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M AR 2015
UNI VE R SI TY O F C ON NE C TI CU T F RA TER NI T Y & S O RO RI T Y C O MM U NI TY NE W S LET TE R WWW.GREEKLIFE.UCONN.EDU
In This Issue:
HuskyTHON 2015 raised a record-breaking $560,104.55 for the kids! The OFSL would like to congratulate the management team, volunteers, the dancers, and everyone else who supported and donated to huskyTHON this year!
Page 1: HuskyTHON 2015, In this issue
Page 2: Greek Alternative Break Jamaica 2015
Page 3: Greek Alternative Break Jamaica 2015 cont.
Page 4: Arête Awards 2015
Page 5: Arête Awards 2015 cont., Beta Theta Pi’s Philanthropic February
Page 6: Phi Sigma Rho’s Mr. STEM, Alpha Phi is FTK, Theta 5K, Happy Founders Day
Page 7: Zeta Phi Beta Dove Gallery, NGLA 2015
Page 8: Senior Spotlight and Greek of the Month
Please submit all future LifeTimes submissions to Jacob Mabee at student2705@ad.uconn.edu
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On January 3rd, sixteen UConn fraternity men and sorority women from various chapters and councils embarked on a life-changing journey to Jamaica representing UConn Greek Alternative Breaks. They landed in Montego Bay airport and traveled to Negril for beginning of their week of fun, sun, and service. The first half of the week was spent at Cove Primary School. There, the UConn Greeks completed a lot of interior and exterior painting of the school and it’s facilities. They also worked on shortening and finishing tables that will now be used for the school’s newly added lunchroom. They then organized and presented the donated school supplies and children’s books, which the UConn Greeks brought with them, to Cove School’s principal and staff. For the second half of the week, the UConn Greeks traveled to Treasure Beach, which is located in the southern part of the island. There they were working in Epping Forrest Primary School and completed numerous tasks. They first cleared and mapped out a field behind the school, which in the future will become a soccer and cricket field for students to play. They also cleared out and organized an old dusty storage room making it more systemized. Lastly, the UConn Greeks also presented the second half of their donated school supplies and books to Epping Forrest and organized the books into their library. While our UConn Greeks put in an extensive amount of effort and labor into the schools, they still had the opportunity to interact with the children and even observe the classrooms. They got to experience the Jamaican culture through trying new foods, enjoying Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and scenery, attending a church service, and hearing stories about Jamaican history from locals. If you were to ask any of these sixteen participants what their favorite part of their experience was I’m sure they would have a difficult time just naming one memory because the overall experience that these sixteen UConn Greeks gained is one that will forever be life changing. UCGAB Jamaica 2015 fostered many memories and friendships that each individual participant will each carry with them for the rest of their lives.
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“Jamaica was a life changing experience. For me, since I just became involved in Greek Life, it allowed me to become closer to my sisters as well as open doors to friendships with others in Greek Life. You create such a close bond with others through reflection and you know you’re making a huge difference in the kids’ lives because of how happy they are to see you when you come back to the school the next day. I would recommend everyone in Greek Life to go on this trip to open your eyes to the lives of Jamaicans everyday, make a difference in their community and create lasting friendships with other Greeks that continue even when the week of service is finished.” – Olivia DeWald, Senior, Alpha Chi Omega
“As soon as I got home after serving on the UCGAB Jamaica trip last year, I instantly knew that I wanted to apply for the Trip Director position of UCGAB Jamaica 2015. I noticed such a change in myself after the trip last year and I knew I just couldn't wait to go back and do it all again. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my winter break than to be surrounded by my fellow UConn Greeks, sweating in the hot Jamaican sun, serving others in a country that I fell in love with one short year ago.” – Lisa Maresca, Trip Director, Senior, Alpha Phi
“My experience in Jamaica was so humbling. I expected to feel proud of the work I took part in, but did not expect how overwhelmed I would feel by the amount that the children taught me about the simplicity and joy that life brings. My time in Jamaica opened my eyes to just how much people can have a positive impact on each other.” – Crystal Torraco, Senior, Kappa Alpha Theta
“One of the most humbling experiences of my life. Enjoyed every minute of it.” – Orlando Valentin Jr, Senior, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.
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Award
Recipient
Academic Achievement Awards Outstanding Academic Achievement Program (F)
Beta Theta Pi
Outstanding Academic Achievement Program (S)
Phi Sigma Rho
Outstanding Sorority Scholar
Taylor Van Fleet, Alpha Phi
Outstanding Faculty/ Staff Member
Deborah Corum, Division of Athletics
Recruitment and Retention Awards Outstanding Recruitment and Retention Program (F)
Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.
Outstanding Recruitment and Retention Program (S)
Gamma Phi Beta
Outstanding Greek Alumna
Allison Hayes, Pi Beta Phi
Fraternity Emerging Leader
Schneider Jean-Baptiste, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Sorority Emerging Leader
Christina Caravaglia, Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
Campus and Involvement Awards Outstanding Community Involvement (F)
Alpha Delta Phi
Outstanding Community Involvement (S)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Outstanding Greek Volunteer
Orlando Valentin, Jr., Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Outstanding Campus Involvement (F)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Outstanding Campus Involvement (S)
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Outstanding External Relations Program
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Membership Development Awards Excellence in Ritual and Values
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Excellence in Leadership Development (F)
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Excellence in Leadership Development (S)
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
Outstanding Membership Development Program (F)
Beta Theta Pi
Outstanding Membership Development Program (S)
Pi Beta Phi
Outstanding Advisor
Barb Buzzelli, Alpha Phi
Outstanding Greek Auxiliary Member
Avery Moses, Pi Beta Phi
Outstanding Greek Senior (F)
Noveen Delaram, Beta Theta Pi
Outstanding Greek Senior (S)
Katheryn Maldonado, Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
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Award
Recipient
Chapter Management Awards Outstanding Male Council Officer
Justin Fleishacker, IFC, Alpha Epsilon Pi
Outstanding Female Council Officer
Chrsitina Reese, Panhellenic Council, Alpha Phi
Outstanding Fraternity President
Jarrett Headley, Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Outstanding Sorority President
Jaimie Farkas, Alpha Phi
Outstanding Chapter Management (F)
Alpha Delta Phi
Outstanding Chapter Management (S)
Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
Most Improved Fraternity, Honorable Mention
Beta Chi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Most Improved Sorority, Honorable Mention
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Most Improved Fraternity
Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Most Improved Sorority
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Fraternity Man of the Year
JC Gonzalez, Beta Theta Pi
Sorority Woman of the Year
Crystal Torraco, Kappa Alpha Theta
Fraternity of the Year
Beta Theta Pi
Sorority of the Year
Kappa Alpha Theta
Beta Theta Pi’s Philanthropic February The brothers of Beta Theta Pi took part in two separate service events in the month of February, with both events benefitting local organizations. On Thursday February 12, the brothers of Beta Theta Pi teamed up with the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta to make Valentine’s Day Cards for the senior citizens at the Mansfield Senior Center in StorrsMansfield, Connecticut. The two organizations made a total of 70 cards, which helped to brighten an otherwise lonely day for many senior citizens. Representatives from each group distributed the cards, along with some candy, on Valentine’s Day. On Saturday February 21, fifteen brothers of Beta Theta Pi went to the Holy Family Home and Shelter in Willimantic, Connecticut to help the organization. The Shelter, which is the organization that Beta Theta Pi chiefly supports in its philanthropic efforts, houses and feeds families that are going through difficult times and need a place to live. Brothers assisted in numerous activities around the facility, most notably snow removal. Having received so much snow this winter, the Shelter was in need of much assistance. Brothers helped to make the facility much safer by clearing off walkways and fire escapes.
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Phi Sigma Rho’s Mr. STEM Successful Philanthropy Event Phi Sigma Rho’s philanthropy event Mr. STEM, the reinvented Mr. Engineering, was a huge success! The new, more inclusive name allowed for a variety of contestants from science, technical, engineering and math fields. They represented UConn Material Advantage, Fiji, SWE, Engineering LC, and many more! Though there were some technical difficulties, our hosts, Sam and Nichole, were able to keep the crowd entertained. The contestants started off with a bang by working their nerdy style and trying to win the judges over with their nerdy pickup lines. The guys had the whole crowd laughing. Next was the talent portion. The contestants had a range of acts prepared from dance and football to music and science. The judges and audience were thoroughly impressed by what each person brought to the table. The contestants breezed through the question and answer portion without a sweat. Our winner of the golden goggles was Carl Strum, brother of ADP! In second we had Even Berkovitz of Sammy, and in third was Nick Guerrera from AKL. These three blew away the judges! With the help of all the contestants, judges and audience we were able to raise over $630 for the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Thank you to everyone who came out. Can’t wait for next year!
Theta 5K Kappa Alpha Theta is having their annual 5K on March 29th from 12-2pm. All proceeds will benefit their philanthropy Court Appointed Special Advocates. Please contact emilie.brace@uconn.edu for more information!
Alpha Phi is FTK! This February was a big moth for Alpha Phi; being that our philanthropy is for heart health and cardiac care we were proud to participate in Heart Health Week. The ladies of Alpha Phi promoted our philanthropy by participating in National Wear Red Day on February 6th. In addition to this we got to table in the Student Union to promote and inform more people about Heart Health Week. However, our main event this month was our late night mac and cheese. We had so much fun hosting everyone at the Alpha Phi house and were thrilled with the amazing turn out. We surpassed our goal and raised $1,037 dollars for HuskyTHON, which is the most we have ever raised! The sisters of Alpha Phi could not be more excited about this event and can’t wait to dance at HuskyTHON this Saturday March 7th, FTK!
Happy Founder’s Day!
ΠΚΑ - 03/01 ΚΦΛ - 03/09 6
How do you define Beauty? Join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as we work to redefine true beauty. On March 30th at 7PM in the Student Union South Lobby we will host the second annual Dove Gallery. This event will feature selfies of individuals of this campus without edits or filters. If you are interested in taking part in this inspirational movement please send your selfies to traceyzphib@gmail.com by March 23rd.
NGLA 2015 “UConn OFSL was pleased to bring 21 participants to this year’s Northeast Greek Leadership Association conference in Hartford. These participants represented all four councils at UConn with professionalism and integrity. They attended workshops about collaboration, unity, recruitment, leadership, and much more! In addition, UConn had four teams of two enter a case study competition. In this case study, a situation was presented to the teams. It was about a woman who wanted to join a fraternity, but still identified as a “she”. We are pleased to report that Kenyi Silva, President of the Intercultural Greek Council, with the help of Jamel Catoe, Assistant Director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, placed third in this case study competition!”
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Elsa Kendrick, Phi Sigma Rho Elsa is always an outstanding sorority member, but this month she was exemplary. This month she helped plan our extremely successful philanthropy event Mr. STEM. She exemplified both leadership and service in this endeavor as Vice President of External Relations. She organized and lead the event to success, emphasizing the value of service and philanthropy along the way. Elsa also exemplified sisterhood as she reached out to sisters not only in the same Greek council as she, but all Greek councils, and the same went for brothers of different fraternities. She did the best she could to include all of Greek Life in our philanthropy event. Elsa is very deserving of this recognition due to her hard work on this event, as well as her daily upholding of our pillars of Greek Life.
Tayla Mandelkem, Phi Sigma Rho Talya has been an outstanding sorority member and exemplifying the four pillars of Greek Life for the past four years. Being an honors, pre-med, Biomedical Engineering major and receiving a 4.0 GPA for multiple semesters, she embodies the pillar of scholarship. She also encourages others to do the same with her outgoing, supportive and inspiring personality. Her amazing personality, along with her dedication to her chapter, show what it truly means to be a sister. Tayla is the person sisters go to to confide in; she is the perfect sister to go to, whether its for comforting or celebrating. She was also the recipient of the Outstanding Sister Award last semester! On top of that, she served on RMT last semester, so she knows the strength and importance of sisterhood, not just in her own chapter but in the entire Greek community. She has been a leader in our organization since day 1. She has been on Executive Board for every one of her past active semesters. As a freshman she was the VP of Service. In this position she created the event called Get Set, which has now become our annual service event. Get Set brings middle school aged girl scouts to UConn to teach them about the STEM fields and related majors. We plan fun science games that both entertain, educate, and empower these future engineers! Talya embodies all four of our Greek Life pillars. At her last semester here at UConn, she is more than deserving of this recognition!
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