Letters Volume One Issue One

lettersVOLUME ONE • ISSUE ONE • MARCH 2011

Sincerely,

Dear Reader, The Greek experience has played an important role at Iowa State University since the first chapter was founded in 1875. For more than a century the core values of community, academics, leadership and philanthropy have been instilled in every member of the Greek Community. In 2011, our Greek Life experience still places those objectives first. Greek Life has not only grown in size and reputation, but also created an expectation of excellence with a long list of achievements to its name. Iowa State is home to one of the strongest and most recognized Greek systems in the nation. More than 11 percent of the student body call “Greekland” home. That first chapter has grown to include 52 fraternities and sororities representing four distinct governing councils. We are leaders in on-campus organizations, raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for philanthropies each year and have a heck of a lot of fun doing so. Most importantly, we do it all with pride. Now we’d like to introduce you to the newest member of Iowa State’s Greek Community, Letters. Letters is about us. We all wear a different combination of them, yet they are one thing we all have in common. We may share an alpha with one chapter, a chi with another. None of us are exactly alike, but we all are part of a collective mission to uphold our values and succeed in all our endeavors. Our goals for this publication are to inform and strengthen the community connection between current members, alumni, parents and all those who share in our commitment for success. By learning about each other we are able to understand what is unique about each of our letters. We hope that Letters captures the pride, tradition and sense of community that have been the foundation for Greek students at Iowa State from the very beginning.

Rachel Gerdes & Ryne Dittmer Lauren Ryan & Lucas DroesslerCPC & IFC Vice Presidents of Communications CPC & IFC Vice Presidents of Marketing

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Lauren RyanCPC VP of Marketing

Α Dear Reader

Β Contacts

Γ & Δ Varieties

Ε Bulletin Board

Ζ Calendar

Η & Θ Bringing

Back Delta Upsilon

Ι Trading Spaces

Κ Greeks Groovin’

Λ EGLC

CONTENTS

Lucas Droessler

IFC VP of Marketing

Ryne Dittmer

IFC VP of Communications

Rachel GerdesCPC VP of Communications

Bethany Schafer

Colin Grace

Robin KamenjarinRhonda Delgado

Katie H. Amber Oppelt

Greek Relations Executive Council (GREC)

[email protected]

@ISUGreek

Greek Community -Iowa State University


VarietiesΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Behind a thick red curtain, an electric calm pulsates between the costumed performers. Soon enough the curtains will part, and they’ll be thrust into the erratic lights and music of the Great Hall stage. The dance moves have become second nature, their movements an automatic whirlwind of kicks and twists. The adrenaline is not just flowing, it is gushing through them. Months of practice culminate into an unforgettable experience. Once again, it’s time for Varieties. Every year, the men and women of the Greek Community prepare an elaborate performance, with costumes, singing, dancing, stage drops, jokes, and energy. “I really like how the whole performance is your own,” said Tyler Haug, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, “You write the script, work out the choreography, and write the songs. Nothing is written for you, it all becomes your own.” Fraternities and sororities pair up to put on productions and compete against one another in the limelight. Only three shows of six make it through the second round of cuts to compete in Sweeps week, a final round to determine the one show that will be declared the best. This contest brings the best out of the Greek Community, creating and cementing friendships, ingraining in its participants a new work ethic and sense of accomplishment. First year co-chair Mackenzie Hawk and member of Alpha Gamma Delta said, “After four months with your pairing, you really get to know people. It’s a lot of work, but it’s completely worth it.”

By Colin Grace


It’s not just the co-chairs and performers that are working hard. The men and women who organize the events work behind the scenes to keeping the show running. “I really think the people who organize and run this event are the reason we can continue to do this every year,” said Cam Johnson of Delta Tau Delta. Everyone has their own reason for participating in Varieties. Ryan Helling of Farmhouse said that, “Varieties is a great time and it’s when Greeks and non-Greeks alike can put together a skit with singing, dancing and live music. It’s really a great production.” Scotty Locke of Acacia elaborated by saying, “It’s cool to see the progression from our first few practices to the night of the final show, and how everyone can pull together for something this cool.” Marin Snede of Pi Beta Phi took it a step further. “It’s the best time of my life,” she exclaimed, laughing, “It’s so much fun to be together with your friends in a situation you aren’t used to and have a great time doing it.

Varieties 2011 Results First PlaceSunnyville’s Shining Pi Beta Phi, FarmHouse, Acacia, FIJI

Second PlaceThe Cricket is the Ticket Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Third PlaceGet A Clue Alpha Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Risk Management


Message from the CPC & IFC Vice Presidents of Risk Management

Jenna Fessler and Joe Hora

CPC Elise Quam and IFC Tyler Gustafson

3.16

is the active women’s average

of all 15 chapters

2.94is the active men’s average

of all 28 chapters

16 of 28fraternities were above the all men’s average.6 of 15sororities were above the allwomen’s average.

662 Greeks made Dean’s List

26%of the community


30 31292827

26252423222120

19181716151413

1211109876

54321

MARCHMen’s Rho

Gamma Training

Carver 305 9 pm - 11 pm

Kappa DeltaShamrockin’

Spaghetti Dinner

5 pm - 8 pm

Pi Kappa Alpha Pike’s Pizza9 pm - 1 am

Pi Beta PhiShake Your

Noodle 5 pm - 7 pm

Sigma PiPeanut Butter

Jelly Time9 pm - 1 amNPHC/MGC

Meet the GreeksGallery Room

MU 7 pm

Alpha Delta PiAlpha SlamBeyer Hall

10 am - 3 pm

Kappa Alpha Theta Light of Hope

Central Campus8 pm - 9 pm

EGLCPicnic in the

ParkCentral Campus

5 pm - 7:30 pm

International Badge Day

Men’s Round Table

8 pm - 9 pm Men’s Rho

Gamma Training

Carver 268 9 pm - 11 pm

Greek Alternative Spring Break Trip

Alpha Chi Omega founded at Iowa State in

1961

ACACIA founded at Iowa

State in 1909

Hazing Awareness

Hoover 20556 pm

Phi Beta Chifounded at Iowa

State in 1978

VEISHEA Service Day

Greek Week


Delta Upsilon was founded at Iowa State on December 6, 1913. With recolonizing efforts underway, undergraduates will once again join under the Delta Upsilon name like this group from the 1960s.

By Rhonda Delgato

Bringing Back Delta

Upsilon

After a three-year absence, Delta Upsilon Fraternity is expected to return to Iowa State University’s Greek Community and is doing things a little differently. The men of Delta Upsilon will once again call 117 Ash Avenue home . After the closing of their chapter in 2008, the property has seen several different owners. However, when talk stirred about the property possibly being demolished and made into a parking lot, a group of ΔΥ alumni quickly stepped in and purchased the house. “I couldn’t stand to see that house torn down, there’s just too much history there,” Jami Larson, ΔΥ Alumnus and member of the class of 1974 said. Larson has been a strong influence in helping to save the house that holds fond memories of his college experience. With the Iowa State chapter celebrating its 100th Anniversary in just three years, the house was placed on the national register of historic places. It is the only active fraternity or sorority facility on campus to have gone through such a process. When making the decision to bring the chapter back, the group decided that there are three things they needed to do different this time around. One; to have active local alumni involvement, two; have an adult live in the house, either an advisor or house mother and three; be an alcohol-free facility. The recruiting process is already underway, and it

is expected that members will have the opportunity to live-in this coming 2011 fall semester. As of now, Delta Upsilon is focusing on recruiting strong leaders, upperclassman, and highly involved individuals to help build and strengthen the organization. What will be unique to the Greek community is that the fraternity plans to share its facilities with the Entrepreneurialship and Innovation Learning Community, better known as the EILC. The co-ed organization of 20 members is currently housed in Buchanan Hall and, for years, has been interested in another type of housing situation. The EILC focuses on providing programming and social contact for a diverse group of ISU students representing many different curricula. The two organizations plan on functioning separately, though the fraternity has high hopes that the male members of EILC will eventually become members of ΔΥ. The female members will also be able to live at the fraternity though will be placed in individual or two-person suites with shared or single bathrooms on the third floor. This living style is rather different and not a setup “Greekland” has seen before. However, “the original idea of fraternities was founded on being a learning community where people’s like interests got together,” stated Larson. It is without question that one of the greatest features of being in a fraternity or sorority is that it is


For more information on Delta Upsilon’s re-colonization (including recruitment, funding, alumna support, the EILC, or a detailed list of remodeling plans), please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page at http://isudu.org or contact Jami Larson at [email protected] fraternity is hoping to open its doors during Greek Week for prospective members to tour the facility.

a life-long commitment, a place to call home, and a place to come back to as alumni. “The neatest part in doing this whole thing [in bringing ΔΥ back] is getting back together with friends I haven’t seen in 30 years. We are planning a reunion soon and even doing RAGBRAI together, where 15-20 of us will be riding across Iowa. The EILC does not have that kind of experience that the Greek [Community} does, but soon both ΔΥ and this learning community will be able say, ‘I’ll meet you at the house,” Larson expressed compassionately. The non-secret chapter is committed to building better men through their four founding principles; friendship, character, culture and justice, and their motto “A ΔΥ in everything and every ΔΥ in something”. The new colony also plans on being completely active and involved in everything the Greek Community has to offer to become just as strong as it once was. A great deal of time, energy, and money will be put into rebuilding the Delta Upsilon legacy at Iowa State, and it is with fingers crossed that its efforts will greatly be rewarded. Some exterior remodeling was completed summer 2010 – just in time for the current renters, Sigma Phi Epsilon, to reside within until their own house renovation is completed. Interior remodeling is planned to begin

May 2011, in which some major changes will be made in restoring the house back to its original charm. While the house used to hold 65 students, a demand for more space and privacy has allowed a new design to house about 40 students. The expected total cost of renovations will be between $1.5 – 1.8 million dollars. A public café will also be constructed within the facility opening up the dining room and out onto the patio, similar to that of the Campustown café Stomping Grounds. The new addition will be operated by EILC, giving members experience in learning how to run a small business as well as benefiting the general public in providing a quite place to hang-out with friends or do homework. Students could also stop by the café on their way to class for quick and affordable beverages. “We very much appreciate what the Greek Community has done for us during this process. It has made it a lot easier to come back. The Greek community is so strong right now and ΔΥ wants to remain a part of it, because we used to have all of those experiences, too. I just want to say thank you for all the Greek leaders in supporting our efforts to come back. We look forward to being involved in everything the Greek Community has to offer,” Larson said.

When discussion sparked for the men of Beta Sigma Psi and Alpha Sigma Phi fraternities to “trade” homes this summer the two chapters jumped on the opportunity immediately. Prior to the move, Beta Sigma Psi had been located at 223 Lynn Avenue and Alpha Sigma Phi at 2132 Sunset. Although it seemed impractical to simply trade homes at first, there were many reasons behind the move. The Alpha Sigma Phi chapter reorganized in January of 2010 with the hopes of recruiting enough men to keep their house on sorority circle. “Our original chapter house was for sale when they restarted their chapter, however, at the time Beta Sigma Psi had a growing capacity. They made an offer [because they] wanted a bigger home. The offer was accepted and the two chapters decided to make the switch,” Rob Vance, Alpha Sigma Phi president said. “We had been planning a renovation of our previous house for the purposes of getting a fire sprinkler system, gaining air conditioning, and increasing capacity,” Jon Baumgarten, Beta Sigma Psi president said. Baumgarten noted that when the chance to move into the current Alpha Sigma Phi house was offered, their alumni and house corporation board decided that for the good of the chapter, moving into 2132 Sunset was a smart decision. As part of Beta Sigma Psi’s plan to renovate their old home the men developed a renovation committee for their new home in order to execute their original goals in improving their living situation. The committee has raised money to continue house improvements, as well as facilitate simple projects around the house to make it more of a home.

Trading Spaces

“Initially it was very hectic moving to a new location. The moving date that was agreed upon between both chapters’ alumni was exactly one week before the start of fall semester,” Baumgarten said. This gave the men of both chapters less than a week to gather their things and start packing. “As the semester has gone on, people are starting to appreciate this house a lot more and treating it as our own home,” said Vance. “Even though we’re currently leasing through the Beta Sigma Psi property we’re treating it as it is our own home.” This quick move has given both chapters an opportunity to become closer with those near them on campus, while also keeping a focus on maintaining and enhancing relationships with those in the community that they previously lived by. Despite the hectic move, there have been few complaints about moving facilities, and thus far it seems that both chapters have found positive outcomes from trading spaces.


By Robin Kamenjarin

$264,290. That was the amount of money raised by participants of this years’ Dance Marathon event on January 22. Ever since its founding in the Spring of 1998, Dance Marathon has grown to become the largest student run philanthropy at Iowa State. Greek participation in Dance Marathon has always been strong and is still growing today. Lindsay Plagman, sister of Jenn Plagman-Galvin, Director of Greek Affairs, was part of the first executive committee of Dance Marathon on the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee. “I was always so excited to be a part of Dance Marathon as it was a great way to give back outside the Iowa State community,” Lindsay Plagman said. “I always felt that unlike other activities I was involved in, there was so much more satisfaction in Dance Marathon because of the ability to help the lives of young cancer victims and their families.” The high level of Greek involvement in Dance Marathon has not changed over the years. The Greek students at Iowa State are consistently among the highest money raisers for the cause. This year, Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity raised more money than any other chapter, $5,188.38 and $8,350, respectively, not including those chapter members who were part of committees. Szuyin Leow, member of Pi Beta Phi and incoming co-director of Dance Marathon 2012, said that her favorite thing about Dance Marathon was the passion that stems from getting involved. “It is a truly amazing experience to work and collaborate with these amazing people as we all work towards the common goal of making miracles possible for the kids,” she said. Nick Anderson, member of Delta Tau Delta and outgoing co-director of Dance Marathon 2011, reflected on his four years participating with Dance Marathon. “It is remarkable to see the impact that a group of students can make on the lives of so many families in Iowa when they work together,” he said. “Dance Marathon does not only change the lives of the people we support, but for the participants as well.”

DM 2011 Executive

Officers were members of Greek chapters

Greeks Groovin’for the Kids

14 16/

By Katie H.


Emerging Greek Leadership Council

Mike Rager Graduate Advisor

Bobby Schmid & Lindsay Altmann Vice Presidents of Membership Development

Clayton Long & Caine Westergard Co-Presidents

Kaesha Baloch & Katie BrownCommunity Service and Philanthropy

Anthony Schimek & Greg Vose Event Management

Derek Huser & Thomas McGee Professional Development

Sara Greer & Kat Menard Public Relations

Molly Bryant Secretary

Megan Jensen & Tory Kalousek Social

Austin Anderson, Jake Eldridge & Barbara McFee Sponsorship

The Emerging Greek Leadership Council, also knownat EGLC, is an honorable council for new members of the Greek Community to establish their leadership skills by working together to make Iowa State a better place. Out of 60 applicants, only 14 new members were chosen to serve on the council. Each member of EGLC has their own position on the council along with their own part in preparing for their events including their fall philanthropy Watermelon Fest. EGLC meets once a week at different chapters of the Greek Community and is lead by the presidents

of the council, Clayton Long and Caine Westergard. “Everybody has an opportunity to speak because of our Presidents’ strong leadership skills. They really stress that everything is structured and reassures us that we are all leaders,” Kaesha Baloch said. Some of their upcoming goals for the year are to locally donate to make a difference in the community. They also want to focus on promoting EGLC as a more serious organization, compared to how it was previously known, Junior Greek Leadership Council.

Members of EGLC shovel snow off of a roof at the Wesley Woods Camp in Indianola, Iowa as part of their community service project during their retreat on January 13-14.

Meet EGLC 2011

By Bethany Schafer


Emerging Greek Leadership Council

By Bethany Schafer

The Greek Relations Executive Council is seeking your input!

Send your story ideas about your chapter’s news, notable alumni and current members for inclusion in one of our publications this semester. We are also looking to include any information on upcoming philanthropies and events you’d like placed on our calendar in each issue of Letters. Finally, we encourage you to send in high quality pictures from your chapter events as they happen throughout the semester.

This is your chance to showcase your chapter to the Iowa State University campus, and parent, alumni and support groups for the Greek Community.

Send all submissions to [email protected].

Letters Volume One Issue One

Documents

Transcript of Letters Volume One Issue One