On Tuesday, March 27, fraternities and sororities on Wittenberg’s campus gathered to show appreciation to faculty and staff who were nominated by the Greek organizations. These staff were nominated because they are seen as staff that inspire and build confidence within the Greek community.
The faculty, staff and some members from each Greek organization were gifted with a dinner and some insights to what Greek life on Wittenberg’s campus consists of.
Wonderful speeches were given by both the Panhellenic and Inter-Fraternity Council’s presidents Isabella Wagner, ‘19, and Troy Boucher, ‘19, as well as IFC’s Philanthropy delegate, Ross Angelo, ‘20,and Public-Relations of both organizations, Alivia Livesay, ‘19, and Charles Samuels, ‘19.
Some of the honored staff were education professors Amy McGuffey and Brian Yontz, Associate Dean of Student Success Jon Duraj and Pastor Rachel Tune, amongst others. The keynote speaker was Gary Williams, Director of Athletics and Recreation. His speech not only inspired but also encouraged and challenged members of the Greek Community.
“Dikaia Upotheke: Justice our Foundation” was the Greek motto that Williams himself gained the opportunity to live by when he joined Delta Upsilon.
As each Greek organization holds their own values dear, Williams explains that these mottos make each separate Greek organization unique, yet at the same time it brings the whole Greek community together.
Greeks across the nation have fallen victim to stereotypes, however, just as many before us have, Wittenberg’s Greek community is rising against the common assumptions that belittle the bonds that form among members. The intensive drinking, house crawls, hazing and paying for your friends are a few reasons to not go Greek, yet 45 percent of Wittenberg students have still gone through recruitment and decided to join a Greek community. Sorority women and fraternity men continue to hold higher GPA averages than their respective non-Greek counterparts. At Wittenberg, Greek students gather cans to support Springfield’s Second Harvest Food Bank. Greek students raise funds for their own respective philanthropic organizations, and continue to put time and energy into volunteering at local sites. Greek students live by their own respective motto’s on a daily basis.
Williams asked attendees: “If you were backed into a corner, how would you respond? Would your family and friends be able to defend you?”
Does your organization’s values show through your lifestyle? Are you striving to encourage others, promote character, produce spiritual and emotional growth and confidence, being led by truth and justice?
Williams wrapped his speech up with his promise to live by his motto “Justice our Foundation” and asked his audience to think about what their promise is.
For me, I promise to strive for what is honorable, beautiful and highest.
