“making headlines… for the right reasons” · chi omega is proud to host march madness every...

“Making Headlines… For the RIGHT Reasons” By: Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life

I l l i n o i s S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y F r a t e r n i t y & S o r o r i t y L i f e

Inside this issue:

Not on our campus 2

IMPACT 3

CPC 4

IFC 6

IFC/MGC 8

Calendar 10

March 2015

Fraternity & Sorority Life

(309)-438-2151

Alex Snowden– Coordinator

[email protected]

Alanna Hill– Senior Specialist

[email protected]

Ron Burse– Graduate Assistant

[email protected]

Yesy Garcia– Graduate Assistant

[email protected]

Contact Us:

Stay Connected

ILSTUFSL

@ILSTUFSL

Members of the Interfraternity Council reflected after a serious social justice conversation and agreed to adopt anti-discriminatory policies within their governing documents. Members also felt strongly about the need to peace-fully demonstrate their commitment to create a safe, diverse, supportive and inclusive environment. On Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 pm the fraternal community hosted a solidarity walk in Milner Plaza. The walk was open to all who share this same vision for Illinois State University and all university campuses. The demonstration ended with a signed pledge to reflect on the positive changes colleges are capable of, and a commitment to reach across differences to create those changes. (Continued on next page)

In light of recent national concerns involving fraternal organizations and issues regarding discrimination, hazing, and sexual assault, the local Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter and the Interfraternity Council at Illinois State University came together to enact change.

NOT On OUR Campus

Joseph Laskey, President of the Interfraternity Council shared the following message:

“What we do today is take a step, we are here to first of all recognize the issue at hand. Fraternities and Sororities are the

ones that make the headlines, but it is time to understand that this can happen to any organization in any part of the

country and still affect our campus. We have seen an increase in different issues such as Sexual Assault, Hazing, and

discrimination and its time we address them but also be intentional to show our support for the LGBT community as well.”

“We will be a proactive community and address the issue before it comes here. And the big question everyone is asking is

what’s next? This is a walk that came about to be proactive and we hope to continue with this event annually. We ask all

organizations on campus show their inclusiveness and supportiveness of all backgrounds. While we consider ourselves to

be inclusive, but are we, as organizations, really showing the support that some people may need? Every organization

needs to continue to grow in its diversity, and reflect to see what may not make you attractive to every culture or

background and see what you can do to change that. Put it in writing so you don’t come back in 10 years and see the

culture isn’t what you had envisioned, leave it in writing for the leaders behind you to lean on in time of need.”

“IFC & SAE Host Solidarity Walk” By: Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life

NOT On ANY Campus

“I understand that on

my own I cannot

change the traditions

set place in your own

chapters but I challenge

you to look into yours

and make sure that they

are all there for the right

reasons.”

“We are all leaders here on Illinois State University’s Campus and as leaders we will not tolerate any racist, discriminatory

behavior or “traditions” . We take pride in who we are, where we come from, and what we represent. We embrace our

diverse cultures and continue to unite in order to make our campus a safe, diverse, supportive, and inclusive.”

“We are in this together, as a community. Take this opportunity to walk with someone you don’t know. Ask them

questions, understand how their organization works, ask them what they do to show their support, ask them if their

organization has been affected by something like this. You

have the ability to do many things as an organization, but as

an Illinois State University community, we have the ability to

make a change, to pave a path, and to leave an impact on our

campus.”

The solidarity walk was challenged by concerned students

that were afraid the demonstration was only a public rela-

tions ploy to save face on behalf of fraternal organizations. A

serious social justice conversation was then facilitated stu-

dent leaders which resulted in create a plan of action and

steps to hold one another accountable to truly create a

campus that all can be proud of.

Thank you to those that share our vision for Illinois

State University and thank you to those that will hold us

accountable to it.

IMPACT

“IMPACTing Students to Make Positive Change” By: Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life

In the Fall of 2014, the Interfraternity Council approached several entities on Illinois State’s campus to sponsor the

IMPACT Retreat for the benefit of the fraternal community. On March 27-29th their hopes became reality as over 80

students attended the values based leadership institute.

“The goal of IMPACT® is to enable positive change within a fraternity/sorority community. This is accomplished through a

variety of methods throughout the institute. Through large group sessions, complimented by small group discussions, each

participant has the opportunity to personalize the IMPACT experience. All sessions offer hands-on experimental activities

and ample discussion time to address individual concerns. “

“The entire IMPACT® institute is designed to build on itself in a manner that culminates in an agenda for meaningful community elevation. Through increased self awareness, community awareness, visioning, and skill development,

participants will be able to recognize the current realities of their fraternity/sorority community and begin to develop effective strategies for positive change.”

Source: http://www.nicindy.org/impact.html

Ways you “IMPACTed” us

A special thanks to all of the sponsors that

supported our community and helped bring

this amazing experience to campus:

Dean of Students Office

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Interfraternity Council

College Panhellenic Council

Multicultural Greek Council

National Pan-Hellenic Council

Source: http://www.nicindy.org/impact.html

To build community among

fraternity and sorority leaders.

To have a fun, motivational, and inspiring fraternity/sorority experience

To increase effectiveness of communication between leaders

To identify the leaders of tomorrow for our community

To work for the good of

the whole


Chi Omega is proud to host March Madness every spring semester to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. March Madness is an all-Greek dance competition that allows fraternities/sororities to compete for a monetary donation towards their chapters’ philanthropy! This year’s March Madness theme was Millennium Madness!

Each fraternity/sorority danced to the music corresponding to the millennium they chose. Judges are chosen by our March Madness chairwoman (Emily Rhode) and the scoring is done by marking pre-made ballots. We average the total points for each group from all five judges for a final score. They are then ranked in the top three for men's and women's organizations.

“March Madness” By: Krystyn Abbate, President, Chi Omega

This is an example of this year's ballot:

Act 1: Group Name

Use of Theme ____/10

How much does the Performance relate to the theme

"Millennium Madness"? Do they go above and beyond

to portray the theme?

Originality ____/10

How much do the dance moves, song choices, props,

costumers, etc stand apart from other acts?

Appearance / Costume ____/5

How appealing are the costumes? Are they original

and well thought out?

Enthusiasm / Professionalism ____/5

Are the performers excited and entertaining to watch?

Are they participating in sportsmanlike conduct?

Choreography / Music ____/10

Are the dance moves entertaining? Does the music en-

hance the act and coincide with the theme?

Total Points ______

Chi Omega’s March Madness philanthropy supports the Make-A-Wish foundation to

support children like him.


This years winners were Sigma Chi fraternity (third consecutive win) and Phi Sigma Sigma sorority!

The winners showed excellence in all of the categories. We have not yet received a total number for

money raised this past March but we are hoping to reach $30,000 like previous years!

And the winners are… ΣΧ & ΦΣΣ

The women of Chi Omega and I are extremely grateful to

everyone who comes out and supports the Make-A-Wish

Foundation, and us!

We couldn't do it without the help of the Greek

community, our families, and our friends!

Interfraternity Council

“Why are these people walking up and down

the side of the road?”

This was the question

Illinois State professor

Andrew Matthews asked when

picking up his son, Isaiah,

from Ethiopia.

After seeing four hours’ worth

of this, he decided he had to

do something about it.

Once back in the states, he started calling organizations

interested making water accessible to the people in rural

Africa and came upon Water to Thrive.

A little more than $20,000 dollars later, Illinois State

University has been accountable for raising enough

funds to put in their fourth well in Africa.

Along the way, Professor Matthews got to know and

became the Advisor for FarmHouse fraternity. Since

then FarmHouse has made Water to Thrive its main

philanthropy and holds a Hog Roast following each

Water Walk.

During the Water Walk students walk the average distance

Africans need to walk for water each day, six kilometers. This

year over 500 students participated in the Water Walk and

over 200 of them were fed at the Hog Roast.

Although the Water Walk and Hog Roast are consistently growing

on campus, FarmHouse members believe they are only scratch-

ing the surface of the impact they could make in their partner-

ship with Water to Thrive. Their goal is to be able to raise

enough money, $5,000, annually in order to put in a well with

Illinois State’s name on it each year.

If you would like any more information about the Water Walk or

Hog Roast, feel free to contact Illinois State FarmHouse

President Max Fransen via email at [email protected].

“Water to Thrive” By: Max Fransen, President, FarmHouse Fraternity

Interfraternity/Multicultural Greek Council

“Alpha & Delta Host Boys & Girls Club” By: Keith E. Harris Jr, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated

On March 24th, children of the Boys and Girls Club

of Bloomington arrived at Illinois State University

promptly at 9:00a.m. Sponsored by the Men of

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the children

were prepped for a Shadow Day full of campus

tours, activities, student speakers, and a catered

lunch from Taco Bell to conclude their visit.

Upon arrival, the children were presented with a

guest speaker in the Student Services Building.

Following their opening session, the students were

guided around on a campus tour, accompanied by

the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.,

from Tri-Towers to Watterson, and into the Bone

Student Center.

To conclude the day, students met in the SSB for a student/faculty talk on college, and the

overall importance of an education. During this time, BOTH fraternity and sorority members

each took turns sharing their views on Greek Life, and answering any questions that the kids

asked. After enjoying lunch, the children participated in an activity to show team building

through a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. With

only an hour left, students dispersed into groups

led by students of Illinois State until their

departure.

The men of Eta Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha

Fraternity, Inc. continuously strive to serve and

improve the surrounding communities. They

pride themselves on consistently volunteering

their time to the local Boys and Girls club.

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April 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

FSL Office Events

29th—FSL Awards

6 pm Prairie Room

Philanthropies This Month

AEPi Week

Alpha Sig Car Smash

SAE Chow for Charity

ZTA Bags Tournament

Phi Sig Covered in Colors

Gamma Phi Beta Girls on the Run

DZ Turtle Tug

Pi Kapp War of Roses

Tri Sigma Night Live

Pi Phi Angels in the Outfield

Tri Delta—Frats at Bat

Acacia 7 Days of Service

University Events

Sibling Weekend April 17—19th

Bring it Back to Normal April 18th

Relay for Life April 24th

Council Events

8—CPC Lip-sync Showdown

7 pm Brown Ballroom

11th—Pi Kappa Phi

Chartering Banquet

(Invite Only)

12th—Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Chartering Banquet

(Invite Only)

Want to be featured?

Please email a headline, article, and

picture to:

Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant for

Fraternity/Sorority Life

at [email protected]

CPC Philanthropy

FSL AWARDS DUE

FSL AWARDS

Relay for Life

Sibling Weekend Sibling Weekend

Pi Kappa Phi

Chartering

Sigma Alpha

Epsilon

Chartering

“making headlines… for the right reasons” · chi omega is proud to host march madness every...

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