Showing posts with label Involvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Involvement. Show all posts

Monday, November 7, 2011

Panhellenic Association Elects New Officers

The University of Kansas Panhellenic Association elected eight new officers for the 2012 Executive Board. Elections were held Monday evening at the Burge Union. Up to five members from all thirteen Panhellenic chapters attended and collectively voted on their chapters’ behalf to select the new Executive Board. Each candidate was selected based on their resume, application questions, and a short speech.

The Panhellenic Association is the governing body of the thirteen NPC-affiliated chapters at the University of Kansas. It serves as a forum for the discussion of current issues facing college students and specifically members of the sorority community. Panhellenic also sets and enforces rules governing membership recruitment, social activities, publicity, and member responsibilities. The eight Executive Officers are responsible for the overall operation of the organization. In addition to the Executive Officers, each chapter has a delegate that serves as the voice for their members. The Council meets at least twice each month.

The 2012 officers are: President: Kathryn Hoven, Gamma Phi Beta; Vice President: Shanah Gaskill, Kappa Alpha Theta; Director for Public Relations: Lizzie Marx, Pi Beta Phi; Director for Risk Management: Christie Holland, Alpha Gamma Delta; Director for Recruitment: Whitlee Douthitt, Delta Delta Delta; Director for Interfraternal Relations: Allison Chael, Delta Gamma; Director for Educational Programs and Scholarship: Kelly Murphy, Alpha Delta Pi; Director for Community Service and Philanthropy: Christie Van Allen, Kappa Kappa Gamma.

For more information on the organization and its officers, please visit www.kupanhellenic.org

Friday, October 21, 2011

October Scholar of the Month: Annie Brown

We are proud to announce that Annie Brown of Delta Gamma has been selected as October's Scholar of the month!

Annie is a pre-occupational therapy major. She has managed to maintain a high academic standard while being involved in various leadership opportunities on campus. She is the Vice President of Social Standards for her chapter as well as a director for Rock Chalk Revue. She also spends countless hours rehearsing and performing as a Rock Chalk Dancer.

Congratulations Annie!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Panhellenic Association Fights Against Breast Cancer

October has become a month associated with everything pink. Organizations and groups around the nation raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. Being the largest women's organization on the KUcampus, the Panhellenic Association has a unique stake in the health and well-being of women. 

This year, the Panhellenic Association at KU has made a commitment to "Knock Out Breast Cancer" and has teamed up with the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The American Cancer Society has estimated there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed this year. In order to raise awareness of this fact and many others, the two groups will be setting up tables on campus from Monday, October 17 through Friday, October 21. At these tables, students will find information about breast cancer and how to check for the disease. Students can write and send postcards to their mothers, grandmothers, family members and friends, reminding them to check for breast cancer. There will also be a memorial ribbon wall where students can honor their loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer.

Panhellenic chapters have also participated in three fund raising efforts to support breast cancer research. These efforts culminated in a more than $1,800 donation to the KU Cancer Center and the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Breast Cancer Center.

This year, 12 of the 13 chapters on campus sold a total of 487 breast cancer awareness t-shirts. This figure is about one-third of the total Panhellenic population. Proceeds from these sales totaled $1,500, which will be donated to the KU Cancer Center.

Sororities on campus also bought ribbons to adorn their chapter houses and Jayhawk Boulevard. Eight chapters purchased a total of 30 ribbons. This raised $300 in donations to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Finally, all 13 Panhellenic chapters signed up to host “Pink Hair for Hope” parties at their chapter housing facilities. At these parties, chapter members will be able to purchase pink hair extensions for a $10 donation, benefitting the Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Monday, October 3, 2011

From Lawrence With Love: Homecoming 2011

Saturday marked the 99th annual Homecoming here at the University of Kansas! KU holds the second oldest Homecoming in the nation. This year, the theme was "From Lawrence with Love."

Over the years many activities and traditions have been established and lost, but Greek life has always played an integral part during this week. Panhellenic sororities and Interfraternity Council fraternities pair up and compete in activities throughout the week to gain points. At the end of the week, the group with the most points is announced the winner during halftime of the Homecoming game.

This year there were twelve catergories in which Greek groups competed. These competitions as well as partipation in activities earned points toward the overall win.

The winners for 2011 were as follows:

Overall — Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma

DAILY EVENTS:

Sunday, Sept. 25 
 
Stuff the Bus 
Groups competed to see who could donate the most canned food.


1st: Gamma Phi Beta and Delta Tau Delta
2nd: Delta Gamma and Phi Kappa Psi
3rd: Chi Omega and Delta Upsilon

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Rescultpure
Groups created homecoming themed sculptures out of recycled materials.

1st: Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma

2nd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi

3rd: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi

Punt, Pass & Kick
Individuals competed to see how far they could punt, pass and kick a football to earn points for their affliation.

Finalists: Kadi Suarez and Parker Watson, Alpha Chi Omega

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Chalk n' Rock
Groups created homecoming themed murals with sidewalk chalk on Wescoe Beach.

1st: Chi Omega and Delta Upsilon

2nd: Kappa Delta and Sigma Phi Epsilon

3rd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi


Thursday, Sept. 29

Mural Contest
Groups painted homecoming themed murals which were displayed on Wescoe beach. Individuals could vote for their favorite by donating a dollar to the United Way. The group with the most money/votes won the people's choice award.

1st: Alpha Delta Pi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon

2nd: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi

3rd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi


People's Choice: Gamma Phi Beta and Delta Tau Delta


Jayhawk Jingles
Groups performed a short homecoming themed skit. They changed the words and danced to popular songs as well as the KU Alma Mater. Individuals could vote for their favorite jingle by donating a dollar to the United Way. The group with the most money/votes won the people's choice award.

1st: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi
2nd: Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Kappa Phi
3rd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi

People's Choice: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi.

Friday, Sept. 30

Letters From Lawrence
Groups competed to see which organizations could write the most letters to troops deployed overseas.

Winners: Chi Omega and Delta Upsilon

Youtube Video Contest
Groups created a homecoming themed video. The winners also received an iPad2 from the Tech Shop.

Winners: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi

Saturday, Oct. 1

Parade Banner
Groups painted banners to carry with them in the parade

1st: Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma

2nd: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi

3rd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi


Parade Decorated Vehicle

1st: Gamma Phi Beta and Delta Tau Delta

2nd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi
3rd: Alpha Kappa Lambda

Parade Float Non-Moving Parts

1st: Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Kappa Phi

2nd: Delta Delta Delta and Delta Chi

3rd: Delta Gamma and Phi Kappa Psi


Parade Float Moving Parts

1st: Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma

2nd: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi

3rd: Sigma Delta Tau and Triangle

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

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?

Monday, February 28, 2011

Upcoming Event: Rock Chalk Revue

Rock Chalk Revue is nationally recognized as one of the largest student-run philanthropy activities in the United States. Each year the organization hosts a variety show produced by University of Kansas students to benefit Douglas County United Way. This year marks the 62nd annual production. The show will take place on March 3-5 at the Lied Center. Tickets are on sale now at www.lied.ku.edu.
KU students write and produce the satirical musical revue as well as fill leadership and fundraising roles. Judges selected five shows from 12 entries. This year the five selected shows include;
—    “Above the Weather,” Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Sigma Chi fraternity
—    “Myth of the Campanile,” Chi Omega sorority and Phi Delta Theta fraternity
—    “A Little White Lie,” Kappa Delta sorority and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity
—    “Just Ad It,” Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Delta Upsilon fraternity
—    “Holiday Hysteria,” Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Beta Theta Pi fraternity
In addition to the variety show, Rock Chalk Revue hosted a benefit concert in the fall and multiple community service events throughout the year. Leading up to the show, student organizations have a chance to submit community service hours to the Rock Chalk Revue advisory board. These hours will be tallied and the organization with the most hours will be recognized with an award on the last night of the variety show.
Last year Rock Chalk Revue raised $47,000 for the Douglas County United Way. Since 1991, the organization has raised more than $800,000 for United Way.
Panhellenic women devote countless hours to this organization. Allie Donahue, one of the directors for Kappa Alpha Theta, explains why she gives so much time to Rock Chalk Revue and what Rock Chalk Revue has given back to her. 

“My experience with Rock Chalk Revue began my freshman year when I performed in Flying Solo: A Super Musical. My sorority Kappa Alpha Theta was paired with Pi Kappa Phi. As a freshman, I truly felt honored to be in the show.  Almost immediately after my first semester at college started, I became involved with the process of attempting to get our group on the Lied Center stage. We spent many nights having vocal rehearsals for our audition CD and our performance in front of judges at Oral Interviews (the audition process). This is when my college experience took off!  The night we found out that our show was chosen to perform has so far been the best night of my college experience. Being involved in Rock Chalk Revue has immensely affected my time at KU and in my sorority. I found that being involved with the show gave me a purpose in my sorority and an outlet for the dancing and theater that I left behind when I came to college. I found quickly that Rock Chalk Revue was a great way for me to get to know other people in other houses. My best friends and roommates are people I got to know through the organization. The boys from the fraternity that we did the show with are still close friends today and we have formed a great group of friends.
Now that I have moved on from just being a cast member to being a director, Rock Chalk Revue has been a completely new and rewarding experience. Being in charge this year has helped me to be a more responsible student. It has challenged me to manage my time by applying myself fully in school and working to make our show Above The Weather the best it can be. This year when my sorority was placed with a new fraternity, I worried that there was no way these boys could match up with the boys I worked with last year. I quickly realized that these guys were going to be good friends and great to work with. As I stand in front of our cast at practice I love the feeling of leading our group to our fullest potential. My other co-directors and I have worked so hard this year and have formed a strong bond. I find that through Rock Chalk Revue I am continually making new friends. It has also helped me to feel a connection to the Greek community and to the University of Kansas.  Rock Chalk Revue has truly shaped my time at KU. I no longer feel lost in the huge student body, I now have a name and I am proud to represent Kappa Alpha Theta. Even though Rock Chalk Revue can be really hard sometimes with long nights, stressful rehearsals, and overwhelming work load, in the end the reward makes it all worth it. We make great friends and irreplaceable memories. The best part about the whole experience is that win or lose, we did this for United Way. The fact that through doing something I love with people I care about is beneficial to the community is one of the most gratifying parts. As our cast hits the stage in the next two weeks I will remember all of the great moments I’ve had with these people while applauding my friends from last year with their new partners. When we take our final bow, I’ll be hoping to return to the stage next year.”
Allie is a sophomore Kappa Alpha Theta majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Dance

Monday, February 21, 2011

A Tradition of Service

We all know that the University of Kansas is a school of traditions. Our university was founded upon the well-known (and deserved!) "dislike" of our neighbors to the east. KU established some traditions of our own: the waving of the wheat, “Beware of the Phog,” and, my personal favorite, James Naismith's greatest sport of all time --basketball!

Being a member of the Panhellenic community, I am no stranger to tradition. The very pillars that uphold our Greek system are resting upon timeless traditions and practices of service, scholarship, leadership and sisterhood.

Another tradition of KU is Rock Chalk Revue. Although not born at KU (we stole it from K-State and made it better), this annual event has become KU's most creative and philanthropic tradition. Each year paired Greek houses write and produce the annual satirical musical revue as well as fill leadership and fundraising roles.

I personally could not dance or sing in front of one other person, so obviously I would not be able to perform in front of the 5,000 Rock Chalk Revue audience members that have been attending every year for the last 62 years. But I wanted to be a part of this legacy. So I chose to get involved in a different way: I interviewed to be part of the Rock Chalk Revue Advisory Board.

My experience on the Rock Chalk Revue Ad Board as the Alumni Relations Coordinator has opened many doors for me. I was thrown into endless networking possibilities with hundreds of former Rock Chalk Revue alumni. I met new people (the other Ad Boarders) and quickly learned to rely on them to help me complete my position's tasks. We've had a great year! It's hard work, but the entire Rock Chalk Revue Ad Board has witnessed the development of this year's shows from the "theme reveal" night and it's truly amazing how it's turned out!

I wouldn't have had the experience to contribute to such an amazing organization without my Panhellenic involvement. KU is fortunate to have a dynamic group of Panhellenic women to foster community involvement to all women within the 13 Panhellenic chapters. Rock Chalk Revue is just one opportunity to fulfill the pillar of service in the Lawrence community. KU's Panhellenic Association makes it easy to get involved in both the KU community and the Lawrence community.

I was able to learn about my non-dancing opportunity within Rock Chalk Revue through my Panhellenic sisters. Involvement in the community, either philanthropic or social, is rewarding because I know that I use my time to better the lives of those in the same community. My participation in both Rock Chalk Revue and the Panhellenic Association has enabled me to network with alumni and students, build confidence in my communication and leadership ability, and to be a strong part of an exceptional KU tradition!
-- Laura is a senior Kappa Kappa Gamma majoring in Journalism emphasis in Strategic Communications

Friday, February 18, 2011

Upcoming Event: KU Dance Marathon

This year the Panhellenic Association is a proud sponsor of campus philanthropy KU Dance Marathon. Panhellenic women stand for the four pillars of Greek Life, one of those being service. Many Panhellenic women have donated their time to this organization and we wanted to back them in this noble cause.


Tomorrow night Panhellenic women will join hundreds of KU students at the campus rec center for twelve whole hours of dancing fun, in hopes of raising money for Children’s Miracle Network. The event includes activities, food, dancing and a letter writing campaign to solicit more donations. Also, some very special guests will join the more than 400 students signed up for this event. Children and their families who have benefited from Children’s Miracle Network will be dancing alongside the students as a reminder of what this organization can accomplish. The twelve hour marathon is designed to do just that. Students stand for 12 hours in honor of those that can’t and in the hopes that these children will some day be able to stand and even dance along with them.


For the past few months Panhellenic women have been working with other KU students to make this year’s Dance Marathon a success. Dance Marathon is a national philanthropy dedicated to raising money for Children’s Miracle Network. The organization has a presence on more than 100 university campuses nationwide and came to KU in 2007. Since then, the organization has raised more than $50,000 for Children’s Miracle Network and this year they hope to raise an additional $60,000.


Ashley Vega, a junior Kappa Delta has been involved with KU Dance Marathon since 2008. She describes her experience with the organization and what it truly means to serve others.


“Freshmen year I came to KU without knowing about the student organizations on campus or how to get involved. However, through being in a sorority and going to chapter meetings I heard about different opportunities on campus. During one particular chapter meeting my first semester I heard about a great new organization coming to KU called Dance Marathon. I wasn’t exactly sure what Dance Marathon was all about, but I knew that it benefited Children’s Miracle Network and that was something that was particularly close to me.

Children’s Miracle Network is an organization close to my heart because my brother was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age. He was in and out of Children’s Mercy Hospital for a while during the beginning stages. Children’s Miracle Network helped give my brother and hundreds of other children the treatment and care they truly deserved and required. Even though Children’s Mercy recently became unaffiliated with Children’s Miracle Network, I still remain a strong supporter of the organization and all the amazing things they have done and will continue to do. 

Since I felt so connected to this charity I decided to take the opportunity to get involved with this organization. I first got involved with KUDM by being on the IT & Media committee. It wasn’t until the night of the actual marathon that I realized KUDM was the organization I wanted to help define my college experience. Being able to interact with the families that we help raise money for is my favorite part of the organization and why I wanted to become more involved. From there my involvement in the organization skyrocketed and I have been on the Steering Committee ever since. The organization itself has made great strides in participation and fundraising since it first started out. KUDM has not only given me the opportunity to work with some of KU’s finest students and staff, but it helped give me the confidence to become involved in other organizations on campus. Being a part of this group let me see that our work and donations really made a difference in the community and the lives of so many people. That feeling makes it worthwhile to become involved and devote so much of your time to a cause.”

Monday, February 7, 2011

Go Greek, Go Lead

Regardless of the reasons that you have heard for going Greek, I know one thing to be true: Greek life cultivates your ability to lead.
In my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, I have had the honor to serve as Philanthropy Co-chair, Panhellenic Delegate, and, most recently, Assistant Vice President of Recruitment. Serving on our chapter’s Executive Board as well as a delegate for Panhellenic Association gave me insight on the structure and complex decision-making processes of the two large, semi-autonomous organizations.
My Greek involvement has served as a perfect complement to the numerous campus activities I have participated in. They range from leadership organizations, community service, scholastic organizations, and social justice groups. I became involved in many of these organizations simply by being a curious freshman and attending many campus events. However, I was comforted by talking to my older sorority sisters, who had also been in some of the organizations I considered joining and highly recommended my participation.
Student Senate, in particular, I would not have known about had it not been for my sorority sisters encouraging me to run in the upcoming election. I was skeptical at first, but quickly became enamored with the wide range of people I was engaging in conversations with throughout the university. This enjoyment translated into my senate seat and more opportunities for involvement on campus. It also led to my nomination and election as Vice President for my coalition, KUnited. I am still grateful for the immense support I received from the Greek community and the continuous love and help I received during the election from my sorority sisters.
The opportunities and knowledge I have gained while serving as Student Body Vice President have transformed my experience at KU. I have met motivated student leaders, dedicated administrators, and made so many friends along the way. It has also taught me so much about leadership, communication, organization, and, of course, time management. I know that my decision to join Alpha Chi Omega and my subsequent involvement in the chapter and the Greek Community strengthened my leadership abilities and gave me the confidence to get more involved and become a campus leader. So Go Greek, Go Lead.

-Megan is a junior Alpha Chi Omega, majoring in Philosophy and International Studies

Monday, January 3, 2011

Enriching Your College Experience

So, why bother getting involved in college? As a college student you already have loads of test, projects, papers and homework to do on a weekly basis.  A lot of students also have a part-time job to cover the rising costs of post-secondary education.  Getting involved in college—especially early on—builds your resume, teaches you time management skills and enriches your college experience overall.  Also, college is about having fun and not all work, so getting involved is a great way to meet new friends. 

Right now the job market is down and will probably remain so for the next few years.  Recent graduates will also be competing with seasoned professionals who may have been recently laid off.  Not the most fun thing to think about, (as a senior nearing graduation, it’s terrifying) but getting involved during your undergraduate years can set you above other candidates.  My best advice (or the advice I’ve gained from speaking to career counselors and employers) is to get involved early on in an organization or two and try to move your way up to be an officer, on the executive board or even president.  Being a member of 10 different clubs is great, but are you really doing anything in those clubs? Potential employers will favor being an officer in one organization (and having some responsibility) than attending many club meetings a month and not contributing much.   Sure, getting good grades is important, (Scholarship is one of the Four Pillars of Greek Life at KU) but getting involved is just as important in finding a job.  Being involved will also foster good relationships with other peers, advisors and/or faculty/staff members, which will always come in handy for advice, letters of recommendation and networking. 

Aside from being a great resume builder, being involved in college has taught me great time management skills, which is applicable to school and life.  Being an active member of my chapter, taking a full load of classes, a member of the Panhellenic Executive Board, the co-executive director of another campus organization called Rock Chalk Revue, a part-time job and all the stress that comes with it has taught me to manage my time well.  Being proactive and having a neatly scheduled week allows me to get all my work done and maybe some time to watch Glee or Gossip Girl.  If not, there is always DVR.

I spend approximately three to four hours in the Student Involvement and Leadership Center a day and countless hours in the Kansas Union at night.  Yeah, I’ve missed out on some quality TV or relaxation time, but I don’t regret it for a second.  Being involved has enriched my life in so many ways including managing stress, a busy schedule and giving me an awesome resume.  It sounds really cheesy, but I’ve honestly met my best friends through being involved on campus.  I’ve met friends who share my need to be hyper-involved, my values and my goals. 

Yes, being involved can be tough. Invest in a reliable calendar/planner (I’m currently obsessed with the Uncalendar®) and from time to time invest in a yummy caffeinated beverage. 

You’re only in college for four years, so make the best of your time and get involved.

- Meghan is a senior Delta Gamma, majoring in Journalism