Page 1: Congratulations Graduates! Page 2: Senior Spotlights Page 3: Senior Spotlights (cont’d); Greeks of the Month Page 4: Greek Week Recap; ΠΔΨ’s Founder’s Week Page 5: ; AEΦ Congratulates Seniors; #PassCHIA and #GreekDC; ΛΘA’s Showcase
http://www.greeklife.uconn.edu/
Page 6: Career Corner; Husky Village 10th Anniversary; Congratulations to the 2013-2014 Student Interns
Congratulations to our Greek Seniors! The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life would like to thank its three graduating student interns and two graduate assistants for their hard work over the past two years, as well as congratulate the graduating class of 2013! You all have made a lasting impression on our community and we will miss you all next year! Best of luck in all of your future endeavors, but remember that you always have a home at OFSL! Here’s some insight on the OFSL staff’s favorite memories from working in the office! Gregory Brennan - “My favorite office memory was planning the 2013 Emerging Greek Leaders Conference. I learned a lot about communicating well with others, coordinating different schedules and needs of speakers, and how to properly plan an event. The experience will definitely help me in my future endeavors.” Kylie Corcoran - “There are so many memories and moments to be proud of from my time with OFSL. From IFC meetings on Tuesday nights, to the crazy emotions and planning that goes in the Panhellenic Recruitment, I didn’t expect to be this sad to leave this community. I’ve enjoyed dancing all night at HuskyTHON, driving vans on two Greek Alternative Breaks, and simple drop-ins from the students. I want to wish the graduating seniors best of luck in their future endeavors, an know that the returning students will continue to push the community to higher levels of excellence.” Jessica Emig - “Our students. Whether it was interacting with our student interns and reading their blog posts or co-coordinating a conference for our emerging leaders, I appreciated the opportunity to always put students first. Within the organizations that I advise, my students never ceased to amaze me with their ingenuity, passion, and commitment. Without fail, they always reminded me why I entered the field of Student Affairs. From dedicating their time and efforts to something bigger than themselves to teaching me life lessons to contributing to my growth and development as a professional, I cannot express my gratitude for everything that the students have done for me. I will never forget the memories we made and the experiences we shared.”
Graduating OFSL Staff: Kylie Corcoran, Romy Garcia, Gregory Brennan, Jessica Emig, Kaitlin Latham
Romy Garcia - “I have so many memorable times here in the office but I think one of my favorite parts of working at the OFSL has to be getting to know all of the staff members, especially the other interns and learning from each other. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work alongside some amazing people.” Kaitlin Latham - “I am so grateful for my experience working in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. I started out as a quiet, introverted new addition to the OFSL staff and have worked hard to develop my leadership skills and to become a valued leader not only in this office, but within the Greek community as a whole. I very much enjoyed working on the newsletter each month, as it highlights the amazing accomplishments of my peers in the Greek community. I take pride in the fact that I joined a community of people who hold themselves to a higher standard, and the newsletter is way to show off the positive aspects of Greek Life and to demonstrate to the rest of UConn all of the great things that Greeks have to offer! I have learned so much from every staff member and student intern in this office, and while I am saddened by the fact that almost all of us are graduating from UConn this spring, I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for us next!”
Senior Spotlights Angelica (Angie) Amigon became a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha in the Fall of 2011. Since her initiation, Angie has been a wonderful asset to her chapter; she is immensely caring, sweet, and wise. She is always looking for ways to make Lambda Theta Alpha’s operations more efficient. In her role as Chapter Academic Chair she goes above and beyond to ensure that all sisters are doing well in their academics by providing workshops and resources to promote academic excellence. Angie played a vital role in last semester’s Project Arête submission which lead to Lambda Theta Alpha’s first time scoring in the “Gold” range. Angie is the epitome of a universal woman for her caring ways and amazing spirit. Angie will truly be missed here at UConn after she graduates this May.
Hannah Cotton is not only an exemplary member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, but she is an amazing member of the Greek community. She has shown her dedication and leadership since she pledged as a freshman in fall 2009. Hannah has taken numerous positions in her chapter as well as the Panhellenic community including VP of Administartion of the 2012 Panhellenic board. Hannah will be graduating at the end of this semester but will be continuing her Greek life journey as a Traveling Educational Consultant for AEPhi. This is an extremely high honor as only three women get chosen for this position each year. Hannah has inspired her sisters to work hard for what they want and played a crucial part in the development of the Panhellenic community. Hannah is a Greek life member that will truly be missed after she graduates.
Kelsey Cunningham of Kappa Alpha Theta is an outstanding senior sorority member. She is Theta's Senior Engagement Chair, and helps organize events for the senior sisters. She was the Service Chair for Theta in 2011; her leadership skills are noteworthy and she is incredibly respected within Theta and the UConn community. Kelsey does service weekly through Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program she has been a part of since her sophomore year. In addition, Kelsey has an internship with Achieve Hartford!, a non-profit organization that advocates for education reform in Hartford. This past summer she held an internship with End Hunger Connecticut!. She is committed to serving others in all ways possible, and she will be greatly missed when she graduates. From most outstanding new member to chapter president, Mike DeMarseilles has helped Pi Kappa Alpha grow and prosper in his four years at UConn. Mike was chapter president and on the IFC executive board as a Sophomore where he helped our chapter of then only 33 brothers expand and change their image and infrastructure into the 109 man chapter we are today. Mike has led the spring philanthropy for the Soldiers Angels organization for 3 years raising thousands of dollars and sending care packages to soldiers in need. Personally, Mike represents scholarship in the Greek community as he has been named to the School of Business deans list, New England Scholar, and recently the recipient of the Department of Finance most outstanding undergraduate scholarship. No one ever questions the competitive drive and passion he has instilled in PIKE and he will continue to bring to the business world as Mike has accepted a full-time offer in the Financial Management Leadership Program With the Travelers Companies. Since Ferid Feratovic became initiated as a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he has been a leader in every aspect of the word. Besides being President of his chapter, this stellar senior was also Philanthropy Chairman, Homecoming Chairman, and Social Chairman. As Philanthropy Chairman, Ferid was the genius behind SAE's flagship philanthropy, the Backpack Relay Race to benefit the Child and Family Guidance Center, a staple in the Greek community. Outside of SAE, Ferid is a very accomplished Accounting major and recently landed a job with United Technologies in their Financial Leadership Program. After college, Ferid plans on staying involved in the chapter as much as possible. This superstar senior is surely one to be looked up to.
Becca Harris of Delta Gamma is one of the most generous, positive, and influential women in UConn Greek Life. She clearly demonstrates the pillar of scholarship because she is such a dedicated student and has been working so diligently for over a year to spread her political knowledge through her blog known as Purple Politics. She also strongly demonstrates the pillar of sisterhood in our chapter as well. Becca is such an amazing sister and can cheer anyone up with her smile. She is friendly and caring and would take time our of her day to help any of her sisters if they asked. I know so many women in our chapter look up to Becca and believe that she will do great things after she graduates this Spring. She is not only an outstanding senior but an outstanding student, friend, role model, and sister.
Senior Spotlights (continued) Michael Pollack-Twomey, or "PT" has been a fixture of the UConn Greek Community since his initiation in the Spring of 2010. Following his initiation, PT quickly became involved in Zeta Beta Tau and the greater community at UConn. He became president of the Delta Beta Chapter for the 2011 year, and lead the chapter through tragedy and joy. Michael also served as one of five Undergraduate Supreme Councilors for ZBT National, serving as the voice of thousands of undergraduates across the nation. Following his presidency of ZBT, PT became President of the Interfraternity Council at UConn, leading all undergraduate fraternities to greater involvement in the community. Michael has been recognized as a Greek Leader of Distinction by the Northeast Greek Leadership Association, further cementing his legacy within the Greek Community at UConn. This year, Michael will work as a Chapter Expansion Consultant, working to create new ZBT chapters for deserving young men. His aspirations include law school and a career in government, for which he is diligently preparing by taking the LSATs.
Katie Verra is an outstanding senior in Kappa Alpha Theta. She has been active within and outside of Theta since her freshmen year UConn, and will be missed when she graduates. In 2011, Katie was the VP of Membership for Theta. Katie’s leadership abilities and commitment to Theta were clear, and Theta was awarded the Project Arête award for Excellence in Recruitment and Retention for 2011. Outside of Theta, Katie is a member of the UConn Dance Company. She has been choreographing dances since she was a sophomore, and is the VP of Public Relations this year. Katie is a political science major, and is in the political science honors society, Pi Sigma Alpha. She also studied abroad in Florence, Italy, in the spring of 2012, demonstrating her commitment to broadening her education and expanding her boundaries. After graduation, Katie hopes to be working in the political science field in Boston or Washington D.C., and later pursue her Master’s degree in Public Policy. Katie is willing to do anything for her sisters, and will be greatly missed in the future as she
Greeks of the Month Taylor Ansbro is a determined and caring individual, who is not only an extremely involved and passionate member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, but has also taken a leading role within her hometown community. Taylor has proven her leadership abilities within her sorority by having the position of Marshal, in which she taught Kappa rituals and values to other members. As a marketing major in the School of Business, Taylor has demonstrated her impressive skills from her experience as Co-President of Uconn’s Women in Business. She was able to use and develop more of these skills at her internship with Converse, Nike Inc. and as the Director of Communications for UConnect Public Relations. The most inspiring service Taylor has volunteered to be a part of is helping the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. After this tragedy, she has helped co-found the nonprofit organization “Angels of Sandy Hook Elementary.” She helps to oversee and manage donations, which has totaled to over $75,000. Taylor is an inspiring individual who can accomplish anything she strives for. She is an outstanding representative of Kappa Kappa Gamma and her sorority sisters couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.
Elana Katz is the epitome of a great sister. She is the Vice President of Membership Development for Pi Beta Phi, and academics are her pride and joy. She was chosen as the Outstanding Greek Scholar at the 2013 Arête Awards Ceremony and has been on Dean's List every semester since she has enrolled at UConn. Scholarship is a pillar that is an imperative aspect of Elana's life and she not only strives for her own success, but puts her efforts into bettering the sisters of Pi Beta Phi. Elana worked hard planning a "Pi Party" which recognized and celebrated her sisters who achieved a 3.14 GPA or above in the previous semester. She also takes the time out of her week to craft arrows for every single sister who gets an A on an assignment or exam that week. Elana is also heavily involved on UNITE’s executive board as the VP of Administration and Communications. She was recently selected as 1 of 10 women from across the nation to help build a school in Senegal with Circle of Sisterhood. Elana is an inspiration to not only her own chapter, but to Greek Life as a whole. She is a valued member of our community and deserves recognition for her dedication to her sisters and peers.
Maddie Love is an outstanding sister of Kappa Alpha Theta. As the Spring Philanthropy Event Director, Maddie helped to bring back the 5KAO, a 5K Philanthropy event that Theta had run in years past. It had been a number of years since the 5K was done, but as director of the event, Maddie did an extraordinary job organizing the day, recruiting participants, and getting donations. In total, Theta raised over $1500 for CASA, their national philanthropy, and the Friendship Fund, a fund through Theta nationals for sisters experiencing extreme financial hardship. Her leadership skills shined through in the weeks leading up to the event and on the day of the 5K itself. In addition to strong leadership skills, Maddie is a strong scholar. From freshmen year, Maddie was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta national honors society, and has maintained strong grades since. In addition, she has held internships and leadership positions in areas related to her major, strengthening her experience in her field. Maddie is an amazing person and sister, and deserves recognition for such accomplishments.
Greek Week 2013
was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of the Greek Week Management Team and all of the week’s participants. The celebrations kicked off with Can-Struction, during which teams built their own designs out of cans that were later donated to a local soup kitchen. Participants enjoyed a BBQ and then headed down to the Husky Village basketball courts for Greek Games, where they participated in events such as a water balloon toss, egg race, leap frog, and a chariot race! Monday night, the Greek community spilled into Jorgensen and watched as 16 men and women competed for the titles of Greek God and Goddess! Congratulations to Team 7, as both their God and Goddess claimed the crown! Tuesday night, Greek Week welcomed David Stollman from Campus Speak, as he gave a moving and powerful lecture titled “Buy in or Get Out”. Wrapping up the week was Greek Sing; all 8 teams put on dazzling performances tailored to their superheroes. Congratulations to Team 5 (Alpha Delta Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Iota Phi Theta, Phi Sigma Rho) on being the Greek Week Champs and congratulations to the newly chosen 2014 Greek Week Management Team: Alicia Ceglio, Christine Campbell, Krista Hespeler, Bryan Kamens, Sarah Keasler, Brandon Low, Alejandra Munoz, Jessica Morin, Alyssa Pelletier, Tina Ostrowski, Joe Rosano, Richard Smith, and Kathleen Snajder.
ΠΔΨ Celebrates Founder’s Week! The Brothers of the Omega Chapter of the Pi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc. recently took UConn by storm, celebrating its 5 year anniversary on campus. To kick off Founder’s Week, the Brothers celebrated the Asian American Cultural Center’s 20th Anniversary by displaying the chapter’s Before I Die exhibit. The exhibit, inspired by Taiwanese American artist, Candy Chang, was meant to bring the different cultural centers and the students of UConn together by asking them to respond to the statement: “Before I Die, I want to…”. Featured as part of AsACC’s 20th anniversary, the 4th floor of the Student Union was home to the five different panels that were filled with responses to the question. All of the responses were meant to showcase the different groups that call UConn their home. The Brothers also had fun taking one for the team. To raise money for their philanthropy, the brothers were pied in the face by UConn students! The Brothers want to take a moment and thank everyone that came out and supported. With Founder’s Week in full swing, the Brothers cheered in their own way with cake and invited the UConn community to celebrate with them. Handing out free cake, the UConn community wished the Chapter the best of days and Happy Founder’s Week. Knowing that Big Brothers, Big Sisters is an important part of the Fraternity’s life, the Brothers combined two passions, fitness and philanthropy, to raise money for the cause in their Dimes for Diamonds event. Collecting over $130 for the organization, the Brothers walked away with sore arms and chests, knowing they made a difference. To end Founder’s Week, the Omega Chapter invited the different Fraternities, Sororities and the student body on campus to help them welcome the new Spring 2013, Omega Lambda Class. Welcoming Carl Tang #50 “Zuko” and Austin Funes #51 “C.O.G” to the ranks of the Brotherhood, Pi Delta Psi had a great Founder’s Week and is looking forward to the New Year!
AEΦ Congratulates the Graduating Seniors! Alpha Epsilon Phi would like to congratulate all of the graduating seniors, especially our sisters: Adina Munk, Chelsea Boersma, Ally Butler, Jess Anavim, Carissa Palisano, Amanda Price, Hannah Cotton, Angela Armijo, Katie Dufour, Desiree Gueye, Patty Cournoyer, Jackie Wolfram, Kaila McCabe, Katie Baiocchi, Emily Jessen, Lauren Eastman, Maya Sutin, Morgan Kamm, Rebecca Malinguaggio, and Sami Ginzberg. Throughout their years in AEPhi they have made an impact on our sorority and the Panhellenic and Greek community. They have inspired all of their younger sisters to come together and become the leaders we are meant to be. We will miss each and every one of them dearly but will always remember all of the amazing times we had together and can't wait to see what they do in the future. Not four years, but for life. LML.
Hannah Cotton (AEΦ) and Monica Vaughn-Flam (KAΘ) Represent UConn in Washington D.C. Hannah Cotton and Monica Vaughn-Flam were selected to participate in the 2013 Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee Lobbying Day in Washington D.C. from April 21-24. As avid Greek leaders, Hannah and Monica were excited to connect with alumni and get the chance to lobby congress about a bill that would support fraternity and sorority housing. They had two days of training before heading to Capitol Hill to lobby for the Collegiate Housing Infrastructure Act (CHIA). The bill would allow fraternities and sororities to use tax deductible donations toward building and updating to safe and affordable housing for students. While on Capitol Hill, they met with Connecticut Representative Joe Courtney (pictured), who signed on to co-sponsor the bill. Hannah and Monica found it exciting to share experiences and learn from the many undergraduates representing universities from across the country. Getting to meet fellow sisters was a major highlight! It was a truly life-changing experience and a great capstone to end their senior years.
ΛΘA’s 6th Annual Greek Showcase On Saturday, April 20th the Sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha hosted their 6th Annual Greek Showcase in efforts to raise funds for Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which provides seriously ill children with a chance to enjoy camp like every other child at absolutely no cost. In the past, the Greek Showcase was an event where Greeks from all over CT would showcase their latest strolls, steps, and salutes. In addition, this event generally draws in many Greeks and UConn Community members. This year for the first time we turned this into a philanthropic event; Lambda Theta Alpha charged participants to perform and charged an entry fee for spectators, and it was an absolute success. This year they had 11 organizations perform and nearly 200 people in attendance, including about 20 of Lambda Theta Alpha’s UConn chapter alumnae. Every person in attendance contributed to the $1,600+ raised for Hole in the Wall Gang Camp! This was Lambda Theta Alpha’s best Greek Showcase yet and the sisters can’t wait for this event to grow in the upcoming year.
Career Corner The end of the semester is quickly approaching! During these last few weeks, take some time to stop by Career Services in 201 Wilbur Cross to talk with a career consultant and have your résumé critiqued before you leave campus for the summer. Résumé critiques are offered on a walkin basis from 10AM – 4PM Monday – Friday through finals week, and by appointment only over the summer.
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life would like to wish a Happy Founder’s Day to Phi Gamma Delta, founded on May 1, 1848!
Join the OFSL and fellow Greeks for the Greek Alumni Celebration, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Husky Village! This event will take To all of the graduates who will not be returning place on Sunday, October 6th to UConn in the fall, congratulations and good at 3pm in Husky Village, folluck from all of us at Career Services. Fortunately, lowing the Homecoming Parade. you will still have access to our office as alumni! Résumé critiques, practice interviews, and career counseling services are all offered to UConn alumni and graduate students. You will also still have access to Husky Career Link and Career Fairs. Don’t hesitate to ask for our advice even after graduation!
We hope you all have a fun and safe summer and For all returning Greeks, be on the lookout for look forward to your return in the fall. information regarding Husky Haulers! Volunteer a few hours of your time on August Congratulations to the four outstanding seniors 23 to help incoming freshmen move into who have been hired to work for their fraternity/ UConn! This is a great chance to promote Greek Life to our newest students, so don’t miss out! sorority headquarters after graduation:
Hannah Cotton (AEΦ)
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is pleased to announce its five Student Interns for the 2013-2014 school year!
Matthew Dempsey (BΘΠ)
J.B. Aliyu (ΣX)
Michael Pollack-Twomey (ZBT)
Michelle Carilli (ΓΦB)
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, as well as the entire UConn Greek Community, is proud of your accomplishments and the ongoing commitment you have made to your organization! Best of luck in your future Greek endeavors!
Teri Chung (KΦΛ)
Aubrey Boruck (KAΘ)
J.C. Gonzalez (BΘΠ) Amanda Kohalmi (KAΘ) The OFSL Staff can’t wait to work with you next year!
Have a great summer! See you in August for Go Greek Week!
