In This Issue Member Spotlight p.1

Response to Events p.2

Response Cont. p.3

Sorority Highlights p.4

Fraternity Highlights p.5

All Greek Updates p.6

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Member Spotlight—

This month, Alex and Isabelle are highlighted for their recent involvement in coordinating chapter

philanthropy events!

Alex Polasky

Alex Polasky recently coordinated, organized and

facilitated Alpha Phi’s annual Mr. University! Alex

is a junior Exercise Science major and active

member of Alpha Phi. Alex is also very active in

other campus organizations! She is the Lead

Group X Instructor, an Ashbrook Scholar, and

ACIS Intern. She also currently serves as Alpha

Phi’s Vice President of Marketing. Within her

position, Alex described some of the highlights of

planning Mr. University in the following quote, “I

loved the positivity and excitement of the campus!

I did an interview for TV20 and WRDL. This got

not only Alpha Phi excited, but the campus as

well! I also really enjoyed working with the

contestants. They put months of hard work into

their acts.” During the events, Alpha Phi was able

to raise $1,442.00 towards women’s cardiac care.

There were over 500 people in attendance! Alex

recounts her favorite part of the event in this

quote, “My favorite part was Logan Rex’s

impromptu talent in the middle of the show. That

wasn’t planned, we just went for it and it was

hilarious and spot on!”

Isabelle Steiner

Isabelle recently planned and coordinated Theta

Phi Alpha’s first Sapphire Ball. Isabelle is

currently a sophomore biology/ pre-vet major with

a minor in Spanish. Isabelle recounts her

experience planning the Sapphire Ball in the

following quote, “My experience planning the

Sapphire Ball was definitely worth it. While it was

stressful at times, since this was our very first big

philanthropy event, I am certainly glad I did it. I

am so honored that my sisters selected me to be

their philanthropy chairman and had faith that I

could pull something like this off. I am so proud

to say that I am now very close to one of our past

national Presidents, Mary Lou Swartz, thanks to

this event, which is a friendship I will hold very

dearly for the rest of my life.” Isabelle also noted,

“While I am the chairman, I could not have done

this without the help of my committee and without

the support of my Theta Phi sisters….Thanks to

the support of this campus and our families we

were able to send over $2,000.00 to the Glenmary

Home Missioners who aid the homeless in the

poorest areas of our country and also fund

children’s camp each summer for underprivileged

children, called Camp Friendship!”

OCTOBER

2014 2015 APRIL

Ashland Greek Life Response During the month of March, an incident regarding an Oklahoma University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chapter’s blatant display of racist behavior sur-

faced in the media. As an outstanding member of Ashland Greek Life, Dean Sadowski, President of Phi Delta Theta has written the following re-

sponse to this incident and other recent events which have poorly represented and tarnished the reputation of Greek Life.

Why AU Greek Life is Doing it Right

In recent months, Greek Life at colleges and universities

has received a high volume of scrutiny in the media as a result of

incidents involving excessive alcohol, hazing, and sexual misconduct.

This scrutiny is not isolated to any particular organization, campus or

state but has impacted Greek life as a whole on the national level.

Before I came to college I had heard all of the stories and seen all of

the movies that painted Greek life (and especially fraternities) as one

big party. Animal House, American Pie Beta House, Old School,

Van Wilder I had seen them all, and like many other Americans

accepted the idea that fraternities are a bunch of guys that drink beer

and chase girls. Now, after being involved in Greek Life at AU for

four years, I know that this stereotype has little validity to support it.

The negative perception of fraternities and sororities has caused

Greeks to be labeled as irresponsible undergraduates who are

focused purely on the social aspect of college. Although socialization

is one facet enjoyed by members of a Greek organization, it is far

from the only. While the media is busy harping on the incidents that

negatively portray Greek Life, the much more frequent and positive

results of Greeks go unnoticed.

Whereas the recent actions of individuals or even chapters

have indeed warranted the scrutiny of those individuals and chapters,

to negatively label the national Greek community as a whole is

extremely unfair. Although it is often portrayed otherwise, fraternities

and sororities work tediously as undergraduates to attain academic

excellence, serve philanthropic organizations and improve their

campus and surrounding communities alike. According to an article

published in the Elite Daily, over $7 million is raised by Greeks

nationally each year, 78% of Greek organizations have a higher GPA

than their all campus GPA and Greek chapters complete a collective

national average of 850,000 hours of community service each

academic year. Why do these Greek accomplishments rarely make

headlines, but hazing and drinking scandals do? For every belligerent

act that is reported by the media there are hundreds of good ones

happening that are left unheard.

Where are the chapters that are building leaders, raising

thousands for philanthropy and achieving the highest grades on their

respective campuses? These are the Greek organizations that the

country needs to hear about and base their overall interpretation off

of. Resting with these chapters is hope and success for Greek life,

and there are eight of them here at Ashland University. Four

fraternities Phi Kappa Psi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Sigma and Phi

Delta Theta make up the stellar AU Greek community, along with

four sororities Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Zeta, Alpha Phi and Theta Phi

Alpha. Combined these eight organizations consist of 410 individuals

making up roughly 20% of the undergraduate population. Even

though each organizations creed varies and membership is unique,

each chapter strives toward the same common goals and experience

the benefits of a successful tight knit Greek community. Despite the

fact that the actions of some chapters across the nation are staining

the reputation of Greek Life, the actions of Ashland’s Greek

organizations are combatting this reputation each and every day.

(Continued on next page.)

OCTOBER

2014 2015 APRIL

Assistant Director of Student Life-Greek Life at Ashland

University Ashley Christman commented on the collective scrutiny of

Greek Life. She states “Ashland University's fraternity and sorority

chapters are values based. Although other chapters should be, I can't

attest that they (the other schools) truly live by their values like the

students in chapters at Ashland University do. I believe the values that

the men and women in our Greek Life have are seen in their actions,

every day, which allows them to succeed and stray away from the

negativity that is causing major concerns for Greek communities

across the country. We address those severe issues head on at

Ashland University.”

On a typical day Ashland Greeks can be found involved,

engaged and dedicated in every aspect of the campus community.

Fraternity and sorority members are student senators, athletes, honor

students, university employees, resident assistants and religious life

participants. Why such a high level of success? Because Greek Life

builds leaders by offering an environment and support system that

provides skills which cannot be taught in the classroom. The

structure and culture of Greek chapters allow underdeveloped young

adults to step into leadership roles and unlock potential they may

never have knew existed. As a Greek one learns about discipline,

responsibility, communication, accountability, teamwork and

community in a setting that is conducive to the cultivation of

friendship, morality and scholastic aptitude. The development of AU

Greeks that occurs within each organization transmits externally and

is showcased in the consistent academic performance of the Greek

community. In the Fall of 2014, 156 Greeks made Deans List,

roughly 40 percent of Greek life. These results correlate with the

national statistic that shows graduation rates are 20% higher amongst

Greeks.

The skills Greeks acquire will perpetuate long after a Greek

graduates and moves into the professional world, where they utilize

these skills to succeed in their realm of expertise. My chapter’s

general headquarters said it best when they referred to college as “the

place where the man you are meets the man you will be”. Greeks

truly do transform as a result of their undergraduate experience in a

Greek organization at AU. It’s no surprise that according to USA

Today 85% of Fortune 500 executives are Greek, every United States

President with the exception of two were Greek and the first female

astronaut and senator were both Greeks. This is why I often laugh

when non-affiliated undergraduates claim Greeks “pay for their

friends”, when in fact less than 2% of the average college students

expenses go towards dues. So sure we may pay organizational fees

each semester, but it is well worth it when we these fees enable one to

be part of a national community consisting of 9 million people who

have proven to be success driven.

Greek Life is under a microscope and now more than ever

Greek organizations need to showcase the positive attributes that

accompany Greek affiliation. Greek Life at AU does just that and will

continue to do so. While the actions of certain Greek organizations

have created a negative perception of Greek life, here at Ashland

Greek Life is doing just the opposite. This is why I feel proud to call

myself not just a Phi Delt, but an Ashland University Phi Delt.

Ashland Greek Life Response Continued

2015

Sorority Highlights

Alpha Delta Pi:

Alpha Delta Pi is excited to announce that Sister Hannah Mattar

swam at nationals and won three national honors. Alpha Delta Pi

supported Hannah throughout her experience and even hosted a

viewing party to watch a live stream of Hannah swimming her

events! Sisters are continuing to demonstrate their dedication to

philanthropy through taking weekly trips to the Ronald McDonald

House in Cleveland. During these visits, sisters make crafts with the

children and families staying there.

Alpha Phi:

The sisters of Alpha Phi had a busy and productive March. Alpha

Phi was able to raise $1,442.00 for the Alpha Phi Foundation due

to the outstanding support which they received. The sisters also

gave back to the Greek community as many members attended

Alpha Delta Pi’s Silent Auction and Phi Delta Theta’s Spaghetti

Dinner. Additionally, spring new members were able to meet their

new bigs during reveal! These new members were also initiated

into the sisterhood on March 28. During the month of April,

Alpha Phi will be having Formal on April 11!

Delta Zeta:

The sisters of Delta Zeta enjoyed an exciting March! The sisters

hosted big/little week for their four new members and ended the

week with a reveal! The sisters have been faithfully supporting

Greek Life and the community by regularly volunteering at the dog

shelter and supporting the other chapters at events such as Alpha

Phi’s Mr University and Phi Delta Theta’s Spaghetti Dinner. They

are excited to begin preparing for Greek Weekend with their spirit

partners, Phi Delta Theta.

Theta Phi Alpha:

The sisters of Theta Phi Alpha are looking forward to a productive

month. They recently hosted their big/little reveal process for their

eight new members! Additionally, the sisters of Theta Phi Alpha

were able to raise over $2,000.00 through the Sapphire Ball. All

proceed will go towards the Glenmary Home Missioners who aid

the homeless in the poorest areas of the country and also fund

Camp Friendship. Also during the month of April, the sisters of

Theta Phi Alpha will be attending formal.

Pictured Above (From Left to Right): Alpha Delta Pis at the Ronald McDonald House, Alpha Phis at Mr. University, Delta Zetas

at an IM soccer game, Theta Phi Alphas and Phi Kappa Psi at Mr. University

APRIL

2015

Fraternity Highlights

Phi Delta Theta:

The brothers of Phi Delta Theta would like to thank all of those who

attended the Spaghetti Dinner for ALS during the month of March. 123

people attended and the brothers were able to raise over $700.00 for the

family of Beth Castlevetere, a local woman with ALS. The brothers of

Phi Delta Theta were excited to show their support at Alpha Delta Pi’s

Silent Auction and Alpha Phi’s Mr. University. They have been enjoying

the opportunity to participate in the dog walking community service

activity. Additionally, Phi Delta Theta would like to thank those that

attended their forum and hope everyone was able to take something

away from it. The brothers hosted a “Spring Cleaning” at their house

and are looking forward to the warmer weather. The brothers of Phi

Delta Theta are looking forward to their golf scramble on April 11.

Kappa Sigma:

Kappa Sigma had an eventful and productive March! Kappa Sigma

President, Patrick Wallace emceed Alpha Phi’s Mr. University.

Additionally, Nick Wengerd was also involved in the event as a

participant! During the month of April, Kappa Sigma will be hosting

their annual A Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes on April 12. Please contact

mserafin@ashland.edu. The brothers will be hosting a March

Madness viewing party on April 6. They are also in the process of

initiating their three newest members.

Tau Kappa Epsilon:

Tau Kappa Epsilon has a busy April planned! The brothers of

Tau Kappa Epsilon have scheduled their TKE Tub Tug for

April 10. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit St.

Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, Tau Kappa

Epsilon will hold their formal dinner on April 1st at Nighttown in

Cleveland. In April, Tau Kappa Epsilon plans to have more

mixers and improve their relations with other chapters on

campus. The brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon are excited to begin

working with Theta Phi Alpha as their Greek Weekend spirit

partner.

Phi Kappa Psi:

During the month of March, the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi hosted

their formal in Cleveland. Phi Kappa Psi is proud to announce that

they have welcomed three new members into their brotherhood

during the spring semester. They are currently gearing up for Greek

Weekend with their spirit partner, Alpha Delta Pi.

Pictured Above (From Left to Right): Phi Delta Thetas at Alpha Delta Pi’s Silent Auction, Phi Kappa Psi at a Brotherhood Dinner,

Kappa Sigma’s at Mr. University, Tau Kappa Epsilon’s during after a football event.

APRIL

Upcoming Events:

April 10: TKE Tub Tug

April 11: Phi Delta Theta’s Scramble for ALS

April 12: Kappa Sigma’s A Mile In a Soldier’s Shoes

April 16-18: Greek Weekend

April 19: Greek Honors

April 25: Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Alumni Active Softball Game

*Save the Date: April 2, 2016 50th Greek Reunion*

Faculty Staff Brunch:

One of the shared goals between this year’s Interfraternity and

Panhellenic Council Presidents is to strengthen the bonds between

Greek Life students and the Staff and Faculty members at Ashland

University. During the month of March, Panhellenic Council and

Interfraternity Council co-sponsored a staff and faculty

appreciation brunch. During the brunch members of both

councils as well as some chapter Presidents and Council delegates

were able to network with the outstanding employees of Ashland

University. The brunch was a great success with representative

from every college and many departments in attendance. Greek

Life is looking forward to planning and hosting similar events in

the Fall.

2015 APRIL

www.facebook.com/AUGreek

@AUGreekLife @AUGreekLife

This year we are so proud of the overwhelming Greek involvement on St. Jude Exec Board!

Executive Director: Adam Spooner (Phi Delta Theta) Fundraising Director: Cara Kunz (Theta Phi Alpha)

Recruitment Director: Abbey Skolnik (Delta Zeta) Sponsorship Chair: Jackie Hull (Delta Zeta)

Events and Logistic Director: Jared Clemence (Phi Delta Theta) Greek Life Chair: Alyssa Edwards (Delta Zeta)

Side Events Chair: Gaby Vitel (Delta Zeta) Student Organizations Chair: Tyler Zavala (Delta Zeta

Faculty/ Alumni Chair: Katie Adkins (Delta Zeta) Freshman/ Residence Life: Zach Hoffman (Phi Delta Theta)

PR Director: Patrick Wallace (Kappa Sigma)