A little rainfall could hardly dampen the celebratory spirit surrounding the Greek Alumni Council Awards ceremony last night.
Nearly 200 members of the Greek community attended the annual event, which recognizes outstanding leaders and chapters.
"The fraternity/sorority system is so often portrayed in a negative light that does little to debunk the myths and stereotypes depicted in the movies Animal House and [National Lampoon's] Van Wilder," said Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski, who said the ceremony is among his favorite events of the year.
"We get to really shine a light on some of the amazing things that Penn's fraternities accomplish, particularly in the areas of academic achievement, community service, alumni relations, recruitment and new member education, and overall excellence," Reikofski added.
Outgoing presidents Jerryanne Heath of the Bicultural InterGreek Council, Elizabeth Kimmelman of the Panhellenic Council and Seth Cohen of the InterFraternity Council -- in addition to several other members of the Greek community -- were presented with the Outstanding Greek Leader awards.
"It was really great to have some positive recognition for all the wonderful things that the Greeks are doing," Heath said. "The recipients of the Outstanding Greek Leader awards ... it was really great to see them recognized because they are leaders in several capacities on campus."
The Helen Berkowitz Award for Overall Excellence went to Sigma Kappa sorority, while Alpha Chi Omega was the runner-up.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. took home the Sadie T. Alexander Award, with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. as the runner-up.
The Crawford Madeira Cup was awarded to Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. Phi Sigma Kappa was the runner-up.
"I'm really proud of the house," said Tavis Morello, Phi Kappa Sigma president and a College and Wharton junior. "I think we've come a long way, and it's really great to have the support of other Greek leaders and of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs."
The chapter awards were especially significant in the Greek system -- an organization that places high priority on community.
"Honestly, winning the award for the best fraternity means much more than any individual accolades," IFC President and Phi Kappa Sigma brother Conor O'Callaghan said.
Other awards also presented at the ceremony included the Administrator of the Year Award and the Merv Sluizer Outstanding Alumni Adviser Award.
Unity seemed to be a common theme for the night.
"I think it's just a wonderful chance for Greeks to get together and celebrate all that they've accomplished and all that they hope to do in the future," Panhel President Erica Shmerler said.
O'Callaghan agreed.
"I think the Greek Awards ceremony is an excellent opportunity to showcase the positive aspects of Greek life, which often go unrecognized," O'Callaghan said.
