Volume 9, Issue 1 - September 2013

V OL UM E 9

IS SU E 1

SE P 2013

UNI VE R SI TY O F C ON NEC 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: Page 1: Welcome Back! & Meet the Staff Page 2: Upcoming Events Pages 3&4: Special Recognition Page 5: Important Info The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life would like to welcome back UConn’s Greek community for another exciting year! We wish you all the best of luck and look forward to working with you.

MEET THE STAFF New year, new newsletter, new staff!

Alex Carrier serves as a Graduate Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life. Alex graduated from the University of Richmond in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health. While at Richmond, she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi and Panhellenic Council, while holding other leadership positions on campus. Alex was the 2012 Panhellenic President and served on the 2013 Southeastern Panhellenic Conference (SEPC) Committee. Currently, Alex is a graduate student in UConn’s Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) Masters program, Class of 2015.

Monique Golden serves as Graduate Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life. Monique is a 2013 graduate of Lehigh University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering with minors in Engineering Leadership and Philosophy. While at Lehigh, she was heavily involved with Student Activities, Leadership Development and the Women’s Center. In her free time, she enjoys playing rugby, listening to music, and watching sports (basketball and football). Monique is currently enrolled in UConn’s Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) Masters program, Class of 2015.

Our Student Interns

From Left to Right:  J.B. Aliyu, Sigma Chi, is a senior double majoring in Communications and Sociology.  Michelle Carilli, Gamma Phi Beta, is a senior studying Allied Health Sciences.  Teri Chung, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., is a senior studying Political Science.  J.C. Gonzalez, Beta Theta Pi, is a sophomore studying Psychology.  Amanda Kohalmi, Kappa Alpha Theta, is a senior studying History.

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All Week: “Be aware” and “Show You Care” by stopping by the Student Union Field to personalize a flag for the field of memory. Be on the lookout for art display cases across campus during the week as well. To create a piece of art to add to this exhibit, please visit the Counseling and Mental Health Services, Arjona Room 407, September 23-27, 12pm-4pm.

Monday, September 23rd at 7:30pm: Join students at the McMahon Learning Community Lounge for a viewing of “Bully”, an inspirational documentary encouraging individuals to take action against bullying.

Wednesday, September 25th from 7pm-8pm: Keynote Address: Bryan Adams: From Combat to College— My Struggle with PTSD 8:30-9:30pm: A memorial service and candlelight ceremony will be held on the Student Union Terrace by the Area Association of Religious Communities.

Thursday, September 26th from 12pm-1pm: Visit the Rainbow Center (Student Union 4th Floor) for a lecture on “Spirituality for Difficult Times” 5:30pm-7pm: The Student Voices Panel will discuss awareness and prevention in the African American Cultural Center (Student Union 4th Floor).

7:30pm: Stop by AsACC Community Room (Student Union 4th Floor) to watch a screening of “Don’t Change the Subject”, an interesting film challenging people to talk about suicide.

Saturday, September 28th from 2pm-3:30pm: Listen in as experts from Counseling and Mental Health present information about adjustment to college life, strategies for coping, and warning signs of more serious mental health concerns.

The OFSL would like to both congratulate and recognize the Panhellenic community for another outstanding year of Recruitment. Among eight different chapters, an astonishing 450 new members were welcomed into our community! Special thanks goes out to all the recruitment counselors and directors of RMT for making sure everything ran smoothly.

Don’t forget to cast your vote in the first round of royalty balloting for Homecoming. Votes may be casted online at vote.uconn.edu or in the Student Union between Monday, September 23rd at 9am and Wednesday, September 25th at 4pm.

Celebrate Family Weekend with OFSL! Join us at the Husky Village Gazebo on September 28th from 1:30pm -3pm to share information about our community with your families!

Greek Alumni Celebration & Husky Village 10th Anniversary Come celebrate the past, present, and future of UConn Fraternity and Sorority Life on October 6th at 3pm! Join current students and alumni as we watch the Homecoming parade and floats up close and enjoy refreshments, house tours, and special guests.

Don’t miss out on this celebration of a place that many Greeks call home! Visit the Facebook event page here to register.

National Hazing Prevention Week (9/23-9/28) Monday through Thursday: Sign the NHPW Banner and take a stand against hazing in the Student Union from 12:15pm-4pm.

Tuesday: We invite all Risk Management Officers and Chapter Presidents to SU 104 from 5:30pm-7pm to have a Roundtable Discussion about hazing presence and prevention.

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NALFO 15th Anniversary Crystal Gala On Saturday May 18, 2013, Over 200 leaders representing the twenty organizations of the NALFO (National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations) family gathered together in New York in celebration of 15 years of commitment to fraternal unity, family values and empowering Latino and underserved communities.

In part of celebrating 15 years, members of the NALFO family also gathered for the award recognition ceremony. This year the Xi Chapter of Lambda Alpha Upsilon was recognized for two awards, Chapter of the Year, for the second consecutive year, and Philanthropic Excellence Chapter of the Year. Chapters that receive the undergraduate chapter of the year award have demonstrated excellence in Academic Achievement, Leadership, Community Service, Chapter Integrity and Commitment to the Latino Greek Community. Chapters that have received the Philanthropic Excellence award have successfully integrated philanthropy as part of their annual programming and events.

Over the past year, the Xi Chapter has been dedicated in improving in all areas. With Academics being the main focus, the chapter has been ranked among the top organizations in our community in regards to Grade Point Average. Campus and Community involvement was also an area where our members looked to have a greater impact. With the second year of hosting “Stroll for a Cause”, the chapter not only supported their own philanthropy, but as well as the winning participating organization’s philanthropy. The fact that our chapter has remained consistent in our approach in always looking to improve from the previous year is an indication of our commitment to our mission and vision.

Though our chapter may have received numerous awards and recognition our Hermanos have always remained humble in the process and have an appetite for success throughout the past two years. These awards are not just one that we share as a chapter, but as a national organization and as a community. We appreciate the support we have received from Family, Faculty, Friends, fellow Greeks, Mentors and others that have contributed to our success.

Along with the chapter recognition, I had the distinct honor as being recognized as the NALFO 2013 Undergraduate Excellence recipient.

This is an accomplishment that I don’t take personally, as I realize that I could not have done it without my chapter members. I am one that takes any opportunity to work and make a greater impact without looking for any recognition. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve as the chapter president for the past two years. My dedication to this fraternity is a testament to how I live by the fraternal values that have been instilled in me since my induction into this brotherhood. Ensuring that education comes first is the key to anyone’s success. I thank each and every Hermano that has made a significance impact in my development as a leader over the past three years.

As the celebration concluded that night, I departed the building thinking about what have I just experienced. I realize that though there may be many great leaders out there, the strength of unity is greater than any other. We may be a small organization, but our ability to come together to serve as one gives us the opportunity to leave the world better and have a greater impact in our communities. I was able to appreciate what it means to be part of the NALFO community and despite affiliation we were able to come together and display the strength that a unified family can be.

Hermano Bryant Dominguez Xi Chapter of Lambda Alpha Upsilon Alumnus

Hermano Cristhian Bedon and Hermano Bryant Dominguez of the Xi Chapter of Lambda Alpha Upsilon along with Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Perez

Senior Spotlight Chiara Mancini of Delta Zeta is an outstanding senior member of our Greek Community. She currently serves as the New Member Educator for her chapter and we have no doubt she will be a great role model to their new members.

Chiara has been a member of the Recruitment Management Team for the past two years and has never failed to make the rest of the team laugh while also constantly challenging them all to be the best Recruitment Counselors they can be. She always lives the values of Delta Zeta and our Panhellenic community and it is an honor to call her a friend, mentor and Panhellenic sister. We have no doubt she will do great things in Law School and motivate those around her to be the best they can be, as she does now.

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Alpha Epsilon Phi:  Elizabeth Meyer Glaser Community Service Award  Chapter Scholarship Recognition Award  Ilana Rashba, 1909 Scholarship  Hannah Cotton, Beverly Friedson Bodker Award for Undergraduate Leadership

Alpha Epsilon Phi: Service Award

Please submit all future “Senior Spotlight” &

Alpha Kappa Alpha:  C. Edith Booker Collaboration Award for Best Undergraduate/Graduate Collaboration Program (AKA North Atlantic Region)  Adanna Uwazurike, Global Leadership Fellows, (AKA Intl) Beta Theta Pi:  Knox Award - Highest Chapter Honor (Beta Intl) nd  Sisson Award - 2 Highest Chapter Honor (Beta Intl)  Outstanding Campus Involvement (Beta Intl) Delta Zeta:  Philanthropy Giving Award for raising the most ($245) per chapter member (DZ Regional) Kappa Phi Lambda:  Teri Chung, Diamond Scholarship (KPL National) Lambda Alpha Upsilon:  Undergraduate Chapter of the Year (NALFO)  Philanthropic Excellence (NALFO)  Bryant Dominguez, undergraduate Excellence (NALFO) Lambda Theta Alpha:  Undergraduate Chapter of the Year (LTA National) Lambda Upsilon Lambda:  Became the Beta Iota Chapter (LUL National)  Eduardo Vergara, New England Region Hermano of the Year (LUL National) Panhellenic Council  College Panhellenic Excellence (National Panhellenic Conference) Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE National):  Excellence in Achievement, Extracurricular Activities  Excellence in Recruitment, Results  Excellence in Involvement, Community Service  Most Improved Chapter

“Greek of The Month” nominations here.

All nominations are due by the 15th of the month.

Lambda Upsilon Lambda: Chapter Charter (above); Hermano of The Year (below)

#WINNING

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Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life would like to wish Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. a very happy Founder’s Day on September 19th. This year marks their 50th anniversary!

Greeks Against Sexual Assault (GASA) What is GASA? Greeks Against Sexual Assault is a group of undergraduates in our fraternity/sorority community who discuss issues of gender, sexuality, violence, and privilege. We challenge ourselves to understand how our assumptions, behaviors and attitudes may contribute to an environment of hostility and aggression towards members in our community.

Family Weekend Reception Awards The OFSL will present two awards at our Family Weekend Reception on Saturday, September 28 from 1:30-3PM in Husky Village. These awards are a great way to express your gratitude to that special family member in your life.

The first award, "Living the Ritual" is awarded to a Greek affiliated family member who exemplifies their organization's value in their everyday life.

The second award, "Love and Support" is awarded to a family member who is not Greek affiliated, but has been supportive of their student’s Greek experience.

Nominations are due by September 23, 2013 at 5:00PM. Please fill out the nomination here.

Project Arête Reminder!

Please make sure that all Chapter Officers are staying up to date with forms for Arête.

Take ownership of your reputation as Greek leaders on campus. Challenge stereotypes that can negatively affect your organization locally and inter/ nationally.

Be aware of what is going on in your community.

Who is eligible? Any Greek undergraduate student who has not previously participated in GASA. How do students apply and get selected? Interested students complete an application here by Friday, September 13. Depending on the quantity and quality of applications, we will select up to 25-30 students.

We are looking for diverse representation in gender, fraternity/sorority council, and class year.

When? GASA meets weekly (Wednesdays from 8:00 -9:30 pm) for 8 weeks, from September 25 to November 20 (no meeting during Homecoming Week).

Will I receive some sort of credit for participating?

No. GASA is not a course for credit. What you will receive is a safe space to talk about issues related to the prevention of gender violence and sexual assault.

Knowledge you can bring to your organization to build stronger communities.

There may be someone in your chapter who is a survivor. By choosing to educate yourself and the members of your organization, this can positively affect relationships overall, strengthening the organization and Greek community.

Email: : jose.figueroa@uconn.edu or monisha.rao@uconn.edu

Preparation for HuskyTHON 2014 is already underway! Be sure to register your chapter team online and start spreading the word about this year’s marathon. Last year, HuskyTHON raised over $340,000 and every penny was for the kids!

Don’t miss out on making this year’s event bigger and better than ever! Register your team here.

Please send all future submissions for LifeTimes to student2212@ad.uconn.edu 55