Greek Gazette - Morehead State University

MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY
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GAZETTE
SUMMER 2015
Greek Gazette
Summer 2015 Issue
Table of Contents
From the Office of Greek Life.................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Interfraternity Council (IFC)....................................................................................................................................................................4
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)................................................................................................................................................ 5
Panhellenic Council................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Points of Pride...........................................................................................................................................................................................7
Announcements & Reminders.............................................................................................................................................................. 11
From the Office of Greek Life
Mission, Vision & Core Values
Vision:
We strive to develop a Greek community that empowers individuals to make values-based decisions, learn tangible skills and contribute to
the betterment of campus life and the global community.
Mission:
The Office of Greek Life will enhance the quality of student life at Morehead State University by promoting and creating educational
leadership opportunities with purposeful and intentional development of Greek men and women.
We are committed to the fulfillment of the following core values:
•
Accountability
•
Diversity
•
Education
•
Integrity
•
Interconnectedness
•
Leadership
•
Mutual Respect
2 | Greek Gazette - Summer 2015
Congratulations to our Greek Awards recipients!
Outstanding Alumni Relations
Theta Chi
Outstanding Collaborative Programming
J.B. Blakeman Memorial Golf Scramble, Chi Omega & Sigma Phi Epsilon
Ruckus at the Rec, Pi Kappa Phi, MSU Recreation & Wellness
Outstanding Educational Programming
Mocktails, Delta Zeta
Outstanding Scholarship Program
Delta Zeta
Spring 2014 Academic Excellence
Gamma Phi Beta
(Highest GPA)
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Fall 2014 Academic Excellence
Kappa Delta
(Highest GPA)
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Outstanding Community Service Project
Hope Hill Youth Services, Chi Omega
Horizon Village, Pi Kappa Phi
Outstanding Philanthropy Project
Follies, Chi Omega
The Gammies, Gamma Phi Beta
Most Improved Chapter
Delta Zeta
IFC Fraternity of the Year
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Panhellenic Sorority of the Year
Chi Omega
Chapter of the Year
Chi Omega
IFC Man of the Year
Brad Fyffe, Delta Tau Delta
Panhellenic Woman of the Year
Molly Flanagan, Kappa Delta
NPHC Person of the Year
LaQuadra Burnett, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Greek Person of the Year
Brad Fyffe, Delta Tau Delta
Fraternity New Member of the Year
Joel Wardle, Delta Tau Delta
Sorority New Member of the Year
Hanna Conley, Kappa Delta
Martin Huffman Advisor of the Year
Ramona Gardner, Chi Omega
Faculty Member of the Year
Dr. Janet Ratliff
Collin Thomas Scholarship Recipient
Randall Roof, Pi Kappa Phi
Drew McKinney Fraternal Spirit Award
Chase Johnson, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Panhellenic Spirit Award
Kristen Stringer, Gamma Phi Beta
www.moreheadstate.edu/greek | 3
Greek housing returning to MSU
By Orrin Stivers
After more than 12 years, the Intrafraternity Council is pleased to announce that Greek floors will be returning to Nunn Hall in Fall 2016. Thanks to the
hard work of Panhellenic, NPHC and IFC, this pipe dream was able to become a reality. A Greek Housing Task Force committee was established with
the sole purpose of returning Greek floors to campus.
Along with Greek floors returning to campus, a three-credit-hour course titled “Fraternal Leadership” will be offered to the Greek community next fall.
Details will be finalized in the coming months.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
Midnight Breakfast
By Orrin Stivers
IFC, Panhellenic and NPHC came together with Dining Services to host the Midnight
Breakfast here on campus. At this event, students enjoyed a breakfast buffet while relieving
some stress from finals week. Students had the opportunity to play games and win individual
prizes. But the highlight of the event was thanks to athletic coaches, members in the Greek
community, and our own Greek advisor Shante Hearst. We were able to raise $310 for Coach
Mullins and his family. Sadly, Coach Mullins passed away days later due to his battle with
lung cancer. We ask that you keep the Mullins family in your thoughts and prayers during their
time of need. PanHellenic, NPHC and IFC look forward to pairing with Dining Services again
this fall for the annual Midnight Breakfast!
Morehead State welcomes Alpha Sigma Phi
By JD Cook
Morehead State University officially welcomed the Eta Chi colony of Alpha Sigma Phi in hopes of becoming the ninth recognized chapter of the
Interfraternity Council. In late April, the first founding father class of 28 men was initiated. We are doing well and are successfully completing our
milestones in hopes of chartering next semester!
A loving hand
By Steve Boemker
We, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), were sorry to hear about the tragic and unfortunate loss that Parker Gasparsac (10) of Pi Kappa Alpha suffered
in a house fire. Though we don’t all wear the same letters, we come from the same Eagle Nation at Morehead State University. IFC always tries to
engage, reach out and help our alumni as much as we can in their time of need. Collectively, we made a donation of $200 to help the Gasparsac family
rebuild and recover from this recent tragedy.
4 | Greek Gazette - Summer 2015
Honoring Chief Petty Officer
Collin Thomas (97)
Earlier this semester, the Interfraternity Council successfully established a scholarship in memory
of honored veteran Chief Petty Officer Collin Thomas (97) and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon,
who was killed in combat in August 2010 while saving the life of his comrade. At MSU, Thomas
actively served as a leader in the fraternal community as an IFC delegate. His hard work and
dedication transitioned into his leadership within MSU’s ROTC program. He was selected for the
prestigious Navy Seal training program and proudly led several missions for his country.
Candidates for the $250 Collin Thomas Scholarship must be an active fraternity man and IFC
delegate with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The scholarship recipient must exemplify the ideals
of academic achievement, respect to all members of the fraternal community and demonstrate a
commitment to improving the fraternal community by being actively involved in the council.
The recipient of this year’s Collin Thomas Scholarship award was Randall Roof, Pi Kappa Phi.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
(NPHC)
Reactivating Delta Pi
By Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Deion Dornal is a sophomore majoring in business, entrepreneurship
and small business. She is the president of the Black Student Union,
participated in a alternative spring break providing community service in
New Orleans, and is a member of the College of Business and Public
Affair’s student advisory board. Dornal is the current president of the
Delta Pi chapter of Zeta Pi Beta Sorority Inc. Lalah Ware is a sophomore majoring in vocal music education with
a minor in dance. She is very active around campus and is a part of
the organizations DREAMS, Much More to Me and the Black Gospel
Ensemble. Mone’t Grady is a sophomore majoring in middle school and special
education. She is a part of the Get Smart program as well as the Black
Gospel Ensemble. Grady is the current vice president of the Delta Pi
The Delta Pi chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., on Morehead State
chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. University’s campus re-chartered the chapter on April 12, 2015, after
One of the Spring 2015 Delta Pi members, Bridget Key, graduated
more than 10 years of being inactive. The Delta Pi chapter Spring
this May with a bachelor’s degree in social work and plans to attend
2015 charter members are Bridget Key, Deion Dornal, Lalah Ware
graduate school. Key served as the president of the Delta Pi chapter
and Mone’t Grady. To honor Delta Pi’s original charter date, April 26,
before graduating. Delta Pi is sad that she is leaving but very proud of
1997, Delta Pi volunteered at a soup kitchen near campus where
her accomplishments and wishes her the best. She plans to be very
all members helped clean, prepare and serve food. Delta Pi also
active in the growth of her sorority.
participated in Build-a-Bed with other NPHC organizations. www.moreheadstate.edu/greek | 5
A successful joint NPHC retreat
By Ebonique Griffin
This year MSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosted a joint
and our co-workers. We took the DISC personality assessment to
retreat with students from Marshall University and Western Kentucky
scale our Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance in work
University. This was a time for all the organizations in NPHC to come
environments. This gave us the opportunity to learn how to program
together to resolve differences, have fun and learn more about being an
in our organizations separately and as a council. This later led to a
active member in the council.
conversation about getting involved with regional/national leadership as
The retreat started with ice breakers for everyone to get to know each
collegiates.
other. We then divided into smaller groups composed of different
Taunya Jones, MSU’s special events planning manager and member of
organizations and created chants that described our best qualities. This
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., taught us the importance of sisterhood
was the most difficult ice breaker but it was also the most beneficial.
in a breakout session for all of the ladies in attendance. Dr. Foster led
It showed us that even in different organizations, our members hold a
the session for all of the gentlemen. Ultimately, it was expressed that
lot of the same values and qualities. The first session was facilitated
even though we are in different organizations, we are all part of one
by Dr. Lloren Foster, professor of African-American studies at Western
Greek family. We share common goals and deal with similar issues on a
Kentucky University and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He
day-to-day basis. This is why our bonds should be strong.
taught us the importance of advisors. Without the help of our advisors,
we wouldn’t be able to function. This includes campus advisors who
After it was all said and done, bonds were made amongst the
may or may not be Greek themselves.
organizations and between the different campuses. The bonds built
Dawn Offutt, Kentucky State Coordinator and member of Delta Sigma
retreat, it was phenomenal. As we grow in numbers and knowledge, we
Theta Sorority Inc., taught us the importance of knowing ourselves
plan to have another fantastic retreat in the future.
that day can never be broken. Though it was our first time hosting the
Delta Sigma Theta celebrates 45 Years of excellence
By Daveda Asberry
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Eta Omicron chapter, was the first black Greek-letter organization at Morehead State University and celebrates
45 years of excellence. The “Oh So Excellent” Eta Omicron chapter was chartered May 9, 1970, by 17 extraordinary young women.
Since the chapter’s reactivation in the Fall 2013 semester, Eta
Omicron has had the highest cumulative grade point average of
the NPHC organizations and are ranked in the top five amongst
all Greek letter organizations (IFC, NPHC and PHC). They have
also sponsored a number of successful programs including:
DiSTinguished Beauty in Me, #LoveIsLouder, Delta Week, R.E.A.L.
Love, Diabetes Awareness and World AIDS Day Awareness. Eta
Omicron has completed several hours of community service as a
chapter and as individual members.
They are excited to welcome alumni, family and friends to the
45th anniversary celebration in October. More information is
forthcoming. To ensure that you are included in any mailings
regarding the celebration, please email the Eta Omicron chapter at
dst_etaomicron@yahoo.com.
6 | Greek Gazette - Summer 2015
Homecoming festivities
By KyVonne Lackey
Homecoming 2015 is a big event for NPHC! With the reactivation of three chapters since the last homecoming, NPHC is excited to welcome back
alumni members of the Divine Nine. Some of the events for homecoming will include:
• Alumni Luncheon
Oct. 9, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (ADUC) • NPHC Step Show
Oct. 9, 7 p.m. (Button Auditorium) • Homecoming Tailgate
Oct. 10, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Eagle Rally Zone, near Jayne Stadium)
Panhellenic Council (PHC)
PHC recognized for Academic Excellence by NPC
By Sierra Goldy
​The Panhellenic community at Morehead State received recognition from the National Panhellenic Conference for its academic excellence. Our
community received an award because the all-sorority GPA was higher than the all-women’s GPA. In the Spring 2014 semester, the all-sorority GPA
was 3.246, while the all-women’s GPA was 3.101. In the Fall 2014 semester, the all-sorority GPA was 3.284, while the all-women’s GPA was 3.088.
Panhellenic decided to participate in the NPC’s Academic Excellence Challenge to raise our all-sorority GPA by .1 by unanimous vote. The Panhellenic
community takes pride in our academics and we gladly chose to participate to not only challenge all of our women, but to better ourselves and receive
recognition for doing something so amazing. We look forward to keeping everyone updated on our future academic successes! Chapter Points of Pride
Wishes come true with Chi Omega Follies
By Alex James & Arin Oldfield
The Epsilon Theta chapter of Chi Omega had another record breaking year raising over $8,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and our Wish Child.
In November, we hosted our annual philanthropy project called Chi Omega Follies. For over 32 years, Follies has become the biggest
and longest running campus-wide event where many campus organizations
perform dance routines to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
This year we raised $6,300 at Follies alone. Additional monies were raised
through donations and a spaghetti dinner held in late April.
As a result of all these efforts, Epsilon Theta was able to grant the wishes
of two Wish Children. One Wish Child was a four-year-old girl named Hazel
from Grayson, Kentucky. Hazel was diagnosed at birth with a rare genetic
condition that affects many areas of the body including the heart. Her wish
was to go to Walt Disney World to meet all of the Disney princesses that she
read about and had seen in movies. We were especially excited to grant the
wish of Hazel!
www.moreheadstate.edu/greek | 7
Kappa Sigma on the rise
By Daniel Edie
Kappa Sigma had another successful spring philanthropy week and raised over $900 for the Fischer
House Foundation. The chapter also participated in the national program “Day of Service.” This is
a day where Kappa Sigma men from the U.S. and Canada participate in several community service
projects. Nu-Theta participated by volunteering at Christian Social Services and Horizon Village in
addition to a campus, road and city park cleanup. The chapter also took part in a campus cleanup
effort with the Morehead State Football team and other Greek organizations on Sunday, April 26.
This Nu-Theta chapter of Kappa Sigma has had the opportunity to send an initiation team to both
the Tau-Kappa (Indiana State Southeast) and Tau-Nu (Marshall University) initiations of Kappa
Sigma fraternity and looks forward to more opportunities as such in the future. Lastly, the chapter
would like to congratulate its new ECs for the 2015-16 school year: Grand Master Victor Kremser,
Grand Procurator Derrick Hurst, Grand Master of Ceremonies Aaron Hull, Grand Treasurer Conner
Holleran and Grand Scribe Daniel Edie.
Delta Sigma Theta declares that #LoveIsLouder
By Daveda Asberry
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Eta Omicron chapter, was the recipient of the only SEED Grant award in Kentucky during the 2014-15 fiscal year.
This grant allowed them to host a program that introduced the #LoveIsLouder movement to their campus. #LoveIsLouder was started by the JED
Foundation, MTV and Brittany Snow to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood or alone. Essentially, it’s a movement to prevent suicide and
depression.
On March 26, 2015, the Eta Omicron chapter partnered with ALLYance (an LGBT student group) and the University’s suicide prevention coordinator to
host the #LoveIsLouder program. The suicide prevention coordinator gave a keynote address outlining who to talk to, what warning signs to look for in
an effort to prevent suicide and depression, and ways to show people that their love is loud.
The coordinator also facilitated an activity called “Cross
the Line,” where program participants would cross a
line of tape if a statement that was read related to them.
Participants were only asked to identify with statements
they related to and this activity helped illustrate that
people are not alone and have often gone through similar
experiences.
Following the “Cross the Line” activity and small group
discussions, participants were asked to finish the
following statement and create a mantra or identify a
quote to reinforce this statement: “I have to remember that
#LoveIsLouder than ...” We had several brave volunteers read
their statement or mantra for a video project that was put
together to promote suicide prevention. The members had
a great time introducing a new way to make education on
suicide and depression fun and engaging!
If you wish to learn more about the #LoveIsLouder movement
and wish to join it, you can visit www.loveislouder.com.
8 | Greek Gazette - Summer 2015
Rah Rah Delta Tau!
By Adam Abbott
The mission statement of Delta Tau Delta is “Committed to Lives of
Philanthropy and community service are of the highest importance
Excellence.” Indeed, nobody joins our chapter without demonstrating
to Delta Tau Delta, Zeta Zeta. During the 2014-15 academic year, Zeta
an embodiment of this value. Our chapter is dedicated to developing
Zeta raised approximately $1,900 that directly benefited the Juvenile
the potential for greatness that we see in each young man during
Diabetes Research Foundation. Zeta Zeta also had a very successful
recruitment. Therefore, we are confident that no alumnus of Delta Tau
year in its community service efforts. A chapter total of over 2,100
Delta lives anything but a life of excellence. We believe each member
community service hours was recorded for the 2014-15 academic year.
of Zeta Zeta demonstrates our commitment, our distinctiveness, and
the many reasons why the Zeta Zeta Chapter here at Morehead State
University has potential to be in the Top 25 Delta Tau Delta chapters
Academic achievement is the primary obligation of every Delt. During
Fall 2014, 21 brothers were named to their respective Dean’s List. The
nationwide.
same results or higher are in store for Spring 2015. Zeta Zeta maintains
Over the past year, 21 members of Zeta Zeta were involved in other
members toward academic excellence.
organizations either on campus or in the community. The organizations
or community groups with Zeta Zeta involvement are: Societas Pro
Legibus, Student Government Association, Interfraternal Council,
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Beta Gamma Sigma, Order of
Omega, Psi Lambda, Phi Eta Sigma, Newman Center, Board of Regents,
Alumni Board of Directors, College Democrats, ROTC, Raider Company,
Ranger Challenge, MSU Varsity Tennis Team, MSU Football Team,
Morehead Fire Department, Maloneton Fire Department, Phi Theta
Kappa Honors Society, Phi Beta Lambda, Academic Honors Program,
College Republicans, Rho Epsilon, and Student Disciplinary Committee.
a higher standard than what is required by the IFC and pushes its
Having a brief overview inside the past year of Zeta Zeta above, the
chapter as a whole has intentions to go above and beyond these
efforts in the upcoming year, beginning with growth in both quality
and quantity with Fall 2015 recruitment. The brothers of Zeta Zeta are
looking forward to involvement with all campus organizations in the
upcoming school year. We will be reaching out to you in collaboration
efforts within the community and on campus and we encourage you to
do the same with us.
RAH RAH DELTA TAU!
Recruitment is a paramount obligation of each member of Delta Tau
Delta. Throughout 2014 and 2015, recruitment strategies were taught
through specialized recruitment workshops. The success of these
aforementioned strategies was evident in both Fall 2014 and Spring
2015. In the fall, 31 men were extended bids and 29 members initiated
— a new chapter record. In the spring, seven men were extended
bids and six members were
initiated. While these numbers
were eye-catching to the
national fraternity, the Zeta
Zeta chapter plans to make an
impact on campus once again
with recruitment in Fall 2015.
www.moreheadstate.edu/greek | 9
Pi Kappa Phi believes in being
leaders of Service
By Garrett Creech
In Spring 2015 the Delta Eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi portrayed service in many
different ways. Throughout the semester, the chapter attended Horizon Village, our
local community outreach program that is an assisted living home for adults. At
Horizon we did interactive events with the residents such as karaoke, cookouts, pizza
parties and holiday-themed activities like making Valentines Day cards with Delta
Gamma. We were also able to take some of the residents out to a Morehead State
Men’s Basketball game against SIU-Edwardsville.
During Greek Week, at the semester at the Greek Awards, the chapter was fortunate enough to receive multiple awards of recognition. The awards
the chapter received were Collaborative Programming Award (Ruckus at The Rec!) and Community Service Project Award (Horizon Village).
To top off an eventful semester, the chapter initiated three associate members. Those members are Tyler Maynard, Brandon Hutchinson and
CJ Phillips. We are excited for what these new members will contribute to the chapter.
We are looking forward to a very fun and exciting fall!
A great year for Delta Zeta
By Jenna Slone
During our “I Have a Choice Week,” our chapter hosted a ‘20s-themed
alcohol awareness event called “Mocktails: Prohibition in Pearls,” in
which we provided guests information about alcohol abuse. The chapter
held a “mocktails” contest where the guests could enter a non-alcoholic
mixed drink that they made using resources provided by our chapter at the
event. This event was enjoyable not only for the chapter but the guests in
attendance. It served as an important reminder that fun can definitely be had
in a safe manner.
Our largest philanthropy event, a lip-sync competition called “Great
Pretenders,” was extremely well received on campus. We raised just under
$4,000 for the Painted Turtle Camp. While this event was extremely fun for
many organizations on campus, it was also an opportunity for our organization
to inform our campus about our philanthropy by including a short video about
the Painted Turtle Camp, a summer camp for children with disabilities or
illnesses. Putting on this event requires a lot of hard work from our chapter
and all those groups that had acts in the show. However, our chapter could
not have been more thrilled at how much money we were able to raise for the
camp. We are extremely thankful for everyone who came out to watch and those who participated.
As we wrapped up this semester, our chapter was also honored to receive multiple awards during our Greek Awards. We have been striving to
constantly improve ourselves and that hard work was recognized. Our chapter was awarded Best Academic Program and Most Improved Chapter for
our campus.
We are so excited that many of our events have been well received on campus and we hope to continue to sponsor great events that engage the
community of Morehead State and support our philanthropies. We hope to see you out next semester at our first philanthropy event, “A Kick in the
Grass,” a kickball tournament which will be held on Sept. 15.
10 | Greek Gazette - Summer 2015
Announcements
& Reminders
• Aug. 26
Risk Management Meeting, 5 p.m. (Button Auditorium)
• Aug. 26
Greek Convocation, 7:30 p.m. (Button Auditorium)
• Aug. 29
New Member Orientation, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (ADUC)
• Sept. 18
Annual Org. Registration Deadline
• Sept. 18 & 19
Family Weekend
• Oct. 5 - 11
Homecoming Week
www.moreheadstate.edu/greek | 11
www.moreheadstate.edu/greek
12 | Greek Gazette - Summer 2015