Leaders in the Greek community gathered Thursday night at the Sheraton Hotel at 36th and Chestnut streets for the annual Greek Awards ceremony, an opportunity to recognize the contribution of chapters and individuals in the Greek community.
According to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski, the awards are an opportunity to provide “positive reinforcement” for fraternities and sororities and to “recognize chapters that go above and beyond” in the community.
Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi and Phi Kappa Psi were awarded Outstanding Chapter Awards in the Multicultural Greek Council, Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council, respectively.
Delta Delta Delta was also recognized by a Special Accomplishments Award for the success of “Reflections,” a program to encourage positive body image among women, as well as their “Fat Talk Free Week.”
Administrator of the Year was awarded to Sharon Smith, director of student intervention services in the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life.
According to Reikofski, Smith was “phenomenally understanding and supportive” in “a particularly tough year” for the Greek community. Reikofski praised Smith’s sensitive approach and meticulous follow-up during the meningitis outbreak last spring and the student deaths within the Greek community last fall.
“I think it brings people back in check,” said Alpha Phi President and Nursing junior Sarah Poirier, whose sorority won the Helen Berkowitz Award for Overall Excellence for the third consecutive year. “It gives people the recognition they deserve.”
According to Delta Sigma Theta President and College junior Jacqueline Faison, it was “inspiring” to hear about the achievements of other chapters in the introductions before the awards. However, she said, “it would definitely be beneficial to have a best-practice workshop or seminar” for chapters to share ideas.
Faison added that she felt there was a “misunderstanding” about Greek life in the University community. “They don’t know about the philanthropy, mentoring, community service and sisterhood that we have,” she said. “They think it’s all about the partying.”
Panhel Advisor Stacy Kraus also identified the need for “avenues for sharing” accomplishments within the Greek community. According to Kraus, the outcome of the Greek Awards are based on chapter reports.
“We try to give chapters feedback so they know how to improve,” she said.
