In This Issue... Page 1: What We’re Thankful For; Homecoming Recap Page 2: Senior Spotlight; Greek of the Month Page 3: Community Update Page 4: Philanthropy Updates Page 5: Even More Updates! Page 6: Career Corner, Emerging Leaders Conference, UCGAB, GAMMA, and more!
http://www.greeklife.uconn.edu/
Happy Thanksgiving! What is the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff Thankful For? Todd C. Sullivan: I am thankful for a community of Greeks that lookout for each other. Jamel Catoe: This year, I’m thankful for the basic things that matter a ton… health, family, friends, fraternity, freedom, and being part of UConn and the OFSL Staff. Kylie Corcoran: This year, I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, my stellar students, and my fabulous friends. Jessica Emig: I am thankful for my supportive family and friends and my dog, Detour. I am also blessed for the ability to earn my master’s degree and learn about the Higher Education & Student Affairs field here at UConn. But mostly, I am thankful for the opportunity to work with remarkable students on a daily basis. They never cease to challenge me to see a new perspective, to teach me a lesson, or to simply help me grow as a professional and for that, I am forever grateful. Betty Conklin: I am thankful for my family and friends. Greg Brennan: This year, I’m particularly thankful for the opportunity to work in the OFSL with such a great group of individuals. I’m also thankful for the new relationships I’ve developed in the beginning of my final year here at the University of Connecticut. As I finish my undergraduate education, I have a newfound respect for the chances I’ve had at UConn, from joining my fraternity, to learning about diverse topics, to attending service trips. Jonathan Cáez: I’m thankful for life, love, and the passion to fight for both. Kaitlin Latham: I am so thankful for the love and support my friends and family have shown me throughout some difficult times this past year! I wouldn’t be as strong, confident, and determined without them and their unconditional support!
Homecoming Recap: Party in the 860! “Party in the 860” Homecoming 2012 was a huge success! The floats were colorful and imaginative, the LipSync dances were wild and perfectly executed, the banners were full of spirit, and the Alma Mater performances were heavenly. Congratulations to the winners! First place was a tie between Kappa Kappa Gama, Sigma Chi, Zeta Psi and Delta Zeta, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Tau Kappa Epsilon. Coming in 2nd place overall were the teams of FIJI, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Delta Phi, Kickline, and Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Phi, and Phi Sigma Rho. 3rd Place overall went to the Beach-Boys themed team of Pi Beta Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi. An additional congratulations is in order for our wonderful Greek Homecoming King and Queen Candidates! Congratulations to O’Rayne Clark, ΠΚΑ, 4th runner up; Samantha Sojka, ΠΒΦ, 3rd runner up; Alexandra Addabbo, ΔG, and Michael Pollack-Twomey, ΖΒΤ, 2nd runners up; and Cara Harvey, ΔΖ, 1st runner up! The Greek community was represented excellently in the Homecoming Pageant.
Senior Spotlight
Stephanie Carozza ΚΑΘ
Her nominator said: Stephanie Carozza is an incredible Greek senior! Throughout her years at UConn she has demonstrated what it is to be an ideal student through her involvement in Greek Life, UConn, and outside commitments! She is a leader and role model for everyone on this campus and continues to set a great example in her senior year. During her freshman year, Stephanie became a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta and was appointed the reference chairman. She then served on the Executive Recruitment Board and Ritual committee the following year. Stephanie was later appointed the position of Chief Marketing Officer, which she currently holds, and is in charge of overseeing events such as philanthropy, service, alumni and foundation liaison, Homecoming and Greek week! Without her amazing effort and help, Homecoming would not have been such a fun, incredible, and unforgettable experience this year! Besides her involvement in Theta, Stephanie was the HuskyTHON team captain last year and will be Morale Captain in 2013. She is also involved in the UConn community by being a member of the Red Cross Club and UConn Hear for You. However, Stephanie’s leadership and service does not stop at Storrs. She volunteers at Blythdale Children’s Hospital in New York and interned in their speech therapy department this past summer, working with children with swallowing disorders. It is clear to see that Stephanie is very dedicated to her school and community. She is the perfect role model of a Greek senior who is incredibly involved and committed to her school and organizations!
Her nominator said: Kaitlin Latham is an outstanding sister of Pi Beta Phi and an incredible senior! Kaitlin joined Pi Phi as a sophomore and immediately joined the Junior Panhellenic Council, where she helped plan events to allow new members of the Greek Community to get to know each other better. She was Pi Phi’s Champions are Readers (CAR) Chair and helped the VP of Philanthropy plan a month long reading enrichment program for third graders. Currently, Kaitlin is Pi Phi’s Ceremony Chair and assists the VP of Fraternity Development with all ceremonies and rituals by making sure the chapter understands how the ceremonies uphold our values. She is also a member of the Policies and Standards Board (PSB) and makes sure her sisters uphold their values at all times. Apart from her own chapter, Kaitlin is very involved in the Greek Community. She has been an intern in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life since September 2011, taking on responsibilities such as the creation of the Greek Community Newsletter, managing OFSL’s social media websites, planning the Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards, and overseeing the Greek Peer Ambassador Program. This year, Kaitlin is serving on the Greek Week Management Team as a Co-Director of Public Relations. She is involved in the Greek Community, but makes sure that academics are the focus of her college career. She is double majoring in Biological Sciences and Anthropology with a minor in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology, and applying to graduate schools to study Medical Anthropology. At home, she volunteers for the American Red Cross by helping organize blood drives across Fairfield County. This summer Kaitlin interned in an environmental campaign office, working with ConnPIRG and Environment America to help increase recycling efforts in Connecticut, as well as help protect the Long Island Sound from pollution. She helped her office raise over $50,000 towards these efforts! Kaitlin puts her all into everything she takes on and is a great role model for Pi Beta Phi and the Greek Community as a whole!
Kaitlin Latham ΠΒΦ
Greek of the Month
Amanda Schiessel ΚAΘ
Her nominator said: Amanda Schiessl is an outstanding member of the Greek community. She is not only an amazing sister of Kappa Alpha Theta, but she is a true role model and inspiration to others. She proves to be extremely involved with leadership and service, while succeeding in her academics and being supportive and loving towards her sisters and friends! In Theta, she holds the leadership positions of being on the bylaws committee and being the float chair. Coordinating the homecoming float is no easy task, however Amanda did it with such ease and positivity that the entire process ran smoothly! Homecoming would not have been possible without her incredible efforts and dedication to making our homecoming float a success! Besides Greek life, she has been involved in the UConn community through being a member of Generations Health Care Volunteers, Husky Ambassadors, Guard Dogs, Office Staff of Orientation Services, an Employee of North Dining Hall, a Supervisor of Buckley Dining Hall and a UConn Orientation Leader! You don’t have to know Amanda to know that she is extremely passionate about her school; her positive attitude and husky spirit makes anyone excited to be a part of UConn! Amanda is truly an inspiration because she is always supportive and gives her whole heart into any project she takes on. She is an amazing sister and a valued member of the UConn community!
What’s Going On This Month in Our Community?
On November 5th HuskyTHON will start their annual dancer week to support those who have committed their time and energy to being dancers! HuskyTHON will be supporting those who attend the most events with a donation to their fundraising goal! Earn tickets to the raffle by attending Dancer Week events, checking in at tabling locations, or by bringing a friend to sign up for HuskyTHON! For more information, visit the HuskyTHONDancer Week Facebook Event! Mon., November 5: Tabling on Fairfield Way, 12-2pm Tue., November 6: Mr. and Mrs. HuskyTHON Pageant, 6pm SU Theater Wed., November 7: Pasta Dinner 5-9pm at Hillel (Cost is $5.00) Thur., November 8: Register to Dance at Fairfield Way! Free shirts! Fri., November 9: Baja Café—10% goes to HuskyTHON from 9pm-12am; Froyo World—15% goes to HuskyTHON from 6-11pm. Sat., November 10: ZumbaTHON 12-4pm at the Field House Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc. is hosting Wise Woman Week, a week of events that celebrate being a strong, powerful, and wise woman through educational and fun programming that brings us together as a community. All are welcome! Monday, November 26-Reshape Your Mind, Body, and Soul. (PRLACC, 6-7pm) Tuesday, November 27-Sex Toy Workshop (Women Only!—Women’s Center, 7-9pm) Wednesday, November 28- Talent Show (SU North Lobby, 6:30pm) Thursday, November 29- Celebrate Your Divine Guapa Goddess (Laurel Hall 101, 7-8pm)
Wally’s Chicken Coop Fundraiser—Support Greek Week 2013! Do you love food? Do you love Greek Week? Then make sure to eat at Wally’s Chicken Coop on November 5th—November 7th from 4:00pm until close! 10% of proceeds from all sales after 4:00pm will go toward making Greek Week 2013 the best Greek Week yet! And while you’re enjoying your dinner or late night snack at Wally’s, you can guess the theme for Greek Week 2013! The person who guesses the theme correctly will earn extra points for their team and have the chance to start off in first place!
Dodging for Dollars Sign up for Dodging for Dollars, a dodge ball tournament hosted by ΑΔΦ and Community Outreach on November 3rd, to raise money for UConn’s Special Olympics Soccer Tournament. There are three different divisions to sign up for: Girls, Boys, and Co-ed. Each team has a maximum of 6 players and is asked to raise $50 to participate in the tournament. If more than one team participates from your organization, then the registration fee will be waived and all additional teams will only pay $25. Teams that raise the most money have the chance to win prizes including T-shirts, gift cards, an X-box, and more! To sign up for this event, please visit http://dodgingfordollars.weebly.com/.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated’s Founder’s Week Join the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in celebrating their seven founders and the illustrious organization they created. All events are free and the entire UConn community is invited to share this special week with them. Sunday, November 11: Game Night (SU Game Room, 8-10pm) Monday, November 12: Founder’s Day—Free Birthday Cake! (SU Tables, 12-2pm) Tuesday, November 13: Informational (SU 322, 7:22pm) Wednesday, November 14: Golden Intimacy with Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. and the Sexperts (Rainbow Center, 6-7pm) Thursday, November 15: Getting RHOmantic—Ways to be Intimate Without Having Sex (African American Cultural Center, 7-8pm) Friday, November 16: RHOlaxation Movie Night (Hilltop Community Center, 7-10pm)
ΠΒΦ and ΚΦΛ’s Pi-a-Kappa! The sisters of Pi Beta Phi and Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. hosted the first Pi-A-Kappa event, raising about $200 to benefit First Book (from Pi Beta Phi) and Connecticut Children's Medical Center (from Kappa Phi Lambda). Although it was a rainy day, they still had a ton of fun! It cost $2 to pie a sister, and $1 to add additional toppings, such as chocolate or strawberry syrup. The sisters also sold baked goods for $1 each. Pi Beta Phi and Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. want to thank everyone who came out to support their philanthropies!
KAΘ’s KATs and Bats! On Sunday, October 21st, the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta held their annual Philanthropy event KATs and BATS to raise funds and awareness for Court Appointed Special Advocates. It was sponsored by Vineyard Vines, D.P. Dough, Wooster St. Pizza, Wings Express, Wings Over Storrs, Big Y, Dunkin' Donuts, Baja Cafe, Dominos, Wally's, Sgt. Pep's, Willington Pizza, Muscle Milk and Boppers Entertainment! In addition to the softball tournament, there was a Mr. “CASA”nova competition. Dave Daniels from Beta Theta Pi was crowned the winner and Theta hopes to execute his "Cookies for CASA" philanthropy event next semester! Everyone had so much fun with all of these exciting activities while donating time and money to CASA. Thank you to all that came out to play and support such a great cause!
ΔΓ’s Anchorslam and Anchor Splash! The sisters of Delta Gamma hosted their first ever AnchorSplash event on Sunday, October 13th. At this event, each fraternity choose an AnchorMan to represent them through out the week. At AnchorSplash, the AnchorMen competed in many events, including a cannon ball and belly flop contest, a creative dive contest, and a synchronized swimming performance. The AnchorMan contest continued throughout the week with penny wars. Students donated change to vote for the AnchorMen contestant they wanted to win. At the end of the week, Delta Gamma was extremely happy to announce that they raised $2021 for Service for Sight, aid to the blind. Thank you for everyone who participated and congratulations to Delta Gamma’s new AnchorMan, Dylan Rausch from Alpha Epsilon Pi!
BΘΠ’s 2nd Annual Pie Eating Contest! The second annual Beta Theta Pi Eating Contest, as well as the Pie-A-Beta, work to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The Pie Eating Contest had seven different teams registered to eat an apple pie as fast as they could against other competitors, which was followed by a Pie-A-Beta, where for just $2, you could smother your favorite (or, perhaps, least favorite...) Beta with a shaving cream pie. It was an exciting day for all, and Beta Theta Pi raised $500 for St. Jude's.
Stroll for a Cause presented by ΛΑΥ and ΜΣΥ! The hermanos of Latina America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc. and the sisters of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. hosted their second annual Stroll for a Cause on Saturday, October 20th. Around $400 went to each of the philanthropies of the hosts, Sickle Cell Awareness (ΛΑΥ) and Keep a Breast Foundation (ΜΣΥ). Additionally, a donation of $200 was given to each of the winning organizations’ philanthropies: Big Brother / Big Sisters of America for Pi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc., and The Susan G. Komen Foundation for Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. The event has grown by 5 organizations this year, and the hosts couldn’t be more proud of this creative and successful event!
ΔΖ’s ’I Have a Choice’ Campaign In honor of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week the sisters of Delta Zeta participated in their national campaign “I Have a Choice”. This campaign is designed to educate college-age students about the dangers of alcohol abuse and to promote making informed decisions regarding these substances. On Thursday October 18th, Delta Zeta hosted Darin Reisler from Plus One Defense Systems to teach sisters ways to properly defend themselves in harmful situations. The sisters of Delta Zeta learned many self-defense techniques to be able to protect fellow sisters, friends, and themselves.
Lights, Camera, Action!
#UCGAB13
The CT Department of Public Health is conducting a casting call to find Connecticut residents for its “Tobacco. It’s A Waste.” webisode series, airing on the “Tobacco. It’s A Waste.” website, Facebook, YouTube and the Dept. of Public Health site. The casting call ends on Nov. 12, 2012. Visit www.itsawaste.org for a complete list of rules and details! Call 860-659-0514 for more information!
Congratulations to those selected for Greek Alternative Breaks! Two trips will be run: one to Indianapolis in March 2013, led by Kylie Corcoran and one to Negril, Jamaica, led by Todd C. Sullivan in January 2013!
AΕΦ Chapter Update On Thursday October 25, the women of Alpha Epsilon Phi hosted their first Late Night Challah French Toast philanthropy! At the cost of $2 for one piece or $3 for two, all proceeds were donated to Sharsheret, a foundation that links Jewish women fighting breast and ovarian cancer together so they do not have to face it on their own. Challah French toast was served with delicious maple syrup and pink cinnamon sugar! AEΦ also hosted a Pink Shabbat dinner at Hillel in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On November 6th from 7-8:30PM, the women of AEΦ will be hosting a Spa Party in the Women’s Center with Chabad at UConn! For a $5 donation to Sharsheret, they are offering manicures and Mary Kay makeup!
Indianapolis, Indiana
Negril, Jamaica
Nicole Aquino ΦΣΡ
Shannon Beatty ΠΒΦ
Allison Hayes ΠΒΦ
Stephanie Brin ΑΦ
Chris Jarvi ΖΒΤ
Alexandria Cipolla ΠΒΦ
Amanda Kohlami ΚΑΘ
Emily Collins ΠΒΦ
Carly Marrena ΓΦΒ
Alicia Fischer ΚΑΘ
Rachel Ochs ΑΦ
Shelby Flynn ΔΖ
Alyssa Pelletier ΔΓ
Jacquelyn Isola ΑΦ
Anthony Reid ΙΦΘ
Emily Jessen ΑΕΦ
Alexandra Sibert ΔΖ
Nicole Kesner ΚΑΘ
Jasmine Skinner ΖΦΒ
Erica Mooney ΔΖ
Cassandra Spector ΑΕΦ
Samantha Sanchez ΛΘΑ
Rebecca Sylvia ΚΑΘ Colin Treanor FIJI
ΔΕΨ’s Bone Marrow Drive On October 17th, 2012 the brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi Inc. hosted a Bone Marrow Drive on the UCONN campus, registering over 40 people onto the national donor registry. To become a donor, students and faculty were given a questionnaire to fill out along with a simple cheek swab. Service chair, Kazi Shahjahan, said, “It was a very humbling experience learning about the importance of donating bone marrow... It gave us a sense of accomplishment knowing that it only took five minutes to possibly save someone’s life”. The brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi Inc. is a service first fraternity that plans to work with the community and host many service events in the future that target this philanthropy, as well as our main philanthropy, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
ΣΧ Chapter Update The gentlemen of Sigma Chi are undergoing a very successful semester, and they look forward to the direction in which their chapter is heading. One of their more remarkable feats is their near impeccable record in philanthropy events. Most recently, a collaboration of former high school and college athletes came together at E.O. Smith High School to become Kappa Alpha Theta’s “Kats and Bats” champions. However, Sigma Chi’s value is not limited to their athletic prowess, as they have not lost sight of their obligation to the community. Service events have been a staple all semester long, including several trips to nearby Goodwin Elementary to help out with tutoring and special events. In September, Sigma Chi was proud to hand out bids to 27 deserving new members. Under the tutelage of pledge educator Brendan Innes, they look forward to their newest members emerging from the pledging experience as new men and worthy Sigma Chi’s. Once they are initiated, the chapter will be at 113 strong, the largest on campus. Looking forward, the year 2013 marks 100 years for the Gamma Omega chapter, and the brothers will be celebrating accordingly. Dozens of alumni, both young and old, will descend upon Storrs to join in with the undergraduate chapter to look back on 10 decades of excellence. It is rather evident that the men of Sigma Chi are living up to the standards set forth by their founders and furthering their pursuit of friendship, justice, and learning. The brothers of Sigma Chi cannot wait to see what the future will bring.
Ever hear the phrase, "Practice The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life would like to makes perfect?" These wise words wish a Happy Founder’s Day to are applicable to all aspects of your professional developthe following organizations: ment, especially during the interview process. Make your best impression by signing up for a Practice Interview Alpha Epsilon Pi—11/07/1913 through the Department of Career Services. Trained staff Gamma Phi Beta—11/11/1874 members will help you effectively highlight your experiences Sigma Gamma Rho—11/12/1922 through a tailored interview specific to the position or program you are applying to. Stop by 201 Wilbur Cross or call (860) 486-3013 to sign up for this helpful career resource Greek Emerging Leaders Conference 2012 TODAY! For more information, please visit: Calling all chapters and councils! The Greek Emerging Leadhttp://www.career.uconn.edu/, Like us on Facebook, and ers Conference is planned for Saturday, February 9th, follow @UConnCareerSvcs on Twitter! 2013. The theme of this year’s conference is “Waves of Change: Oceans of Opportunity”. The OFSL needs your help. Program submissions are now live on our website, What’s the latest news within the www.greeklife.uconn.edu. The OFSL is looking for proUConn Greek Community? grams which will explore a variety of leadership styles, help GAMMA has officially changed the organization to the new new members gain valuable leadership skills, and teach and improved GREEK AWARENESS COMMITTEE (GAC)! The emerging Greek leaders how to apply their skills to their purpose of the GAC is to promote awareness amongst chapter and the greater Greek community. All proposals Greeks on UConn’s campus through educational programs must be submitted by Monday, December 10th at 12 noon. and discussion opportunities. This new organization will be responsible for planning and implementing a variety of awareness weeks including, but not limited to: National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW), National Ritual Appreciation Week, and Alcohol Awareness Week to the Greek community.
Career Corner
Looking for a new and unique way to get involved in the Greek community? Applications for the GAC executive board (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Event Coordinator, and Public Relations Coordinator) are NOW open. Don’t want to be quite as involved, but still dedicate your time? Serve as a committee member on GAC instead! This is a great opportunity for new members to step into smaller leadership roles. Applications and interest forms are available on GAC’s UConntact or by emailing greekawarenesscommittee@gmail.com. These are due Tuesday, November 27 at 12:00pm noon so be sure to spread the word and apply!
Nominate Here Do you know an outstanding Greek Senior? How about a member in any Greek organization, that goes above and beyond for their chapter? Nominate them for Senior Spotlight or Greek of the month! Anyone in the Greek Community can submit nominations, and you can find the nomination forms here: Senior Spotlight; Greek of the Month.
Apply Here
Do you want your chapter to be featured in the newsletter? Please send all newsletter submissions to Kaitlin Latham at Student1498@ad.uconn.edu by the 20th of the month to be featured in the next month’s edition!