Greek community honored at banquet

Members of the University's Greek community gathered at the Penn Tower Hotel last night to honor the outstanding achievements of the various chapters and individuals over the past year. The annual Greek Awards Banquet began with short speeches by the former presidents of the InterFraternity Council, the BiCultural InterGreek Council and the Panhellenic Council. Each gave their views on the mission and importance of fraternities and sororities in University life. "The Greek system's greatest strength is a unified voice," said former Panhel President Suzanne Rosenberg. Former IFC President Hayden Horowitz commented on the importance of academic achievement in maintaining the Greek system. "As long as we continue our pursuit of academic excellence, then we truly have a place in the social and academic life in this university," he said. And former Big-C president Wayne Wilson spoke about what he characterized as the vital role of the Greek system in University life. "We are potentially the moral of what campus life is all about," he said. Order of Omega awards were then given out to those fraternities and sororities whose chapters were considered to have improved over the course of the year. Tau Epsilon Phi won for Most Improved IFC Fraternity, Pi Beta Phi for Most Improved Panhel Sorority and Alpha Phi Alpha received the award for Most Improved Big-C Organization. The Award of Excellence for sorority chapters went to Chi Omega. Tau Epsilon Phi won the honor for best IFC chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha won the Big-C Organization award. The Order of Omega Award for Outstanding Administrator went to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. Individual Greek Alumni Awards were also given in such categories as Community Leadership and Service and Charitable Activities. College of General Studies student and Alpha Kappa Alpha President Brynee Gandy commented on the event's meaning both to herself and her sorority. "I believe this event is important because students are congratulated for their efforts," she added. "We don't do what we do to receive awards, but it's nice to know that what we do is appreciated." AKA Alumni adviser Jeannette Gillison, an elementary school teacher, warmly praised the involvement of fraternities and sororities in community service. "I am happy they are branching more [into] the West Philadelphia area," she commented. "I think it's most important that they have a strong connection."