letters magazine, feb. 2012

Letters

CPC, IFC, MGC, and and NPHC at Central Fraternal Leadership Conference and National Black Greek

Leadership Conference In Saint Louis, MO

Iowa State University Greek Community Volume 2 Issue 3

February 2012

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

We hope you are as excited for this first issue of Letters as we are! The 2012 Greek Relations Executive Council (GREC) is excited to launch another edition of “Letters.” We have worked hard to get these stories about your fellow Greek students together and keep you informed about your community.

Spring is always a great time of year for the Greek Community at Iowa State. This year we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Greek Week and we are given the opportunity to look back on our past and see what has made our community so great. We also have students making a difference during the Greek Alternative Spring Break, and philanthropies to look forward to.

As always, GREC would love your input on what you want to see in future publications. Feel free to email us with story ideas or comments. Email us at [email protected].

Sincerely,

The Greek Relations Executive Council

Dear Reader,

Greek Relations Executive Council

Ξ

Α Dear Reader

Β Contents

Γ& Δ Varieties

Ε&Z Dance Marathon

H AFLV

Θ Katy Cran

Ι Lavaliering

K The Emerging Greek

Leadership Council

Λ Web Greek &

Delta Tau Delta

Μ Robert Page & Greek Week

Ν Calender

You Know You’re Greek When

CONTENTS

[email protected]

@ISUGreek

Greek Community -Iowa State University


Greek Relations Executive Council

Katelyn Barker Kappa DeltaAshleigh Belin Pi Beta PhiMary-Kate Burkert Alpha Delta PiAbby Ehrler Sigma KappaMelissa Gofforth Delta Delta DeltaJackie Howell Kappa DeltaChris Lightfoot Sigma Phi EpsilonJoe McConico Pi Kappa AlphaZach Mlcoch Sigma Alpha EpsilonBayley Rustad Kappa Kappa Gamma

Ξ

Meet the Letters Team

Freddy FifieldIFC VP of Marketing

Caleb EversIFC VP of Communications

Megan McDonaghCPC VP of Marketing

Sara SchlueterCPC VP of Marketing

Each year Greek chapters at Iowa State are paired together to compete in the spotlight. Varieties, which is a blend of music, acting and dancing is a long standing tradition at Iowa State. Months of straining voices, sweating and long nights filled with hard work go into every Varieties production. “Everyone got a lot better and put in a lot of hard work,” said Briana Haguewood, the producer for Varieties Central Committee.

Although not all skits make it to finals, there is always talent to be recognized. A pairing can still be eligible to receive individual awards for their performances. Three out of the six pairings make it on to final cuts, also known as Sweeps, which was held in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union February 24-25.

“This was the [Medieval Mayhem] band’s year to shine and I’m really excited that they could be acknowledged, regardless of how we placed overall,” said Benjamin Dennis the president of Pi Kappa Alpha after accepting the Best Band award.

“Tweet: The Musical,” comprised of members in Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Tau Delta, Acacia and Alpha Delta Pi was the first skit to take the limelight in the Great Hall. Their performance earned the group the People’s Choice Award.

Sigma Kappa, Kappa Alpha Theta, FarmHouse and Phi Gamma Delta performed “Caught In a Pickle” which won multiple awards including best female actress, Kristin Marshall.

Last and certainly not least was the overall winner of the competition, “A Pictures Worth a Thousand Words,” a dazzling production with boundless energy. The star of this performance included Tyler Roskam of Tau Kappa Epsilon, who captivated the audience and a few hearts while on stage.

BY JOE MCCONICO


Directly after the last performance was the award ceremony, where pairings hope to back up all their hard work.

“I’m on that life high, and now it’s time to celebrate,” said a smiling Nnamdi Igbokwe of Pi Kappa Phi, recipient of the “Best Line” award.

Producer Briana Haguewood stepped up to the stage to announce the overall winner of varieties. Hands are grabbed for comfort, fingers were crossed for luck as the growing tension in the room reached an all time high.

“I was so nervous,” revealed Krystal Castaneda of Chi Omega.

When the winners for the various awards were announced, pairings went wild with joy, gathering in a boisterous huddle celebrating the moment and all their hardwork.

While these emotions of excitement and joy will fade away, the relationships formed by the students during Varieties will last forever.

Medieval Mayhem:Gamma Phi BetaPi Kappa Alpha

A Picture’s Worth 1,000 Words:Chi OmegaDelta Delta DeltaTau Kappa EpsilonSigma Phi Epsilon

Not So New to the Zoo:Alpha Gamma DeltaPi Kappa Phi

Little League Leg-ends:Pi Beta PhiAlpha Gamma RhoBeta Sigma Psi

Not Another Teen Musical:Alpha Omicron Pi Delta UpsilonSigma Alpha EpsilonKappa DeltaPhi Kappa Psi

Tweet: The Musi-cal:Kappa Kappa GammaDelta Tau DeltaAcacia

Caught in a Pickle:Sigma KappaKappa Alpha ThetaFarmHousePhi Gamma Delta

VARiETiES


On January 21, 2012, Iowa State’s Dance Marathon made history once again. While students stood on their feet for 15 hours, they managed to raise $380,742.15 for the Children’s Miracle Network at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospitals. This is a huge increase from last year’s total of, $264,000. In the world of Dance Marathon, this feat is hard to come by, yet the students at Iowa State have managed to almost double fundraising for the last two years. Szuyin Leow, the co-director of Dance Marathon and a member of Pi Beta Phi said, “In the big picture of things, Dance Marathon wouldn’t have been as successful without the Greek community.”

A group of Kappa Delta dancers making a difference

The Greek community had a strong

presence this year making up over half of the executive committee, all-Committee, and total attendance for the event. Even more incredible is how much money was raised.

Dance Marathon parents getting ready to “Kick It For The Kids!”

The chapters that raised the most money were Pi Beta Phi with $17,032 and Alpha Tau Omega with $8,641. From the beginning, the Greek Community has always had a strong presence in Dance Marathon. Delta Tau Delta and Pi Beta Phi worked together to create the first Dance Marathon in 1998 held in the basement of the State Gym. This first Dance Marathon raised over $20,000. While many aspects of Dance Marathon have changed in the past 14 years, the spirit of “Kickin’ it for the Kids,” still remains the same. Luke Belzer, a junior in Farmhouse Fraternity, said that he first learned about Dance Marathon through his organization. “I dance for the kids who can’t. I dance to

BY ASHLEIGH BELIN

Dance Marathon

In DM2012....9 out of 17 Dance Marathon Executive members were Greek.106 out of 185 All-Committee members were Greek.

458 out of 915 participants were Greek.


be a part of something bigger than myself and to make a difference,” Belzer said. That is the common thought shared by those who attend the event. Dance Marathon is an event for the kids, and the focus is on the celebration of life rather than the life threatening illnesses these children deal with every day.

Ricky Williams, a member of the recruitment and morale committee and a member of Phi Gamma Delta explained

his experience with Dance Marathon this year.

“We have made great strides in becoming a more relevant and well known Dance Marathon in the nation,” Williams said.

“While the Greeks have consisted of a majority of Dance Marathon, it’s great to see the ratio of Greeks to non-Greeks getting even. It means Dance Marathon is becoming more known to Iowa State.”

Dance Marathon

Did You Know? Dance Marathon’s Power Hour

In DM2012....9 out of 17 Dance Marathon Executive members were Greek.106 out of 185 All-Committee members were Greek.

458 out of 915 participants were Greek.

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

The weekend of February 10th the members of the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to represent the Iowa State University Greek Community at the Central Fraternal Leadership Conference and National Black Greek Leadership Conference.

The conference included Greek leaders from all the across the country, and over 300 colleges and universities were represented.

This opportunity allows Greek leaders to attend sessions and hear keynote speakers about how to further advance their Greek Communities.

“The conference helps our leaders gain new information on everything from risk management, recruitment planning, new practices in philanthropy and community

and even marketing,” said CPC President Laura Wooster.

While at the conference, the Iowa State CPC community won the coveted Sutherland Award, which requires recipients to fill out information about their communities in ten specific areas.

Iowa State won this award in Division IV, which groups together universities with similar recruitment practices and size. The competition was among five universities, including the University of Iowa.

While winning the award was an accomplishment for the Greek Community, the information and knowledge that the council members brought back is invaluable.

“I learned so much about how to inspire and lead others when it comes to working with Greek community members,” said IFC President Joe Hora. “I’m very proud of the way Iowa State was represented at the conference.”

Central Fraternal Leadership Conference &National Black Greek Leadership Conference 2012

BY SARA SCHLUETER

The men of IFC and their graduate advisor Leslie Schacht

The women of CPC and their graduate advisor Theresa Sherwood


Greek Community Welcomes Back Katy Cran

Central Fraternal Leadership Conference &National Black Greek Leadership Conference 2012

By Bayley Rustad & Megan McDonagh

In February, Katy (Dyer) Cran was hired as the new Assistant Director of Greek Affairs. This is not Cran’s first time working with the Iowa State Greek Community. While attending graduate school at Iowa State, Cran served as the Collegiate Panhellenic Council advisor for two years. Cran’s return to the office was brought upon by her feelings about the Greek Community.

“Being Greek has [been] the third best decision in my life besides choosing my partner and choosing my undergraduate institution,” Cran said. “Being Greek is really a lifetime commitment that can provide you other opportunities.”

For her undergraduate degree, Cran attended the University of Iowa where she was a member of Delta Gamma.

While attending Iowa, she held many leadership positions such as Delta Gamma president and a member of the Collegiate Panhellenic Council.

As the Assistant Director of Greek Affairs, Cran will have three main focuses: recruitment for all four of Iowa State’s Greek councils, marketing and communication efforts, and collaboration with the various departments at Iowa State.

Cran believes that the most difficult part of her job will be recruitment as it is not only recruiting students but also fighting the negative stereotypes against Greeks, while showing parents the great opportunities the Iowa State Greek community has to offer.

Cran is excited to be working with Iowa State students again and wants everyone to know that the Greek Affairs staff is a great resource.

“We will always root for what is best for students.” Cran said.

From the Left:CPC Advisor Theresa Sherwood, IFC Advisor Leslie Schacht, Director of Greek Affairs Jenn Plagman-Galvin, Assistant Director of Greek Affairs Katy Cran, NPHC/MGC Advisor Cameron Beatty


With Valentine’s Day a recent memory, many sorority women are savoring a box of chocolates or taking frequent whiffs of the dozen roses purchased at the nearest Hy-Vee. The lucky few, on the other hand, received a gift not wrapped by Russell-Stover or withering away as days go by. These women received the promise of a future with their fraternity sweetheart in the form of a lavalier. A Greek lavalier is a pendant necklace named after Duchess Louise de La Valliere, a mistress of King Louis XIV. Today, the lavalier is given as a sign of commitment and affection from a member of a fraternity to his beloved. The Greek lavalier often leads to the engagement and marriage of the smitten couple.

“The gift of a lavalier is a token that says he loves me and that he wants to be with me for the rest of his life,” said Hannah VanEvery, sophomore in Alpha Delta Pi sorority. “It’s a privilege for me to wear his fraternity’s letters. It’s something we’ll always have to remind us that the Greek system was how we met.”

The recipient traditionally keeps her lavaliering a secret until her Greek chapter hosts a candle ceremony. The women will pass a candle around in a circle while singing a traditional song and the woman who has been lavaliered may blow it out in celebration of this milestone. “Lavaliering sets the Greek Community apart. I don’t know how else to say it except that without Greek life, I would never have met Hannah,” said Branden Severseike, junior in Sigma Pi fraternity. “Within this Community, there are special ways to promise and promote a long term relationships, which goes a long way in describing just how much of an impact Greek life can have on any individual.”

Lavaliering


BY MARY-KATE BURKERT

An example of a lavalier

Lavaliering


Welcome to The Emerging Greek Leadership Council of 2012

BY ABBY EHRLER Every year, new members in the Greek Community who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills are chosen to be members of the Emerging Greek Leadership Council (EGLC). The goal of EGLC is to teach new members valuable leadership skills that they can use to work together and unite the Greek Community.

Zach Lenhart, Co-President of EGLC and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, explains that EGLC gives its members a glimpse into larger leadership roles they may hold. “We come in with baby steps and by the end of our term we work our way into a bigger picture of what it is really like to be a Greek Leader,” Lenhart said.

EGLC’s main responsibilities include planning Watermelon Fest (held every September), Live Greek 365 (a program for new Greeks), and the Meal Under the Campanile taking place the Wednesday during Greek Week.

“Putting together something as complex as Meal Under the Campanile and Watermelon Fest is already testing how strong our council will be able to work together, and I really think we’ll be able to show much we can accomplish,” Lenhart said.

Elizabeth Pritchard, Co-President of EGLC and a member of Sigma Kappa, adds that one of the main goals of EGLC is to establish a known presence on campus. “We want people, Greek or Non-Greek, to hear EGLC and automatically think ‘Meal Under the Campanile’ or ‘Watermelon Fest’,” Pritchard said.

Both Pritchard and Lenhart encourage new members to get involved from the start. “I understand that it is a new member’s first year in college, and life in general, is extremely stressful, but getting involved right away will really pay off. They will make wonderful friends right away and in turn that will make them enjoy their college careers more,” Pritchard said.

An example of a lavalier

The Emerging Greek Leadership Council

WebGreekBY ZACH MLCOCH

ΔΤΔ Wins National AwardBY FREDDY FIFIELD

In February, the Gamma Pi chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Iowa State University won their 22nd Hugh Shields Award at their Western Plains Division Conference held in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Hugh Shields Award is the most prestigious award bestowed upon a Delta Tau Delta chapter. The award is given annually to the top 10 chapters who display outstanding accomplishments in areas of chapter programming, and operations. Congratulations gentlemen, keep up the good work!

Finally the Iowa State Greek Community has an opportunity to communicate more effectively. Revolutionize your Greek chapter with WebGreek Cloud, the only private social network built exclusively for Greeks. On this site, communication between members of your chapter is easy and effective.

Members can easily send free group texts and emails with calendar events, vote online, collect and send bills, sell tickets, share music or photos and collaborate on files. All of this can be done on your own private chapter network, and only those with the proper passwords can edit the page.

The website also offers a free 30 day trial of the program, and after that nine dollars a month to use the site. To see more information on how to use WebGreek for your chapter visit WebGreek at www.webgreek.com, and you can chat with a live specialist as well.

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘIKΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

BY LAURA WOOSTER

Robert Page Visits Iowa State

On February 7th, Robert Page visited Iowa State to speak on the relevance of black Greeks on a campus with primarily white students. According to Page, historically black organizations came into existence because of the support they got from primarially white Greek chapters. He said that many of the historically black fraternities and sororities based their own original purposes and founding standards from the same values that many historically white chapters had. Page said that though the two organizations are different, both share the same values. Members of CPC chapters, IFC chapters, MGC chapters and NPHC chapters should strive to work together and support one another.

Greek Week PreviewGreek Week has become a long-standing tradition at Iowa State since it first started 60 years ago in 1952.

Greek Week Central’s Marketing and Media Coordinators, Megan Young and Benjamin Gremel, say that Greek Week began as a “fall celebration of the large Greek community.”

Greek Week first included formal dinners, speakers and a few Greek Olympic events. It quickly progressed to include giving back to the community through “Operation Lifeline,” which was the beginning of the Greek Community’s connection with the blood drive. Now, 60 years since Greek Week’s first celebration, Greek Week also includes Polar Bear Plunge, VEISHEA service day and a can drive. The can drive donations go to over two dozen different community charities.

The theme for this year is “60 Years is Quite a While but Greek Letters are Still in Style!” Playing off of this theme, there is a 60-day Twitter and Facebook countdown, that looks back at Greek Weeks from the past. Greek Week kicks off March 25.

BY JACKIE HOWELL


2625

24232221201918

17161514131211

10987654

3

2827 3130

MARCH

30th Annual All-You-Can-

Eat Shamrock Spaghetti

Dinner5-8pm at Kappa

Delta

ThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday Friday Saturday

Gamma Phi Beta Day of

Service 1-4pm

Greek Pizza Lunch 11am-

2pm

Greek Olympics 9am-4pm

Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Laverne

5:30

Pike’s Pizza 5pm-12am

Alpha Gam Pasta Slam

5-8pm

Theta Chi Tator Bar 6-9pm

Greek Week

Blood Drive Mon-Thurs

Spring Break

VEISHEA Service Day

8:30-10:30am

All Greek Open House for

President Leathat Alpha

Gamma Rho 6:30-7:30pm

Greek Week Kick-off Event BBQ 5:00-7:30

on Central Campus

Spirit Day BBQ and Karokee First

Cuts 11:00am-1pm on Central

Campus

NPHC/MGC Education

Lip Sync First Cuts 7:00 at CY

Stevents

NPHC/MGC Social

Meal Under the Campanile and

Karokee Second Cuts 11:00am-1pm on Central

Campus

NPHC/MGC Physical Health

Lip Sync and Karokee Finals 10:30pm at CY

Stevents

Greek Getaway starts!

29

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ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘIKΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Greek Alternative Spring Break

You Know You’re Greek When...

You don’t wear socks with your sperry’s even in freezing weather.

You no longer

just have

friends, you

have brothers/

sisters too!

You never

forget the

names of the

symbols in Math

and Physics.


Greek Week is just as

exciting as the holidays!

Wednesdays are the

easiest day to pick out an

outfit

letters magazine, feb. 2012

Documents

youre greek

anniversary of greek

fellow greek students

kappa alpha theta

president of pi kappa

greek alternative spring

phi gamma delta

great time of year