It's time to "Get Your Greek On."
The 2001 Greek Week festivities aim to both increase awareness of the Greek community, especially among freshmen and potential rushees, and bring Greeks together through different events and fundraisers.
"It's just been a really successful Greek Week so far," said Greek Week Co-Chairwoman Jasmin Rosenberg, a College senior.
The week kicked off Sunday with a three-on-three co-ed basketball tournament at Hutchinson Gym. Greek organizations held a different event each day, ranging from Meet the Greeks, with tables on Locust Walk, to various fundraisers for the Panhellenic Council and InterFraternity Council charities -- the Rena Rowen Breast Cancer Center and the Penn Cancer Center's testicular and prostate cancer programs, respectively.
Freshmen seemed to have mixed reactions to Greek Week. Many had seen flyers for the events, but many said they were not interested in getting involved right away.
"We've heard about the [Greek system]," College freshman Julia Fish said. "But mostly for guys, not for girls."
"I don't have that much of an active interest at this time, but that could change," she added.
Some had never even heard of Greek Week. College freshman Eric Steichen asked, "This is Greek Week?"
John Koffmann, also a College freshman, said that although he knew about Greek Week, he hadn't had time to attend the events.
"They come around and give out free food, but I just haven't had the chance the last few days," he said.
On the other hand, some freshmen have gotten very involved in Greek Week events.
"I went to [Meet the Greeks] on Locust Walk and [sororities] came by my room," College freshman Alexis Taylor said. "The girls that came by my room seemed really nice. I signed up for the breast cancer run, and [so did] my roommate."
Wharton freshman Kraig Tuber also said he had noticed Greek Week events and gone to some fraternity open houses and Greek parties.
"Some kids don't like [the Greek system], but I don't really have a problem with it," he said.
"Everyday, they're coming around to the dorms to give out flyers," he added.
This week provided a forum other than "dorm-storming" for Greeks to promote themselves. On Monday, fraternities and sororities set up tables loaded with Greek paraphernalia on Locust Walk so Penn students could "Meet the Greeks."
Both sororities and fraternities wanted to increase their presence on campus through this event.
"Things are going well," said Eddie Safille, a member of Sigma Pi, a fraternity trying to start up at Penn. "We're just trying to get our own name out there."
"We're going to be the newest frat on campus," the Engineering sophomore added. "We're looking to get chartered next semester, and we're looking for a few good men."
Sororities also said they were trying to increase awareness of the Greek system.
"We're just letting people know we're out there... especially freshmen girls," Sigma Delta Tau sister Emily Blumenthal said.
Some fraternities expressed similar sentiments about students not coming directly to talk to their members, but were not concerned.
"We never get a huge flux at the table, but we're doing pretty well," said Delta Upsilon member Matthew Girgenti, who offered free hot dogs to passersby.
Both Panhel and the IFC held fundraisers as part of Greek Week. The IFC sponsored "Greeks Invade the Blarney Stone" on Tuesday night, while Panhel sponsored a coffeehouse at the new Kappa Alpha Theta house last night.
At the Blarney Stone, the IFC held a raffle for prizes, including a weekend in Atlantic City and a jersey of three-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, to raise funds for the Penn Cancer Center.
"We had a really great turnout considering it was a Tuesday night and people have exams," IFC President Mark Zimring said.
"One of the things we really try to promote is to get people together socially and fundraise for worthy causes," the College senior added.
Panhel executive board members said they were also pleased by their coffeehouse, which raised a total of $475 to be split between the Penn Cancer Center and the Rena Rowan Breast Cancer Center.
"It's really nice that we can put together a non-alcoholic event for the campus while simultaneously raising money for our charities," said Panhel Executive Vice President Carrie Reilly, a Wharton senior.
Admission was $3 for coffee, refreshments and performances by groups like Chord on Blues, Counterparts and Arts House Dance. The Theta house was filled with people all evening, and it was standing room only at times.
Tonight, Panhel will throw an all-Panhellenic party downtown at Chrome, and Greek Week will culminate with the Rena Rowan Ribbon Run on Sunday.
