.84
Semester
Cumulative
WCU Sororities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
0 0 0 3 5 3 -3 4 2 -2 4 -6 1 -1 -10
Delta Phi Epsilon Alpha Delta Pi Zeta Tau Alpha Phi Sigma Sigma Alpha Phi Alpha Xi Delta Alpha Sigma Tau Delta Sigma Theta Phi Mu Delta Zeta Alpha Kappa Alpha Sigma Gamma Rho Chi Upsilon Sigma Sigma Lambda Gamma Zeta Phi Beta
PHC PHC PHC PHC PHC PHC PHC BLGC PHC PHC BLGC BLGC BLGC BLGC BLGC
112 83 101 91 85 92 105 6 92 86 9 6 5 12 6
3.49 3.40 3.384 3.380 3.377 3.371 3.32 3.30 3.29 3.27 3.25 3.23 3.13 3.03 2.93
0.08 0.00 0.06 0.14 0.15 0.14 0.04 0.13 0.08 0.03 0.15 -0.02 0.00 -0.12 -0.33
WCU Fraternities
Community Statistics
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
0 0 0 3 -1 n/a
-1 0 -4 n/a
-2 -1 -3 n/a
Sigma Phi Epsilon Pi Kappa Alpha Delta Chi Lambda Alpha Upsilon Kappa Delta Rho Kappa Sigma Sigma Pi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Kappa Phi Alpha Epsilon Pi Sigma Lambda Beta Phi Beta Sigma Kappa Alpha Psi Alpha Phi Alpha
IFC IFC IFC BLGC IFC IFC IFC IFC IFC IFC BLGC BLGC BLGC BLGC
44 66 58 10 23 33 90 53 79 5 9 6 11 6
Semester
Cumulative
All Fraternity/Sorority (1,385) 12%
3.27
3.17
Undergraduate FTE 11,528
3.17
3.15
All Fraternity (493) 11%
3.10
3.00
FTE Men (4,560)
2.97
2.97
All Sorority (891) 13%
3.36
3.26
FTE Women (6,968)
3.30
3.26
All New Members (113)
3.03
3.02
3.34 3.29 3.24 3.23 3.16 3.12 3.05 3.04 3.01 2.94 2.46 2.41 2.32 2.24
0.04 0.02 0.12 0.44 0.14 0.12 0.27 0.01 -0.27 0.24 -0.27
0.12 0.10 0.07 0.00 -0.07 -0.03
71.8% earned a 3.00 GPA or higher for the spring 2014 semester 28.9% earned a 3.67 (Dean’s List status) for the spring 2014 semester 6.71% earned a 4.00 for the spring 2014 semester 68.49% currently have a 3.00 or higher cumulative average at WCU The average fraternity/sorority member at WCU earned a 3.21 GPA for the spring 2014 semester
The list of 272 fraternity and sorority members who achieved Dean’s List status can be found on the Fraternity and Sorority Life Website (www.wcupa.edu/greeklife). 5
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GOVERNING COUNCIL UPDATES Black and Latino Greek Council (BLGC) Strong leadership on the executive board and active chapter delegates contributed many positive changes in the BLGC community this year. Most notably, the annual Step Show competition returned in the spring semester, hosting nine groups in competition or exhibition categories. For the first time, the BLGC chapters competed together during Greek Week, placing in many events. Students benchmarked programming requirements from other institutions and implemented major changes to their governing documents to allow all chapters equal representation in annual programming and fundraising efforts. In April, BLGC was recognized with the “Ramdom Excellence Award� from the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. The award honors groups for extraordinary work. @WCU_BLGC
Interfraternity Council (IFC) The Interfraternity Council had a very productive year. Adjusting to a new governing council structure, officer roles now have counterparts on PHC and BLGC, allowing for cross council collaboration. Responsibilities are more clearly defined so more progress is made, especially in the area of finance and operations. As they welcomed a new fraternity to campus, emphasis was placed on interpersonal relationships and providing current members the opportunity to get to know one another, culminating in a 50 man paintballing trip that will hopefully become an annual tradition. Spring semester saw the return of the IFC Judicial Board, with their first hearing serving as a very developmental process for all those involved. @WestChesterIFC
Panhellenic Council (PHC) Last fall, Panhellenic hosted another record formal recruitment process, expanding the events to two weekends to accommodate all women and relieve academic pressures from members. Panhellenic membership continues to comprise over 70 percent of the total fraternity and sorority community. The women are ever-present on campus, assisting with campus events like MLK Day of Service, Pink Zone, and Relay for Life. The community celebrated unity through Badge Day festivities, Panhellenic Pride Week, and a PHC Camp Dreamcatcher fundraiser. They are currently planning an all fraternity and sorority Alternative Spring Break project for March 2015. In addition, the women continued to support new chapters through the extension process by assisting the colonizing chapters and hosting campus visits for incoming groups. WCU_Panhellenic
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FRATERNITY AND SORORITY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Five Star Chapter Assessment (spring 2013-fall 2013) The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life conducts a yearly assessment of its chapters to determine how the core values of individual fraternities and sororities support the community at WCU. The assessment is composed of five different categories through which individual chapter performance is measured: scholarship development, chapter development, new member development, risk management, and service to campus. A score of 90 or higher in a category means the chapter is achieving minimum standards set by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the chapter earns a star. The chapter that receives the highest point value in each of the categories below is recognized with the overall excellence award for that category.
Overall Excellence in Scholarship Development Zeta Tau Alpha and Delta Chi
Overall Excellence in Risk Management Phi Mu and Sigma Phi Epsilon
Overall Excellence in Chapter Development Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Chi
Overall Excellence in Service to Campus Delta Zeta and Delta Chi
Overall Excellence in New Member Development Zeta Tau Alpha and Sigma Phi Epsilon
Overall Excellence in Philanthropy Zeta Tau Alpha
Chapter Development Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Delta Chi Delta Phi Epsilon Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Phi Mu Phi Sigma Sigma Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Tau Alpha
Phi Sigma Sigma Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Tau Alpha Service to Campus Alpha Phi Alpha Sigma Tau Alpha Xi Delta Delta Chi Delta Zeta Phi Mu Phi Sigma Sigma
Risk Management Delta Chi Delta Zeta Phi Mu Phi Sigma Sigma Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Tau Alpha Philanthropy Zeta Tau Alpha
Scholarship Development Alpha Phi Alpha Sigma Tau Delta Chi Zeta Tau Alpha New Member Development Alpha Phi Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. Delta Chi Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Zeta Phi Mu
j
j
j
j
j
“Leadership is something inside everyone, and Fraternity Life brought that out of me in full-force.� -Ryan Schaefer, Delta Chi 7
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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS In addition to the chapter area of excellence awards, recognition is also offered to chapters and individuals who have provided exemplary leadership to the community throughout the spring 2013 and fall 2013 semesters. The honored individuals were nominated by their peers or advisors and recognized at the Fraternity and Sorority Awards Ceremony in April.
Charles W. Warner Fraternity of the Year Delta Chi
James J. Jackson Sorority of the Year Zeta Tau Alpha
Fraternity Man of the Year John Scheck, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sorority Woman of the Year Kirsten Cirelli, Delta Phi Epsilon
Fraternity Emerging Leaders Dan Mitchell, Delta Chi Ryan Walter, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sorority Emerging Leaders Kate Edwards, Phi Mu Anjelica Finore, Delta Phi Epsilon
Chapter Advisor of the Year Tiffany Coleman, Phi Sigma Sigma
Peter C. Galloway Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year Brady Colyer, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Outstanding Chapter Presidents Ashley Cardenas, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Dom Dallatore, Kappa Delta Rho Lacy Preddie, Delta Zeta
James Weese Award for New Member Academic Achievement Elizabeth Andrew, Alpha Delta Pi Joseph Sinibaldi, Pi Kappa Alpha
Fraternal Values Society Awards Kyle Gallagher, Sigma Phi Epsilon Aisha Hynson, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Jessie McNevin, Delta Phi Epsilon Chelsea Brunie, Phi Mu Evan Booth, Delta Chi Corin Chapman, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Student Leadership and Involvement Awards*: Emerging Leader Awards: Ruth Hochberg, Delta Phi Epsilon Ryan Schaefer, Delta Chi Outstanding Chapter Presidents awardees: Lacy Preddie, Dom Dallatore and Ashley Cardenas
WCU Leader of the Year: Anthony LaFratte, Delta Chi Citizen Leader, Golden Ram Award and The Beverly A. Domenick Student Leader Award: Ilana Berger, Delta Phi Epsilon Senior Leaders of the Year: Adam Goral, Delta Chi Christine Mackin, Phi Mu Philip Hagstotz, Delta Chi
Diane DeVestern Ethical Leadership Award: Malik Muhammed, Sigma Phi Epsilon Most Improved Organization of the Year: Kappa Delta Rho *Student leaders and organizations in this category were recognized by the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement during the Leadership Awards in 2014.
Chapter Presidents Evan Booth and Kira Schollenberger represent Delta Chi and Zeta Tau Alpha as Fraternity and Sorority of the Year
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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS National Conference Attendance February marked the second year for community leaders to represent West Chester University at the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) and National Black Greek Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The conference allowed attending officers to educate themselves about best practices and interact with other leaders from across the country. WCU delegates focused on sessions that would best benefit the campus community, including risk management and recruitment programs. WCU delegates at AFLV: Corin Chapman, Amanda Purelli, Ryan Schaefer, Georgy Weber, Brianna Dawes and Dom Dallatore
“Initially, I thought leadership meant always being in control. But I quickly learned it is not about you. It is about encouraging others to grow to their fullest potential, and being their support system on the way.” – Corin Chapman, President of the Black and Latino Greek Council
Fraternal Values Society The Fraternal Values Society inducted its Beta Class in April, adding to the initiates from last year. The selected students were chosen for their commitment to living their values, and a willingness to create dialogue on campus about the values movement. Members of the Beta Class of the Alpha Iota Chapter at West Chester are: Michael Arrington, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Evan Booth, Delta Chi Chelsea Brunie, Phi Mu Ashley Cardenas, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Liana Carvahlo Pruna, Phi Mu Corin Chapman, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ashley Henry, Alpha Sigma Tau Melissa Hoot, Delta Phi Epsilon Caroline McGowan, Phi Sigma Sigma Amanda Purelli, Delta Zeta Aaron Rapsinski, Sigma Phi Epsilon Kaitlyn Shaffer, Phi Sigma Sigma Madison Sloan, Phi Mu Tori Van Horn, Phi Sigma Sigma Deanna Villari, Phi Sigma Sigma Initiates (Back row, L-R): Ashley Cardenas, Michael Arrington, Liana Carvahlo Pruna, Melissa Hoot, Kaitlyn Shaffer, Corin Chapman, Caroline McGowan, Aaron Rapsinski (Front row, L-R): Evan Booth, Madison Sloan, Tori Van Horn, Deanna Villari, Amanda Purelli, Ashley Henry
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Greek Week Restructured
Each year, Greek Week brings together chapters for a variety of activities related to service, athletics, entertainment, and interfraternalism. In the past, pairs were formed for chapter bonding, but the schedule was structured for chapters to compete individually. At the end of the week, fraternity and sorority awards were distributed separately. In the spirit of true community, Greek Week 2014 was restructured for all events to be hosted in pairs. All activities were comprised of joint male and female teams. Panhellenic and IFC groups competed in pairs and triads, with the nine BLGC chapters competing as one team due to their chapter sizes. Teams were named for decades based on the week’s “Through the Decades” theme. Events included: lipsync, god/goddess pageant, field games, canned food sculpture (benefiting Chester County Food Bank), and dodgeball. WCU also hosted a speaker, James Robilotta, for a Greek Forum, and made a donation of toys to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The successful week was chaired by Maggie Kelly from Alpha Phi. First place was awarded to a highly competitive triad: Delta Phi Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Phi Sigma Sigma.
Alpha Phi and Sigma Phi Epsilon at Dodgeball
BLGC performers at Greek God/Goddess
Representatives from the winning teams with the 2014 Greek Week trophy
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Delta Chi and Alpha Sigma Tau at Lipsync
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BLGC Step Show Returns The Black and Latino Greek Council (BLGC) was pleased to host the return of its Step Show, one of West Chester University’s largest campus traditions. On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, nine chapters from the Black and Latino Greek Council showcased their talents and competed for the chance to win $1,000.00 in prize money. WCU chapters participated in area step shows in the past two years, but were anxious to reestablish their tradition at WCU. Teams were judged on several points of criteria, with most emphasis on overall presentation, precision, and degree of difficulty. Congratulations to the winners: Grand Prize Winner Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. First Runners-Up Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Second Runners-Up Sigma Lambda Gamma National Latin Sorority, Inc. Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Grand Prize Winners: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Alumni Board Re-Established In the latest version of the University Strategic Plan, our office has been charged with re-establishing the Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Board. The project will provide valuable connections to current and former members. Alumni can get involved in a number of ways, and are encouraged to reach out, update contact information, share stories, and keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities in the future! For more information, visit the alumni page of our website.
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EXPANSION UPDATE: WHY WE CHOOSE TO GROW At the end of the spring 2013 semester, the community totaled 1,087 students. One year later, membership has grown 21%, with total membership at 1,385. In the past five years, total membership in fraternities and sororities has grown by 51%. Using this past year to mirror growth statistics, the community could very easily be at 1,700 members by spring 2015. The sheer growth in student enrollment is one valid explanation for the increase in fraternity and sorority membership. However, one could also argue that it is something more. Our chapters are more values based than ever, and young men and women want to join organizations in which they can grow and learn life skills that they will use far beyond their college years. Long gone are the days where joining a fraternity or sorority is primarily about finding a regular party to attend. While our chapters have fun, the “social” outlet membership provides has evolved to redefine social in a different capacity – less about red solo cups and more about healthy interpersonal relationships. WCU students involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life have higher retention and graduation rates than those who do not join these organizations. Based on data provided by the Office of Institution Research, members of the Fall 2007 cohort of first time, full time, first year students retained or graduated at rates from 9-16% higher than non-fraternal members across all timeframes measured. What we hope this means is that as WCU continues to grow, and as membership in fraternities and sororities grows as well, more students will graduate. In the spring of 2013, both the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council established long term expansion plans that will add an additional three IFC chapters and two PHC chapters over the next three to four years. Like Alpha Delta Pi and Pi Kappa Alpha, these chapters will start with national staff members coming to campus and recruiting a group of students with the unique drive to be founding members. We could not have predicted the level of success of the two colonization processes. The next year will certainly inform the continued growth plans. As each new chapter begins, we will push our current chapters to recommit to their founding principles and the collective community will surely do their part to fulfil the values and vision of the University, further emphasizing why we choose to grow.
The reflections of two of the founding members demonstrate the power of creating a legacy on campus that will influence future generations. “It was great to see the formation of bonds developed through such diverse, yet like-minded people seeking to grow both as individuals and leaders. I am excited to see what the future of Pike at WCU has in store.” Tory Getz, Pi Kappa Alpha “Joining a new sorority on campus was one of the best decisions I ever made. Being a founding sister of such a huge national organization is an amazing feeling.” Cory Amenta, Alpha Delta Pi
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NEW CHAPTERS WCU WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING NEW FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES IN 2013-2014: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated* Founded: December 6, 1904; Cornell University Nickname: Alphas Color: Black and Old Gold Symbol: Great Sphinx of Giza Philanthropy: See national website Active chapters: 800+
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Founded: May 15, 1851; Wesleyan College Nickname: ADPi Colors: Azure and White Symbol: Diamond Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald House Charities Active undergraduate chapters: 146
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity Founded: November 7, 1913; New York University Nickname: AEPi Colors: Gold and Blue Symbol: Lion Philanthropy: See national website Active undergraduate chapters: 155
Kappa Sigma Fraternity Founded: December 10, 1869; New York University Nickname: Kappa Sig Colors: Scarlet, White and Emerald Green Symbol: Star and Crescent Philanthropy: A greater cause to Military Heroes Active undergraduate chapters: 316
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Founded: March 1, 1868; University of Virginia Nickname: PIKE Colors: Garnet and Old Gold Symbol: Shield and Diamond Philanthropy: determined by local chapter Active undergraduate chapters: 220
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated* Founded: January 16, 1920; Howard University Nickname: Zetas Color: Royal Blue and White Symbol: White Dove Philanthropy: See national website Active chapters: 850
* Reactivated Chapter
WCU LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS IN 2014-2015: Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Founded: May 1, 1848 at Washington & Jefferson College Nickname: FIJI or Phi Gam Motto: “Friendship, the sweetest influence” Colors: Royal Purple Symbol: Black Diamond with White Star Philanthropy: United Service Organization (USO) and the American Red Cross Active undergraduate chapters: 150 Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority Founded: November 15, 1901 at Longwood University Nickname: ASA Motto: “Aspire. Seek. Attain” Colors: Crimson and Pearl White Symbol: Phoenix, Crown, Palm Tree and Star Philanthropy: S. June Smith Center, Special Olympics and Girls on the Run Active undergraduate chapters: 90
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Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life 110 W. Rosedale Avenue Sykes Student Union, Room 238 West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383 610-436-2117 www.wcupa.edu/greeklife