Friday, April 15, 2011
April Scholar of the Month: Laura Vinci
Laura Vinci of Kappa Kappa Gamma has been awarded the April Scholar of the Month for her outstanding academic and leadership achievements. Laura is a senior majoring in journalism with a 3.35 GPA. Outside of her successful academic career she has found time to volunteer, participate in campus organizations and be an outstanding member of her sorority. Laura is currently Alumni Relations Chairwoman for the Rock Chalk Revue Advisory Board, a member of the Student Alumni Leadership Board and previously served as newsletter appointed officer for the Panhellenic Association. Congratulations Laura!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Alpha Delta Pi and the Ronald McDonald House
Spring becomes a busy time for the Panhellenic community because almost every chapter on campus starts to host their own philanthropy event to raise money for their national cause. Alpha Delta Pi held their Race for Ronald, a 5k walk/run with proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald house, the morning of April 2 at Hollywood Southwind Theater track in Lawrence.
Their philanthropy coordinator was pleased with this year's turnout and wanted to share their success with the Panhellenic community!
"When I became philanthropy chair of Alpha Delta Pi, I knew I wanted to get involved as well as get the women of my house more involved with our cause. When I walked into the Ronald McDonald House for the first time, I was immediately welcomed into a calm, happy environment. From then on the Ronald McDonald House became a personal mission. My goal was to find a way to help this house become even more comfortable, well- stocked and friendly. More and more girls began volunteering and taking pride in their dedication to the house. On April 2, 2011, we held our 7th annual Race for Ronald. This is a 5k race followed by a raffle that has become a yearly tradition at Alpha Delta Pi. I had an absolute blast organizing this. The weather was beautiful, we had a lot of wonderful people show up, and the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Topeka spoke a couple words before the race. With over 250 registries, we raised almost 5,000 dollars. With this generous amount of money Alpha Delta Pi and I couldn’t be happier in continuing to support the mission of the Ronald McDonald House." - Lauren Lottino is a freshman Alpha Delta Pi serving as Philanthropy Cordinator
Their philanthropy coordinator was pleased with this year's turnout and wanted to share their success with the Panhellenic community!
"When I became philanthropy chair of Alpha Delta Pi, I knew I wanted to get involved as well as get the women of my house more involved with our cause. When I walked into the Ronald McDonald House for the first time, I was immediately welcomed into a calm, happy environment. From then on the Ronald McDonald House became a personal mission. My goal was to find a way to help this house become even more comfortable, well- stocked and friendly. More and more girls began volunteering and taking pride in their dedication to the house. On April 2, 2011, we held our 7th annual Race for Ronald. This is a 5k race followed by a raffle that has become a yearly tradition at Alpha Delta Pi. I had an absolute blast organizing this. The weather was beautiful, we had a lot of wonderful people show up, and the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Topeka spoke a couple words before the race. With over 250 registries, we raised almost 5,000 dollars. With this generous amount of money Alpha Delta Pi and I couldn’t be happier in continuing to support the mission of the Ronald McDonald House." - Lauren Lottino is a freshman Alpha Delta Pi serving as Philanthropy Cordinator
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Vote! Support Panhellenic Women in Campus Elections.
Leadership is one of the four pillars of Greek Life. Don't forget to vote and support these Panhellenic women in their run for Student Senate! Vote April 13-14th!
Libby Johnson – Member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Presidential candidate
Sarah Kenning: Member of Pi Beta Phi. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Kendall Kraus- Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Nell Neary- Member of Chi Omega. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Nell Neary- Member of Chi Omega. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Alex Kincaid- Member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Allison Kohn- Member of Alpha Chi Omega. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Allison Kohn- Member of Alpha Chi Omega. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Jenny Pisklo- Member of Gamma Phi Beta. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Megan Ketchum- Member of Alpha Delta Pi. Running for School of Engineering
Lauryn Reinhart- Member of Delta Gamma. Running for School of Architecture
Sarah Weaver- Member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Lizzy Watson – Member of Delta Delta Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Kait Perry- Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Hannah Bolton- Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Christine Lee- Member of Alpha Chi Omega. Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Enaam Gettino - Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Whitlee Douthitt – Member of Delta Delta Delta. Running for School of Journalism
Megan Ketchum- Member of Alpha Delta Pi. Running for School of Engineering
Lauryn Reinhart- Member of Delta Gamma. Running for School of Architecture
Sarah Weaver- Member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Lizzy Watson – Member of Delta Delta Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Kait Perry- Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Hannah Bolton- Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Christine Lee- Member of Alpha Chi Omega. Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Enaam Gettino - Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Whitlee Douthitt – Member of Delta Delta Delta. Running for School of Journalism
Caroline Godfrey - Member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Running for School of Education
Sarah Schwalm - Member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Emily Fike - Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Sarah Schwalm - Member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Emily Fike - Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Monday, April 11, 2011
April is Advisor Appreciation Month
Advisors are often the lifeblood of our organizations. They provide a constant to our ever changing executive and leadership boards. They offer advice and comfort to our over-worked and over-stressed leaders. They make sure the chapter stays a well-oiled machine and they double-check every detail. They are our friends, our support and our sisters. They do so much for us behind the scenes, that this month we need to put them center stage. Take the time to thank your advisors this month. They donate their time so that we can have an amazing collegiate experience. Thanks advisors!
National Panhellenic Conference has declared April as Advisor Appreciation month and they have provided a list of 30 ways to thank an advisor. We have picked our top ten and posted them here! These small gestures are easy ways to show you care. For more information on National Advisor Appreciation month visit http://www.npcwomen.org/.
Top Ten Ways to Thank Your Advisor
1. Send a heartfelt e-mail with personal details about how an advisor has made an impact.
2. Throw a small surprise luncheon in recognition of advisor service.
3. Feature National Advisor Appreciation Month on your website.
4. Write a profile on a special advisor, and submit it to your sorority magazine for possible publication.
5. Offer to provide free childcare for advisors with children for a personal night off.
6. Personally deliver a single flower to your advisor.
7. Send an e-mail or thank you note to an advisor’s supervisor.
8. At a chapter meeting write thank you notes and notes of appreciation to your advisors.
9. Sponsor a dinner for your chapter advisors and Panhellenic administrative staff.
10. Purchase a small Panhellenic gift or sorority-themed gift for your advisors.
How have your Advisors helped you or your chapter? What are you doing this month to show your appreciation?
National Panhellenic Conference has declared April as Advisor Appreciation month and they have provided a list of 30 ways to thank an advisor. We have picked our top ten and posted them here! These small gestures are easy ways to show you care. For more information on National Advisor Appreciation month visit http://www.npcwomen.org/.
Top Ten Ways to Thank Your Advisor
1. Send a heartfelt e-mail with personal details about how an advisor has made an impact.
2. Throw a small surprise luncheon in recognition of advisor service.
3. Feature National Advisor Appreciation Month on your website.
4. Write a profile on a special advisor, and submit it to your sorority magazine for possible publication.
5. Offer to provide free childcare for advisors with children for a personal night off.
6. Personally deliver a single flower to your advisor.
7. Send an e-mail or thank you note to an advisor’s supervisor.
8. At a chapter meeting write thank you notes and notes of appreciation to your advisors.
9. Sponsor a dinner for your chapter advisors and Panhellenic administrative staff.
10. Purchase a small Panhellenic gift or sorority-themed gift for your advisors.
How have your Advisors helped you or your chapter? What are you doing this month to show your appreciation?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Like Mother Like Daughter
Every spring sorority mothers flock to Lawrence to spend some quality time with their daughters. Many of our chapters have either celebrated Mom's Weekend last weekend or are getting ready to celebrate this weekend.
Each chapter usually has a few fun things planned as a group and then some free time just to hang out with Mom. Mom's and their daughters can always be found shopping on Mass St. or even, like these Delta Delta Deltas, at a KU Baseball game!
As sorority women, Moms tend to be a big part of our lives! So if you and your Mom are looking for ideas to spend time together and support your sorority at the same time, we suggest looking at the Sorority Parents blog for tips! http://sororityparents.com/ also has great information for parents on any topic related to Greek Life. But, we thought we'd share with you some of our favorite ideas.
The following ideas were posted on International Badge Day, but they can really apply to everyday! Visit http://sororityparents.com/2011/02/our-family-international-badge-day/ to read the full article.
"My daughter is coming home next week. So I started thinking, what we could do together. After all, we are our own little Panhellenic-she an AOII and me a ZTA.Here is what we have come up with to promote Panhellenic spirit.
Is your mom in a Panhellenic chapter? What are your favorite things to with your mom?
Each chapter usually has a few fun things planned as a group and then some free time just to hang out with Mom. Mom's and their daughters can always be found shopping on Mass St. or even, like these Delta Delta Deltas, at a KU Baseball game! As sorority women, Moms tend to be a big part of our lives! So if you and your Mom are looking for ideas to spend time together and support your sorority at the same time, we suggest looking at the Sorority Parents blog for tips! http://sororityparents.com/ also has great information for parents on any topic related to Greek Life. But, we thought we'd share with you some of our favorite ideas.
The following ideas were posted on International Badge Day, but they can really apply to everyday! Visit http://sororityparents.com/2011/02/our-family-international-badge-day/ to read the full article.
"My daughter is coming home next week. So I started thinking, what we could do together. After all, we are our own little Panhellenic-she an AOII and me a ZTA.Here is what we have come up with to promote Panhellenic spirit.
- Since we can’t have matching letters, we have decided to select a “family pattern” and have a set of sewn letters made in that pattern. I haven’t had sewn letters in years and I am excited to have a pair that represent our family. Even cooler, this was her idea! And should my younger daughter decide to go Greek, she can then get a shirt with the same pattern. Heck, we may get a set for my husband with DAD!
- We are looking for a way to volunteer our time to some cause or organization that might need help-a food bank or a clothing donations center. Just something we can do together to give back.
- We are definitely going to get dressed up and put on those shiny badges. Its been a long time since she and I went to lunch together (other than Chick-Fil-A). So we will go somewhere a little more formal and dine like ladies.
Is your mom in a Panhellenic chapter? What are your favorite things to with your mom?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Chi Omega Founder's Day: April 5, 1895
Happy 116th birthday to Chi Omega Fraternity! Today Chi Omega has more than 235,000 members in more than 170 chapters. Here's a little history of the organization and its founders.
Chi Omega was founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas by Ina May Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Jobelle Holcombe and Alice Simonds, with help from Dr. Charles Richardson (an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity).
Ina May was an artist and designed the official Chi Omega ring worn by members of the Governing Council. She also designed the seal of Chi Omega and the first crest. Ina May served as the New York City Alumnae chapter president while living in the City with her husband, Benjamin Morton. Many of her paintings are signed Christina Morton. Ina May's sister, Flora, was an initiated by Xi Chapter at Northwestern University.
JeanVincenheller was very active in establishing Chi Omega's esoteric traditions. Jean was a student of music, the editor of a college magazine called "Cardinal," and President of Math and Literary Societies. She served as the first National President in 1900 and as National Vice President from 1900-1901. Jean was married with two daughters; one was initiated at Psi Chapter. Jean is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Information taken from the Chi Omega National website
Chi Omega was founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas by Ina May Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Jobelle Holcombe and Alice Simonds, with help from Dr. Charles Richardson (an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity).
Ina May was an artist and designed the official Chi Omega ring worn by members of the Governing Council. She also designed the seal of Chi Omega and the first crest. Ina May served as the New York City Alumnae chapter president while living in the City with her husband, Benjamin Morton. Many of her paintings are signed Christina Morton. Ina May's sister, Flora, was an initiated by Xi Chapter at Northwestern University.
JeanVincenheller was very active in establishing Chi Omega's esoteric traditions. Jean was a student of music, the editor of a college magazine called "Cardinal," and President of Math and Literary Societies. She served as the first National President in 1900 and as National Vice President from 1900-1901. Jean was married with two daughters; one was initiated at Psi Chapter. Jean is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Jobelle Holcombe was a true intellectual. After graduation, she became an English professor at the University of Arkansas and was the first woman to receive the honor of "Doctor of Laws" from the University. There is a women's Residence Hall named after her at the University called Holcombe Hall. Jobelle served as National Vice President from 1906-1908. She is buried in Fayetteville, Arkansas and marked as a founder of Chi Omega.
Alice (Allie) Cary Simonds was the oldest of Chi Omega's female founders. In school, she specialized in zoology. Allie served as the first President and Vice President of Psi Chapter. She married and had one son, but died shortly after he was born. She was only 27 years old. Allie is buried in the Congressional Cemetery and is marked as a Founder of Chi Omega.
Dr. Richardson studied dentistry at Vanderbilt University where he was an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He never married, but was a big brother figure to many Chi Omegas. Dr. Richardson designed the first Chi Omega badge from dental gold. He is buried in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is marked as a founder of Chi Omega.Information taken from the Chi Omega National website
Monday, April 4, 2011
Service, Leadership, Scholarship and Sisterhood... Total Sorority Move
Recently, two new phrases have cropped up in our popular culture, with websites to go along with them. These phrases are being tweeted about, posted on facebook and even used in everyday language. TFM or TSM for short, these phrases stand for Total Frat/Sorority Move.
This new trend has become more than just a little disheartening for the Greek community. Is this stereotype really how others on campus see our organizations? Worse yet, is this how we portray ourselves?
As members of Greek organizations we have a collective purpose and values. These organizations were created because we hold ourselves to higher standards. Although, simply by reading these TSM posts you would never guess what Greek life is truly meant to be. The tile of this post includes the four pillars of Greek Life, what we as sorority women and fraternity men are supposed to stand for; service, leadership, scholarship and brotherhood/sisterhood.
At the beginning of every chapter meeting we read our ritual and our purpose, we know the values our founders have set forth for our organizations. We read the Panhellenic Creed at the beginning of every council meeting. We KNOW what our organizations stand for and these values should be deeply ingrained in our memories. So why aren't we living those values in our everyday lives? Why are we okay with these "TSM" posts? And why do even think they are funny?
The discussion of this issue is beautifully put in a recent blog post by AFLV (Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values). I don't think I could say it any better myself, so I'm reposting it here. To see the orginal post visit aflv.blogspot.com.
Smack dab in the middle of conference season, the power of social media in our world is more evident than ever. As an association, we used Twitter, Facebook, and FourSquare to interact with our attendees at #CFLNBGLC11 and will do the same at #WFLNCGLC11 in a few short weeks. Our peer associations like @TheNACA and other Higher Ed Associations like @AFA1976, @NASPAtweets , @ACUItweets, and @ACPA are all using social media to engage participants. It is neat to see the connections being made, and the additional learning that can take place on the conference backchannel.
As with most tools, in the right hands they can be used for good - and in the wrong, for bad. Amongst all this excitement surrounding the potential of social media in our little corner of the fraternal world, there has been something that has been bothering me for a while. I saw a tweet re-tweeted by several people this weekend that brought my frustrations back to the surface.
"@TFM: Charlie Sheen parties pretty hard for a GDI, but I don't think he would have survived the weekend I just had. TFM. "
I don't personally follow TFM, because in my mind, following is a silent endorsement, or approval of content. And that is content I'd personally rather not be connected with, thank you very much. But apparently a lot of people I follow, follow TFM. And over 100 people re-tweeted that tweet. Sad. If that is your definition of the fraternity/sorority experience, I'd invite you to spend some time with your ritual, and tell me where your organization has taught you to value "partying hard". And if Charlie Sheen is an example of "winning" then I'd rather be a loser. If that is the experience you'd like to continue to have in college, please go ahead and take off your badge and turn it in.
I did some quick research to see how many people are following some fraternity/sorority related Twitter accounts. As of 9:00am MT this morning, here are the numbers:
@TFM: 74,050 followers
@TSM: 16, 955 followers
@AFLV: 1,687 followers
@FraternalValues: 221 followers
@fraternalthghts: 875 followers
@fraternityinfo: 680 followers
@nicfraternity: 1,369 followers
@npcwomen: 2,800 followers
@NPHC1930: 235 followers
@AFA1976: 337 followers
@FraternalRitual: 373 followers
@GreekCompass: 239 followers
#thataintwinning, friends, that's worse than I thought. Obviously the followers of TFM are not limited to affiliated members. But consider for a moment that there are hundreds of thousands of living affiliated people. Even if only 5% utilize twitter, our followership is dismal. Clearly, the tweeters of the fraternal world need to be doing more to provide valuable, engaging content for followers (we here at AFLV included). And just like in the "real world", we need to be aware that like it or not, to an outsider, our interfraternal brothers and sisters are representing us to the world. Challenge others when their content is not in line with our shared values. We need to take ownership and responsibility.
We would love to hear your thoughts and comments. How do you represent your values through social media? How does your organization? How are we holding our members accountable for representing our founding values in their tweets? Is this a conversation you've even had? What could we be doing differently?
This new trend has become more than just a little disheartening for the Greek community. Is this stereotype really how others on campus see our organizations? Worse yet, is this how we portray ourselves?
As members of Greek organizations we have a collective purpose and values. These organizations were created because we hold ourselves to higher standards. Although, simply by reading these TSM posts you would never guess what Greek life is truly meant to be. The tile of this post includes the four pillars of Greek Life, what we as sorority women and fraternity men are supposed to stand for; service, leadership, scholarship and brotherhood/sisterhood.
At the beginning of every chapter meeting we read our ritual and our purpose, we know the values our founders have set forth for our organizations. We read the Panhellenic Creed at the beginning of every council meeting. We KNOW what our organizations stand for and these values should be deeply ingrained in our memories. So why aren't we living those values in our everyday lives? Why are we okay with these "TSM" posts? And why do even think they are funny?
The discussion of this issue is beautifully put in a recent blog post by AFLV (Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values). I don't think I could say it any better myself, so I'm reposting it here. To see the orginal post visit aflv.blogspot.com.
As with most tools, in the right hands they can be used for good - and in the wrong, for bad. Amongst all this excitement surrounding the potential of social media in our little corner of the fraternal world, there has been something that has been bothering me for a while. I saw a tweet re-tweeted by several people this weekend that brought my frustrations back to the surface.
"@TFM: Charlie Sheen parties pretty hard for a GDI, but I don't think he would have survived the weekend I just had. TFM. "
I don't personally follow TFM, because in my mind, following is a silent endorsement, or approval of content. And that is content I'd personally rather not be connected with, thank you very much. But apparently a lot of people I follow, follow TFM. And over 100 people re-tweeted that tweet. Sad. If that is your definition of the fraternity/sorority experience, I'd invite you to spend some time with your ritual, and tell me where your organization has taught you to value "partying hard". And if Charlie Sheen is an example of "winning" then I'd rather be a loser. If that is the experience you'd like to continue to have in college, please go ahead and take off your badge and turn it in.
I did some quick research to see how many people are following some fraternity/sorority related Twitter accounts. As of 9:00am MT this morning, here are the numbers:
@TFM: 74,050 followers
@TSM: 16, 955 followers
@AFLV: 1,687 followers
@FraternalValues: 221 followers
@fraternalthghts: 875 followers
@fraternityinfo: 680 followers
@nicfraternity: 1,369 followers
@npcwomen: 2,800 followers
@NPHC1930: 235 followers
@AFA1976: 337 followers
@FraternalRitual: 373 followers
@GreekCompass: 239 followers
#thataintwinning, friends, that's worse than I thought. Obviously the followers of TFM are not limited to affiliated members. But consider for a moment that there are hundreds of thousands of living affiliated people. Even if only 5% utilize twitter, our followership is dismal. Clearly, the tweeters of the fraternal world need to be doing more to provide valuable, engaging content for followers (we here at AFLV included). And just like in the "real world", we need to be aware that like it or not, to an outsider, our interfraternal brothers and sisters are representing us to the world. Challenge others when their content is not in line with our shared values. We need to take ownership and responsibility.
We would love to hear your thoughts and comments. How do you represent your values through social media? How does your organization? How are we holding our members accountable for representing our founding values in their tweets? Is this a conversation you've even had? What could we be doing differently?
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