The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council are joining forces to host yet another fall Greek Week in celebration of Penn’s vibrant Greek community.
Leaders in Greek life hope the series of events will attract many affiliated students as well as create a positive image for those who are unaffiliated or new to the Greek system.
Greek Week commenced Tuesday with a blood drive held in Houston Hall, followed by the Greek Week Academic Bowl, hosted by Hikaru Kozuma, the executive director of the Office of Student Affairs. A spread of hummus, pita bread and salad was offered to all trivia participants while free Greek Squad T-shirts were distributed to those donning letters.
“We decided to subsidize the shirts this year and give everyone the opportunity to have a Greek Week shirt,” Brooke Patkin, College senior and executive vice president of Panhel, wrote in an e-mail.
“We thought free shirts would also be great publicity for the events!” she added.
Despite the many incentives for students to participate — free food, T-shirts and prizes including a high-definition TV set — many students said they were there simply to support their organization.
College sophomore and Chi Omega sister Katie Kim said she wanted to participate in the Academic Bowl to represent her sorority, as well as get a “break from studies.”
In the same vein, Jared Hester, an Alpha Chi Rho brother and Engineering senior, participated in the Academic Bowl to further support his brotherhood. The Bowl is a “test of our academic wit and merit,” he said.
Tuesday’s events will be followed by “Meet the Greeks,” which will be held today from 12 to 4 p.m. The event will allow organizations to set up tables and advertise on Locust Walk.
Open to all on the Walk, Meet the Greeks will give organizations the opportunity to attract new members.
“It’s a great way for fraternities to gain exposure outside of traditional means,” Wharton senior and IFC President Christian Lunoe said.
Patkin agreed, writing that Meet the Greeks “will give the university community the opportunity to learn all about individual organizations events, philanthropy and see our strong presence on campus!”
“We think it’ll be a great addition to the week,” she added.
Other notable Greek Week events include the Faculty Tea and the Rena Rowan Ribbon Run. Occuring once per semester, the tea will be held at the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) chapter house Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and will feature free Artisserie Chocolate. “It’s a great event, open to anyone,” Patkin said.
A philanthropic event, the Rena Rowan Ribbon Run will support the Rena Rowan Breast Center at Penn. The race begins at 12 p.m. on the Compass.
