| Issue 7 | Volume 149 | Tuesday, March 6, 2018 | theavion.com |
Andrew Bronshteyn /The Avion Newspaper
The Guiding Light for the Future of Greek Life
What’s Inside
Every semester, students from all across the world return to their respective universities with ambitions to study diligently and, one day, earn the degree that lies at the end of their collegiate journey. Naturally, many students search for associations and activities to assist their development and cultivation as young adults while also building the foundations of friendships that will last a lifetime. There are many benefits to joining a group of like-minded people, whether it be a sports team, academic society, or Greek organization. However, as of late, there has been much news of tragedies associated with many of these organizations, specifically Greek life. As a result of dangerous and illegal practices, including hazing and reckless substance abuse, fraternities and sororities across the country have become notorious. Penn State, Texas State, and Louisiana State have all suspended Greek life programs following the deaths of students. At Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach, students in Greek affiliations have discussed such events and how they can avoid following the same path that some chapters are, unfortunately, making all too common. While
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the University already holds multiple mandatory anti-hazing and anti-sexual abuse seminars throughout the year, the students have taken it upon themselves to ensure that their peers do not act in ways which may be harmful to their respected organizations and the members of this community. Additionally, the brothers and sisters of Greek organizations at ERAU hope to build stronger communities through philanthropic programs, academic excellence, and responsible induction and education of their newest members.
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It is this reason why the Greek community of Embry-Riddle seeks to uplift the national Greek community and to help our brothers and sisters learn from past mistakes in order to better represent our values
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Gavin Buck and Levi Lingsch Correspondents
The brothers of Phi Gamma Delta at Embry-Riddle recently held their biannual chapter retreat at the Andy Romano Beachfront Park to discuss the current state of the chapter, state of Greek life on campus, and what can be done to assure that both are heading towards
excellence. Of the topics discussed, improving Greek and non-Greek relationships on campus were of particular importance. Although we are quite proud of all we have done as a chapter since our 2013 conception; we recognize that much more can is accomplishable when the network of on-campus organizations works together towards a common aim. For example, three Greek organizations attended Relay for Life last spring to raise funds for cancer research. Although the event organizers were grateful for our support, the number of funds raised would substantially increase if a tradition was made for other extra-curricular organizations to attend. Such a collective effort would not only support those battling cancer, but it would also strengthen the existing Greek bonds and even create new friendships between Greek and non-Greek organizations. Fortunately, the spirit of Greek life here at ERAU does not stop at helping fight cancer. Each Greek organization has their philanthropy and holds events to raise funds to support them. While this includes efforts to fight cancer with the Huntsman Cancer Institute (Sigma Chi) and Cycle for Life (Pi Kappa Alpha), it also comprises fantastic, charitable associations. Autism Speaks (Alpha Xi Delta), the March of
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Dimes (Sigma Sigma Sigma), and the ALS Association (Phi Delta Theta) are just a few of these associations that the Greek students work alongside. For example, the international fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta chooses to focus its support towards the United Service Organization whose philanthropic efforts help support our nation’s service men and women. Per tradition, the Epsilon Rho chapter holds an annual Islander Week, with events including a golf scramble, homerun derby, and Diamond Girl competition with all proceeds benefiting the USO. Likewise, the sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma hold a week of events with proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes, which conducts research to improve health care for expectant mothers and newborns. Such practices are far from uncommon among the Greek organizations on campus and are incredibly important aspects of the great potential we have to do good in our communities and the world. Attendance at philanthropy events for other organizations is undoubtedly something we seek to further improve upon within the chapter, and we sincerely hope that the Greek community on campus will only further unify in support of significant causes. Continued on A7>>
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