Dining loosens meal requirements
In response to months of student complaints over changes in meal plan options, Dining Services switched their offerings again this summer.
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In response to months of student complaints over changes in meal plan options, Dining Services switched their offerings again this summer.
While many professors and students vacated campus during the summer recess, teams of construction workers moved in and kept busy with a number of projects.
Penn's campus will be bustling this weekend with hundreds of alumni coming back to reminisce about their college days.
Phi Kappa Sigma is a dry fraternity.
As you enter one of the large dressing rooms backstage in Irvine Auditorium, you can almost sense the tension. It's just moments before the annual Penn Relays step show and performers are making last-minute preparations before the main event. Some are perfecting steps, some are meandering through the maze of tables and chairs and some are chatting. "I mean, I've got some pre-show jitters," explained Alpha Phi Alpha brother Weldon McMillan while resting in a chair. "But I'm more excited than nervous." The annual step show, along with a block party and after-party, is sponsored by the Bicultural InterGreek Council and has become a tradition on Penn's campus. Historically African-American Greek chapters from across the east coast came to Penn both to perform and watch the festivities. "It has a very rich tradition," Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Program Coordinator Larry Moses said. "And we have a lot of people who come almost every year." This year's performance, before a packed auditorium, featured athletic prowess, creativity and energy -- lots of energy. "If you don't feel like you're going to die when you come off the stage, then you didn't step," said stepper Reese Blair, a recent St. Joseph's University graduate. Highlights of this year's show included an intricate routine by Alpha Phi Alpha, in which steppers rolled under a line of chairs in an effortless fashion -- each chair lifted in the nick of time so as to not injure the stepper. At the close of the fraternity's routine, members jumped off the stage to dance through the aisles of a cheering crowd. The group's efforts earned them a first place victory among the fraternities that competed. But for some, the victory was no surprise. When asked before the show if his team would win, McMillan replied without hesitation. "But of course, I wouldn't be stepping if I didn't think we would," he said. This year's sorority winner was Alpha Kappa Alpha, whose performance featured steppers decked out in tuxedos with glittery makeup. As the women's intricate step routines echoed throughout Irvine, they chanted their dedication to their sorority. "Why'd I choose AKA?" the women questioned. "It's my L-O-V-E, love from my soul," they responded. Other chapters featured performances with blindfolds, canes and knives. And some included stunts such as head stands and human pyramids. The three chapters with Penn members all placed in this year's competition, with Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha claiming top awards and Zeta Phi Beta claiming second place. "We're really proud of getting second place," said Zeta Phi Beta sister and BIG-C President Tia Rideout. "It took a lot of work, but it really paid off." Despite the show's length -- more than four hours -- audience members enjoyed the show and said they had a good time. "My favorite part was the men doing the steps for the women," said NaTasha Brooks, a freshman at Cheyney University. "It was a little freaky."
A new sorority is expected to hit campus next year, bringing the campus total to eight. The Sigma Kappa sorority has been waiting for more than a decade to become a part of Penn's Greek system, according to Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Associate Director for Programming Debra Bonaminio. Last week, the Panhellenic Council voted to bring the new chapter to the University and officially invited the organization. However, the group has not yet officially accepted. But Sigma Kappa Director of Expansion Jen Hohman said she expects the offer will be taken. "We've been really courting the University for a long time," she said. "It's just a prestigious, great campus." According to Panhel President Kristen Buppert, the decision to vote on expansion is one that is traditionally brought before the Panhel Executive Board on an annual basis. This year, the board decided to bring the issue to all the sorority chapters for a vote. Partly due to the increase in chapter membership in recent years, the chapters voted with the necessary two-thirds majority to invite Kappa Sigma to Penn to help diffuse chapter membership. As part of an expansion plan initiated in 1987, three national sororities were selected to colonize at Penn. In 1990, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority came to campus and in 1993, the Pi Beta Phi sorority made its first appearance, though Pi Phi chose not to return to campus last semester. But now, it's Sigma Kappa's turn. "Basically, Sigma Kappa has been patiently waiting for 14 years to colonize at Penn," Bonaminio said. "They've waited because they want to be here." The wait was to ensure that the timing was right for the addition. With seven sororities on campus, all above the chapter total for membership, Bonaminio said that sorority interest is now at a peak. "You don't want to bring a chapter on when no one's interested," she said. Representatives from the sorority will be on campus in the fall to start marketing their chapter. The organization will host open houses in order to share their goals with potential members. But Sigma Kappa will not be allowed to accept new members until the next round of spring rush in February 2002, which is standard procedure for all new sororities, according to Bonaminio. Hohman said that the winter will mark the beginning of the chapter's colonization period, a trial period during which new members will learn the ropes of the organization. Colonization will last between 10 to 12 weeks and culminate with an official chapter. "We're very lucky to have them be the next sorority on campus," Bonaminio said. While some may fear that a new sorority will negatively affect existing chapters, Bonaminio said she does not anticipate that happening. On the contrary, the addition of "something new" may give women otherwise uninterested in going Greek a reason to join a sorority. "I think we're going to see more women interested in being Greek," she said. "And that benefits everybody." According to Hohman, Sigma Kappa will give interested women the opportunity to form their own chapter traditions with the guidance of "a very strong national organization." And new members will have the opportunity for leadership roles right off the bat. Hohman said that everyone's excited about the addition. "Our alumni are just jumping up and down," she said. And that excitement can be felt at Penn as well. "The excitement that a new chapter can generate makes the other chapters excited too," she added.
The Zeta Beta Tau fraternity may be forced to go dry for two years due to violations of the University's alcohol and drug policy and dry rush policies, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski said yesterday. The fraternity is currently in negotiations with OFSA over an agreement. The agreement, which Reikofski hopes will be completed today, is in response to the fraternity's violations of the alcohol and drug policy and the dry rush practices of both the InterFraternity Council and the fraternity's national organization at a January 13 rush event. But the members of ZBT -- located at 235 S. 39th Street -- have yet to agree with all the charges and their potential punishment. "We're making progress in our work with OFSA to reach an agreement," said Engineering senior Joey Levin, the fraternity's public relations director. "However, the length of probation and the potential dry period have not yet been agreed upon." InterFraternity Council President Mark Zimring could not be reached for comment last night. Levin added that he is not sure if the agreement will, in fact, be finalized today. The investigation -- conducted by the Office of Student Conduct and completed about three weeks ago -- was in response to a January 13 complaint by the owner of a billiard hall frequented by ZBT members. The owner claims that the fraternity's conduct resulted in damages to his establishment, according to Reikofski. Reikofski, whose office received the complaint, declined to disclose the establishment's name or comment on the nature of the damages. Members of the fraternity were notified of the investigation when they returned from spring break. They began negotiating an agreement with OFSA two weeks ago, Reikofski said. Reikofski noted that the fraternity does not concur with the owner's claims. Additionally, the fraternity is disputing other aspects of the investigation's findings. "ZBT has acknowledged that they had violated the rush policies," Reikofski said. "[The Office of] Student Conduct says they have also violated the University's alcohol policies and ZBT doesn't agree with that." But Reikofski noted that because the fraternity has agreed to some of the charges, OFSA is continuing with the agreement. "Because they've acknowledged that they violated the rush rules, we are moving forward," he said. Reikofski added that the agreement's completion hinges on "finalizing some language" so that everybody involved is satisfied. In addition to mandating a dry house, the agreement will limit the fraternity's social events and place an emphasis on educational programs, according to Reikofski. The investigation and negotiation processes surrounding ZBT have taken longer than normal because the fraternity does not have a local alumnus of record and therefore communication took place between OFSA and the national. "It takes a lot longer than if we can sit face to face," Reikofski said. Reikofski added that the fraternity has been very involved in the negotiation process has paid special attention to the specifics of the agreement. "The students for the most part have been very interested in paying attention to the details and the language," he said.
Zakiya Black has always liked to dance. And she's always enjoyed performing. So when the College junior decided to join a sorority, stepping seemed, well, the next logical step. And tomorrow night, spectators can catch a glimpse of the three-year stepping veteran -- along with representatives from the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities -- in a step performance that organizers hope will pack Irvine Auditorium. As part of Penn Relays, the BiCultural InterGreek Council will sponsor its annual block party, step show and after-party this weekend. While the festivities are a tradition on campus, this year's venue is a bit different. The show and parties will all take place within the same vicinity -- a change from years past. The step show will be in Irvine, but the block party will transform Wynn Commons and the after-party will rock Houston Hall. "It's been an ongoing tradition and we're very excited about its location and venue this year," Program Coordinator for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Larry Moses said. "We're looking for everyone to come out and have a great time and see a great show," he added. Groups have dedicated long hours in preparation for this year's show. Alpha Kappa Alphas have been practicing for roughly a month, increasing the frequency and intensity of their practices within the last two weeks. And the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity have been preparing their routine since January, usually practicing four to five times a week for two to four hours. "It's going to be a surprise, but we have a few new routines," College sophomore and Alpha Phi Alpha brother R. Taj Trazier said. And "a couple of things dedicated to the female audience." Black promises that her sorority's routine will be new and innovative as well. "There's a theme, we have props," she said. "It's going to be exciting." Stepping's historical significance, with its roots in the traditional dances of the African culture, has made the art form even more meaningful to current steppers. And such a history has transcended across the Atlantic to the historically black Greek organizations here. "It became a part of our history, a part of our tradition to step," Black explained. But Moses emphasized that such a tradition should not isolate the event from a diverse audience. "This is not just an event for Greeks," Moses stressed. "This is an event for the entire Penn campus." And Black echoed those sentiments, noting her disappointment that step audiences in the past have been very homogeneous. "The crowd is typically African American and Latino, but I wish the crowd was more diverse," said Black, the BIG-C's corresponding secretary and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority president. "I think a lot of people would really enjoy it if they came," she added. Step shows are notorious for their high energy and crowd involvement. "With stepping, the crowd tends to get really hyped," Black said. "When the crowd is responding, it gives you that adrenaline rush that you need to make it through the show," she added. Irvine's set-up will allow the steppers to be closer to their audience, creating an intimate setting that makes each step that much more important and each move that much more precise. It's "easier to spot a mistake," Frazier said. And while the new locale will make this year's show more intense for the steppers, performers hope it will also get the crowd more hyped up. "I love hearing the crowd's exclamations.... I love the feeling after we do something just amazing," Frazier said. Winners of the step tournament will receive a monetary prize donated to the chapter's charity of choice. Organizers hope that the combination of good entertainment, good company and a good cause will encourage people to experience the events. "We urge everyone to come out," Moses said. "If you've never seen a step show before, it's quite an event."
Everyone wants to be the best. And five years ago, Penn set out to become the best -- or at least one of the top 10. As the first major goal of the Agenda for Excellence, officials strived to make Penn one of the top 10 schools in undergraduate and graduate education. Although this sounds like a straightforward goal, quantifying which universities make the "top 10" is a subjective task that has left many in disagreement. Everyone's heard of lists that attempt to rank academic institutions -- The Princeton Review are U.S. News and World Report are among the most recognized. And while these lists, which try to measure academic experiences, have become extremely popular, they lack cohesion. Some say Penn's reputation is great, others still say it has a ways to go. According to U.S. News Editor Stephen Smith, Penn's academic reputation has skyrocketed in recent years. "Our reporters... all say that it's a really hot school right now," said Smith, a 1971 Penn graduate. And other lists have echoed those sentiments. In July 2000, the University of Florida published a paper called "The Top American Research Universities," which ranked schools based on their performance in areas such as total research expenditures, endowment, faculty awards, doctoral degrees and freshman SAT scores. Of the ranked private universities, only 10 were ranked in the top 25 in all categories. Penn was one of them. University President Judith Rodin says that Penn is among the prestigious top 10. "Absolutely," she said. "And with pride." Smith noted that Penn's current status -- number six on his magazine's list -- is the result of a domino effect. More applications lead to higher quality applications which lead to a lower acceptance rate and a higher yield. "Pretty soon you've got a school that's hot as hell," Smith explained. "And that's what you've got right now." And Penn's jump to number six is a significant one. When the magazine began its rating system in 1984, Penn was not even among the top 20. In addition to the U.S. News rankings, which are based on several statistic measurements, The Princeton Review annually publishes an book entitled The Best 331 Colleges, a compilation of 62 "top 20" lists generated by student survey responses. This year, Penn's name appeared on two lists. Five years ago, it only appeared on one. And while being considered in the top 20 in only two areas may at first seem disappointing, the book's publicist, Jeanne Krier, said this should not be the case. "It takes a lot for a school to even be on these lists," she said. Robert Franek, the book's author, said that determining whether a school is "one of the premier research and teaching universities in the nation and in the world" -- the wording used in the Agenda -- is vague. "It's a loaded word," he said. "It means different things for different people." But according to Provost Robert Barchi, that is the intent. "We strive to be on the of the best research/academic institutions in the country and in the world," he said. "However you define it, you tell me how you want to define it, and we ought to be there, in that group." Franek mentioned faculty credentials, quality of new programming and available majors as things to look at when determining which schools should be considered the most elite. The Princeton Review considers its "toughest to get into" list -- which ranked Penn number 17 -- to be an indication of which schools are considered the best in undergraduate education. This is the only list that is not based on student input, but instead on admission statistics. Based on that list, Franek said that Penn is not one of the top 10 in undergraduate education. However, he did say that Penn is still attracting the world's "ablest" students, as the Agenda demands. Last year, 91 percent of the students Penn accepted were among the top 10 percent of their high school class. "That's a heck of a number," Franek said. Smith agreed, emphasizing that not only are "top students" -- indicated by the elite secondary schools they attend -- deciding to apply to the University, they're deciding to enroll. While Penn was once considered "a second thought for a lot of these private school kids, [it] is now the number one choice," Smith said. Smith illustrated this using last year's matriculation numbers from Phillips Exeter Academy, the prominent New Hampshire boarding school. Twenty-one students matriculated to Penn, 20 to Harvard, 16 to Yale, 12 to Georgetown and 11 to Dartmouth. But while many talented students may be interested in Penn, the fact remains that many are not. According to Rebecca Sellers, a guidance counselor at Florida's Madison County High School, no student at her rural high school has applied to the University during her tenure. She added that there is no negative connotation associated with Penn, but her students just do not see Penn as enough of a draw to leave the state. "I think that distance is a big factor, and culture," she said And Penn is currently doing little to persuade gifted students at Madison County High School to consider Penn. "No one ever comes to our school to recruit people," Sellers said. While Sellers admitted she could not say much about Penn's academic reputation, she did note that she thought its reputation has not changed in the last five years. But Bill Farden, director of guidance at Oswego High School in central New York said he thought Penn was not in the top 10. "I don't know, top 10, that's kind of tough," he said. "University of Pennsylvania probably wouldn't be included in that group." However, he also emphasized that the whole notion of ranking schools to begin with is "absolutely asinine." "It's like taking your children and saying which one do I love the most," he said. "It's something we shouldn't do." Farden said that those students at his high school that apply to Penn can be broken down into three categories -- students looking for an Ivy League school, students looking for something in the Philadelphia area and athletes. And he noted that of those students who apply to Penn, which averages about two or three a year, most do not count the school as their first choice. But some other counselors consider Penn to be top notch. "Our students see it as one of the top schools to apply to," said Patricia Young, counselor at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Maryland. Despite the differing views, Smith remains proud of his alma mater. "It's always good to go to a school that's a lot better now than when you went there," he said. "And I would certainly put Penn in that category."
At the beginning of this semester, a Penn fraternity brother received a letter from the Office of Student Conduct notifying him that he was being charged with academic dishonesty. The brother, a Wharton junior, admitted to borrowing a paper from a fellow fraternity brother, copying it and turning it in as his own work. And on Tuesday night, the brother -- whose name cannot be disclosed due to an agreement with the OSC -- shared his story with this year's new fraternity members in an event about the Honor Code sponsored by the InterFraternity Council. "It's certainly not something I'm proud of," the brother said. "But it's something I want to talk to you guys about." Tuesday marked the inauguration of the Honor Code assembly, an annual event designed to emphasize the importance of academic integrity among new Greek members. New members were required to attend the event both to listen to speakers discuss academic integrity as well as sign an honor code. The code signified their dedication to uphold the University's ideals as well as the ideals of their fraternities. "I think it's important that the community sees that we are trying to make a commitment to integrity and honor beyond our house walls," said College junior and IFC Secretary Trey Best, who helped organize the event. In addition to the personal experiences shared, Director of College Houses and Academic Services David Brownlee discussed the importance of honesty. "The pledge that you're about to take is just as important as the work that you and I do together," the art history professor said. "And the work that you and I do together is the most important work in the world." "You and I create ideas," he added. "You and I are intellectuals." He emphasized the role of academic integrity in preserving the important work of which he spoke. "This honorable use of ideas is the most important safeguard for the important work that we do," he said. Those in attendance said they felt the event was important to address an issue that is critical to both university and fraternity life. "I think it's important that the school maintains its sense of credibility," said College freshman Jonathan Budish, a new member of Phi Delta Theta. "That through the Greek system, a student part of the University, the University continues to uphold its strong reputation academically." And although speakers mentioned that cheating needs to be addressed within the Greek system because of the strong bonds developed between members, IFC President Mark Zimring stressed that the issue is a universal one. "This isn't a Greek problem, it's a University-wide problem," the College junior and Delta Kappa Epsilon brother said. "But as Greeks, we're leaders on campus and should hold ourselves to a higher standard than everyone else." And new members said that while academic dishonesty is universal, so is frustration with those who cheat. "It just really gets me mad when I know people in the school cheat sometimes when all the work I do is completely honest," said Wharton freshman Alex Ramirez, a new member of Phi Delta Theta.
The Kappa Sigma and Psi Upsilon fraternities will be forced to go dry for one and two years, respectively, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski said yesterday. The two Locust Walk fraternities have been issued punishments for several violations of University policy. Kappa Sigma and Psi Upsilon were found in violation of the University's Alcohol and Drug policy, the Code of Student Conduct and the policy on Recognition and Governance of Undergraduate Social Fraternities and Sororities. Additionally, Kappa Sigma was found to have violated fire safety regulations. Psi Upsilon, which is located in the Castle on Locust Walk, received a formal copy of a two-year probationary agreement last Wednesday, Reikofski said. Kappa Sigma was served with a similar one-year probationary agreement Wednesday when the fraternity was first notified of the investigation's findings. The agreement also mandates fire safety programs for the fraternity. Psi Upsilon President Brad Scott said that he stands behind "an open letter to the whole university" that the fraternity composed and delivered to OFSA. The letter admits that a February 11 event was in violation of University policy and apologizes to the University community. "More importantly, we intend to become proactive in taking steps that will ensure that in the future, all actions taken by our brotherhood reflect our standards and goals," the letter read. Kappa Sigma President Samuel Holliday did not return repeated phone calls for comment last night. An Office of Student Conduct investigation found Psi Upsilon "responsible for an unregistered party at which large amounts of hard alcohol were served to numbers of underage undergraduates," Reikofski wrote in a statement. "The service of alcohol occurred wholly without precautions or supervision, creating a high risk environment." Reikofski said the violations occurred at the February 11 party, after which an underage guest was kept overnight at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for excessive alcohol consumption. A similar investigation of Kappa Sigma uncovered underage alcohol consumption in the house, destruction of personal property and violation of various fire safety measures such as fire extinguisher expulsion. The fraternity's violations, around the time of spring break, did not happen at a party, according to Reikofski. "A lot of it happened after a party and the next day," he said, adding that OSC and OFSA were notified of the issue by University Police, who had been called to the 3701 Locust Walk house when a fire alarm went off. Psi Upsilon -- located at 36th Street and Locust Walk -- accepted its probationary agreement, which requires the fraternity's house to go dry and mandates several educational programs and social restrictions. Kappa Sigma's probationary agreement is similar in nature. While Reikofski said that Psi Upsilon has accepted the agreement without disputing the broader findings of the investigation, Kappa Sigma has yet to do so. The fraternity is still meeting with Reikofski to discuss the agreement. Reikofski noted that the probationary agreements are consistent with agreements made with other chapters in the past for similar violations. He also emphasized the agreements' focus on education. "There's a number of educational kinds of things to try to help change the attitudes and the culture of the house so that they are aware of the way things are supposed to be," he said. "In some ways the punishment needs to be punitive," Reikofski added. "But I really prefer for it to be educational too." Reikofski developed the agreements with the two fraternities' national headquarters and alumni and then discussed the matter with the fraternity members. InterFraternity Council President Mark Zimring said that while the recent infractions are not condonable, they should not overshadow the vitality and contributions of the Greek community. "Unfortunately, organizations occasionally engage in behavior that is not representative of the values and principles of fraternity life," he said. "When this occurs, the InterFraternity Council believes it is imperative that steps be taken to correct abuses. "I have every confidence that both fraternities will work with their national organization, the InterFraternity Council, their alumni and the University to ensure future achievement and success at Penn," the College junior added. Reikofski echoed Zimring's sentiment. "Penn is committed to supporting the fraternity system but needs to address negative behavior that overshadows the vast amount of good that the chapters and their individual members do," Reikofski wrote.
For a while, Emily Childs had to wake up her "big sister" at 9 am. Filling in for a broken alarm clock, Childs said she didn't mind the added responsibility. After all, it was one step closer to becoming a lifetime sister -- a sorority sister, that is. For more than a month, fraternity and sorority new members have been spotted across campus acting a little bit different. Maybe they're more tired than usual, maybe they're carrying a stuffed animal or maybe it's just their pledge pin that makes them stand out. But whatever it is, these dedicated new members are participating in a rite of passage of sorts -- dubbed "new member education" -- to become a full-fledged member of Penn's Greek system. The new member education program incorporates educational workshops, community service projects, chapter rituals and traditions and bonding activities in an attempt to enlighten Greek hopefuls about the community they are getting ready to join. According to InterFraternity Council President Mark Zimring, one of the major aspects of the new member education program is to facilitate bonding among the new members. It's "to help them get to know the men they're going to be spending the next three-and-a-half years with and developing life-long friendships with," the College junior said. Panhellenic Council President Kristen Buppert added that this task has become especially difficult this year due to the unusually large classes of new members. "It's certainly easier to get to know a group of 15, 20 girls than a group of 50 or 52," she said. Despite the benefits that many attribute to the process, those who both organize and participate in the program won't deny that it is a large commitment. "It's really time-consuming," Engineering freshman Jennifer Chang said. "It's hard to balance that and school work." Zimring noted that in response to this concern, many chapters have incorporated time-management workshops as part of the new member education process. "We want to make sure that grades stay up," he said. Chang, now an Alpha Phi sister, added that new member activities were intensified last week due to her sorority's Inspiration Week -- a name some national sororities have attributed to the week preceding initiation. Childs, who is also now an Alpha Phi sister, echoed those sentiments. "There's something every night," she said, adding that "we're supposed to wear certain things around campus." Childs said that during "Inspo" Week, women participated in themed days, such as no-jeans day, different-colored shirt day and Britney and Christina day. "We'll see how much people dress up," she laughed. Buppert noted that wearing chapter bid-day shirts, a part of new member education for some chapters, "is definitely something that is a sense of pride for the girls." While some may gripe about the time commitment and the occasional embarrassment, most claim that they really enjoy the process. "It's been a good experience," Blake Bourne, a College freshman and Pi Kappa Alpha new member, said, adding that he's "gotten to know a lot of guys really well, learned a lot about my fraternity and myself." For Bourne, typical new member activities include hanging out at the fraternity house watching television and playing video games. But sometimes, things get a little more intense. Bourne explained that his fraternity had a battle of sorts as part of their training. New PKA members spent five days trying to conceal teddy bears from the new members of Delta Delta Delta. The Tri-Delts presented the stuffed animals to the new members of PKA as a gift and then spent their days trying to reclaim the toys. "It made walking around campus more interesting," Bourne said. "You had to watch behind your back every step you took." And while activities aren't always as exciting, they're still important. Bourne noted that he dedicates an average of 14 hours a week to pledge activities. But it's a dedication that he considers worthwhile. "It gives you a sense of pride of being part of a group, an organization," he said.
About 200 people showed up to to honor this year's Derby Days champion team, "It's Miller Time," at an awards ceremony on Saturday night. The ceremony, which featured a pizza dinner, a band and the presentation of a three-foot trophy, wrapped up this year's week long Derby Days fundraiser, sponsored by the Sigma Chi fraternity. The fundraiser is an annual national Sigma Chi tradition to raise money for a given charity through fees to enter competitions, fees for open events and corporate donors and advertising. This year's proceeds will be donated to the Children's Crisis Treatment Center, an organization that provides services for abused Philadelphia youth. "People were so involved in it and so excited to take part," said College junior and Sigma Chi brother Jon Blotner, this year's Derby Daddy, the event's chairman. Although an official count will not take place for another two weeks as donations continue to trickle in, Blotner anticipates that the fraternity will be able to donate $5,000 to CCTC. Last year, the fraternity donated about $2,000. "Each year Derby Days has been bigger," Blotner explained. "But this year was a huge jump." Although Sigma Chi's initial goal was to donate $7,000, Blotner explained that the fraternity advertised an unusually high goal to increase motivation and said that they are still excited with the money they will be able to donate. "We were able to raise so much more money than we thought possible," he said. Throughout last week, the 33 participating teams competed in activities such as a "dress your pledge" competition and a casino night in order to rack up enough points to earn the trophy. With the trophy came a five-course meal prepared by team of Sigma Chi brothers and a dinner for six at Striped Bass -- all presented to "It's Miller Time." "We were happy," College sophomore and "It's Miller Time" member Lauren Wine said. "We were very excited." "We hoped we were going to win," the Kappa Alpha Theta sister added. College sophomore Nicole Eissler, also a member of "It's Miller Time," said that her participation in this year's Derby Days differed from last year's -- intentionally. "We weren't really together and into it [last year]," the Alpha Chi Omega sister said. "And this year we [said] we were going to go to all the competitions and participate in every event." And while the team participated in all events, members did have their favorites. Eissler mentioned Casino Night as her favorite event. "It wasn't like a typical frat party," she said. "It's just something different, the whole casino theme." Blotner also cited the "Dress Your Pledge" competition and the Virginia Coalition concert as favorites among many. He noted that the competition was "the starting off thing, and really set a competitive tone for the teams for the rest of the week." He also added that the humor of the event was a major plus. "It was really funny," he said. Overall, Blotner said the fraternity was very excited by the outcome of this year's fundraiser. "I'd definitely describe it as sort of an event that brought Derby Days to a new level," he said. "Something that's now going to become one of the biggest weeks in the school [year]."
When Horace Trent was pledging the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in 1986, he made the mistake of wearing Levi's jeans to a house event. A brother, in order to show Trent that the pledge did not belong to Levi Strauss, cut off the label of his name brand pants. And last night, Trent described this event along with its historical significance -- noting that a master's brand on slaves can be compared to a brand name on pants -- to a crowd of over 20 in an event sponsored by the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. The event was designed to discuss the relationship between African rites of passage and Greek letter organizations. "I show to historically black Greek letter fraternities and sororities the various origins of their traditions, customs, heritage and history and tie a lot of it back to the African origins," said Trent, who works for the Praxis Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes education of rites of passages, among other things. The talk was a mixture of numerology, astrology, science, folklore and history, as Trent weaved together these various origins for the traditions of Greek organizations. Trent discussed the symbolism that exists behind many of the Greek letters and how such symbolism relates to Greek life and Philadelphia in general. For example, he used the blackboard to draw a diagram of the two rivers framing Philadelphia with City Hall in the center of the depiction. Connecting the lines, Trent formed the Greek letter Delta. He also explained the letter's historical significance. "The pyramid is nothing but a Delta," he said. At the start of his talk, Trent challenged those in attendance to take an active part in the presentation. "Don't believe everything I say," he said. "Go back and prove it to yourself." Trent's discussion was brought to Penn following its success at a neighboring university last year. "It was one that I heard last year at Temple's campus," said Engineering senior and Sigma Gamma Rho's Programs Chairwoman Nashira Washington. "And I wanted to bring it to Penn's campus." "I think it went very well," she added. "It was definitely very productive and educational. I think everyone in attendance learned a lot." Tonight's event was one of many that the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority has sponsored this year. Many in attendance praised Trent for connecting the information he presented with their own lives. Temple sophomore and Sigma Gamma Rho sister Celeste Huff said that "breaking down the rites of passage" was her favorite aspect of the talk. Trent presented "a lot of things that I can relate to as a member of a Greek sorority," she said.
About a hundred members of Penn's Greek system packed the Sheraton University City yesterday for this year's Greek Awards Ceremony, which honored outstanding individuals and chapters within the University's three umbrella Greek organizations. "I think it was a really successful year," said Debra Bonaminio, associate director for programming at the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. "We saw almost all of our chapters involved in a lot of community service and philanthropy work." About a dozen organizations from the InterFraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and BiCultural Greek Council were recognized. This year's big winners for most outstanding chapter were the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity within the IFC, the Delta Delta Delta sorority for Panhel and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity within the BIG-C. "I just feel like it's an amazing culmination to a lot of hard work by so many people in our chapter," said College senior Katie Claypoole, Tri-Delt's outgoing vice president of public relations. College senior Catherine Eikel, Tri-Delt's outgoing vice president of administration, echoed those sentiments. "What makes it so special is knowing how much our chapter has grown," she said. "It's not about putting something on the mantlepiece, it's about our chapter becoming stronger." Tri-Delt last won the award in 1998. And for Alpha Phi Alpha, last night was the third year in a row the BIG-C -- which encompasses students from Penn and other schools in the Philadelphia region -- recognized it as the most outstanding chapter. "It's definitely a privilege receiving an award," current Alpha Phi Alpha president and Villanova senior Thomas Fitzpatrick said. "It's definitely an honor," Wharton sophomore and Alpha Phi Alpha community service chairman Weldon McMillan added. "We put forth a lot of work throughout the year. We don't do it for the awards, or anything of the sort, but it's always nice when events like this come around. It makes us feel like our work is appreciated." Lambda Chi Alpha, which received no new members this spring, helped rebuke the popular notion that the largest and most popular chapter is guaranteed to win the award. Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski highlighted the chapter's community service and partnership with the West Philadelphia community. The fraternity "faced major challenges as of late [and] worked hard not to maintain the status quo, but exceed in everything they do," Reikofski said. The award winners were determined by the alumni councils and student representatives of the three umbrella organizations. Other fraternities and sororities were recognized for excellence in alumnae relations, community service and partnership, campus leadership and service, risk management and social enrichment, scholarship and faculty involvement, new member education and sensitivity training. Nine individuals were honored for outstanding Greek leadership. Outgoing IFC Executive Vice President John Buchanan was one such honoree. "I've enjoyed being a part of the Greek system at Penn," the College senior and Phi Kappa Psi brother said. "And this is a great way to end my Penn Greek career."
Last night marked the beginning of Derby Days at Penn, a week-long fundraiser sponsored by the Sigma Chi fraternity. Throughout the week, teams of women compete to raise money for a chosen charity. Funds are generated through entrance fees, rates charged to attend open events and advertising sales for the fundraiser's promotional pamphlet. Although last night's meeting was the first Derby Days event, the official kick-off will take place today with teams making banners in the first competition. The fundraiser, sponsored by Sigma Chi's national organization, features a different event each night. Penn's chapter will donate to the Children's Crisis Treatment Center for Abused Children of Philadelphia. The daily events range from a scavenger hunt to a casino night. "It's fun and it's for a really good cause too," said College junior and Sigma Chi brother Jon Blotner, this year's Derby Daddy, the fundraiser's chairman. One of the goals of Derby Days is "to inspire other students and other fraternities and sororities to go out and make a difference," Blotner added. "It's possible to make a difference and still have fun doing it." CCTC provides programs designed to help physically and sexually abused children to psychologically recover, as well as to provide quick medical care for those abused. The non-profit organization helps over 12,000 children each year. "It's a local cause, something that's more immediate," Engineering sophomore and Vice Derby Daddy John Hession said. "It's not like cancer research where we give money and don't see the effect." The fundraiser was first organized in 1894 at the University of Kentucky, earning its name while traditionally held the week before the Kentucky Derby. Interested women formed teams of five to 10 students last week, with each member required to pay an entrance fee of $12. Each team was then assigned a Sigma Chi brother or pledge who is "sort of like their slave for the week," Blotner said. The fundraiser boasts 33 participating teams this year, compared to the over 20 teams that competed last year. The band Virginia Coalition will perform at a downtown concert on Thursday as the highlight of Derby Days, with Penn band the Ally opening the concert. In addition to raising funds through entrance fees and open event fees, the Sigma Chi brothers have put together a pamphlet of advertisements from various companies that have contributed to the cause. The pamphlet will be distributed to participants as well as students on Locust Walk. The program's chairs claim that this year's event will be better than ever. "This year's Derby Days is really standing out," Hession said. "We're just taking it to another level." It "looks like it's going to be the biggest Derby Days ever," Blotner said, adding that the event "just keeps getting bigger and bigger." "It's sort of becoming a staple on campus," he added, noting that this year's goal is to raise $7,000. Throughout the week, teams will compete to rack up points and hopefully win a prize at Saturday's Award Night. Although the teams are traditionally populated by women, Hession said that men who wish to participate are not turned away. But the more popular way for men to participate in the fundraiser is to attend open events and parties. Blotner said that Derby Days should be looked upon as an example for others involved in the Greek system. "We'd really like to use this as a jumping block for more fraternities to put more of an emphasis on charitable functions," he said. College sophomore Sue Breslin, a team captain, said her experience with Derby Days last year caused her to want to participate again. "It was fun," the Alpha Chi Omega sister said. There was "more to it than just socially getting together and partying. You knew it was for a good cause and it was towards something... towards helping others."
Last night the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house was transformed into a jam-packed coffee house featuring some of Penn's most popular performing arts groups. The event marked the official start of this year's Greek Weekend, an annual celebration of Greek life at Penn. "Tonight was a big success," Panhellenic Council Vice President of Publicity Ann Goldenberg said. "We had a huge turn-out. We're really feeling enthusiastic about the way the rest of the weekend is going to go." Students were charged a $5 entrance fee to experience the talents of Penny Loafers, Strictly Funk, Dischord, Counterparts, Penn Six-5000, Arts House Dance and Off the Beat -- and of course, enjoy all the coffee they could drink. All proceeds -- $950 in total -- will benefit the Rena Rowan Breast Health Center, the current Panhel philanthropy. "I thought it went very well," InterFraternity Council president Mark Zimring said. "It was an excellent opportunity for us to get together... enjoy excellent entertainment and at the same time do something for the community." The remainder of Greek Weekend will feature a Friday night Shabbat dinner as part of the campus-wide Shabbat Across Penn program, participation in community service projects on Saturday and study hours on Sunday. Next Wednesday, the IFC will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive. "We've got entertainment, social [and] civic events," said Goldenberg, a College sophomore. "The major goal of Greek Weekend is to promote the Greek system and to show the great things the Greek system does on campus," the Sigma Delta Tau sister added. Although the rain trickled outside, it did not dampen the high spirits of those in attendance. And for a variety of reasons, hundreds of students filed in to what was at times a standing-room-only affair. College freshman Chantal Tugendhaft said she simply came "to hear Off the Beat." The SDT pledge later added, "I think it's great." "I think it's a wonderful way for people to see different performing arts groups," College sophomore and Strictly Funk performer Nicole Hida said. And although it was clear that the audience enjoyed the entire show, some acts proved to be crowd favorites. The Penny Loafers opened the evening off with three a capella songs featuring soloists. Following, Strictly Funk members, wearing bright orange sweatshirts and black pants performed a number pumped with attitude. Penn-Six's performance included several memorable moments. Among other things, the all-male a capella group, told a joke and performed a humorous rendition of "From a Distance." The group's final number had the audience clapping to the beat and screaming as a wet and topless a capella member energetically sang a rendition of Madonna's "Like a Prayer." And Off the Beat -- the only a capella group not to use microphones -- brought the evening to a close with three melodic tunes. "This is just an excellent way for us to do something for the community and enjoy ourselves," Zimring, a College junior, said.
When College sophomore Mary Braun signed up to take the "Empowering Women Leaders in Emerging Democracies" class this semester, she didn't know that worldwide travel was in her future. But during spring break, Braun found herself packing her bags and heading off to Romania to witness an emerging democracy first hand. Fourteen students enrolled in Government Administration 550 spent several days of their break working with Romanian women interested in becoming leaders in their society. This spring marks the second semester that the course, which focuses on training students to help involve women in democratic politics, is being taught at Penn. The course is currently taught at the Fels Center of Government after being taught at the Annenberg School for Communication last year. The students got to meet a Romanian version of the United States' Sandra Day O'Conner -- the first female justice of the Supreme Court -- at a conference designed to train women for democratic political activity. "I was amazed by these women and I was inspired by them," Braun said. The course at Penn is based on the mission of Women's Campaign International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women in developing nations. The WCI was founded by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky, one of the class' professors. Wharton Professor Etty Jehn teaches the course with Margolies-Mezvinsky. The trip to the training conference with about 150 female participants, sponsored by WCI, was an opportunity to experience how to teach women about the media, fundraising and leadership skills, among other political necessities. The three-day conference was designed "to give women tangible skills in communicating their message to the public," according to Alison Watkins, the course's teaching assistant. "We bring people who are experts in message, media, fundraising, grassroots organizing.... It's very, very hands-on," Margolies-Mezvinsky said. "You hear no political speeches, it's about how you get to the table." WCI works with the understanding that women bring different priorities to the political arena than their male counterparts. "When women get to the table, the table changes," Margolies-Mezvinsky said, noting that more money gets spent on issues such as health care, education and senior citizens when women are in leadership positions. Braun echoed those sentiments, saying that female involvement in politics is "the key to having world peace, the key to ending poverty and hunger." And for her, attending the trip was a simple decision. "It seemed like an incredible opportunity that I couldn't afford to pass up," she said. "You can go to Romania and be a tourist any time you want," she later added. "But to participate in a conference like this is a really rare event." "I don't know if I want to run for office one day, but maybe," she added. The experience in Romania allowed her to see the emergence of a democracy and the role that women can play in that emergence. "I want to find that goodness in politics again," she said. "I want to be inspired by it." Additionally, Braun learned that many of the problems facing women in Romania are universal issues. Braun said public speaking is a prime example. "It's hard for them to get up in a room of men and say what they believe in," she said, adding that she herself is battling a fear of public speaking. Braun noted that studies have shown more people are afraid of public speaking than of death. They "would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy," she said. "That's something we need to overcome." College junior Eileen Weinstein, who also attended the conference, said that one of the most memorable aspects of the experience was seeing that "women were able to talk to each other despite their political differences." Additionally, the trip opened her eyes to the workings of a different country' government and allowed her to understand the "universal truths" that allow women to empower themselves. Last year's class participated in a WCI training conference in Venezuela. Possible locations for future conferences are Cuba and Indonesia. "It's a wonderful thing; it's so much fun to do," Margolies-Mezvinsky said. "And it really makes a difference."
The Office of Student Conduct has completed its investigation of Psi Upsilon's alleged violations of the University's alcohol policy and the Code of Student Conduct. According to OSC Director Michele Goldfarb, the investigation's findings were passed on to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs yesterday for possible disciplinary action. "Our role is basically complete," she said. "[OFSA] picks it up from here." OFSA Director Scott Reikofski was not available for comment. The investigation stemmed from a February 11 incident, the nature of which has not been revealed. Although Goldfarb declined to comment on the investigation's findings, she said that it was not related to a fight. A representative from Penn's Psi Upsilon chapter -- located in the Castle at 36th Street and Locust Walk -- said that the fraternity has no comment on the investigation. InterFraternity Council President Mark Zimring also said that the IFC has not yet had to deal with the matter and has no comment at this time. If the investigation finds the fraternity guilty of the alleged infractions, an agreement will likely be drawn up between OFSA and the fraternity, in conference with the fraternity's national head and alumni. Such an agreement could put the fraternity on probation, outline a restructuring plan for the fraternity or a number of other options, according to Goldfarb. Such an agreement would likely establish programs to educate the chapter on their misconduct. Goldfarb said she does not know when possible disciplinary action will be determined but said that it will take place some time after spring break. She added that everyone is working to ensure that the process does not take longer than it has to so that the fraternity can understand its future as quickly as possible. The fraternity has not had any recent violations, Psi Upsilon National Executive Director Mark Williams said last week. Psi Upsilon colonized its Penn chapter in 1891 and built the Castle -- its current Locust Walk home -- for $30,000 in 1898. In 1990, the chapter was kicked off campus for kidnapping a member of a rival fraternity. It was not until the summer of 1998 that the fraternity moved back into the Castle. Reikofski said last week that he hopes the recently completed investigation does not get blown out of proportion.
The new executive board of the Bicultural InterGreek Council has spent the last few weeks settling into their new roles after being elected last month. Members of the board say the group is going to focus on increasing BIG-C's presence on the Penn campus. The board's first meeting, held on February 8, marked the official transition of leadership. The BIG-C is the umbrella organization that oversees traditionally black and Latino fraternities and sororities with Penn members. Currently, the group has eight member organizations, five of which are active. "I expect [the new board] to continue the fine job their predecessors have done before them," Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Program Coordinator Larry Moses said. The new board is led by College junior Tia Rideout, a sister of Zeta Phi Beta. Rideout served as recording secretary on last term's board. The new vice president is Wharton sophomore and Alpha Phi Alpha brother Weldon McMillan. The position of recording secretary is held by College junior and Alpha Kappa Alpha sister Rene Ashworth. The new corresponding secretary is College junior and Alpha Kappa Alpha sister Zakiya Black. Although the board is still looking for a permanent treasurer, College sophomore and Alpha Phi Alpha brother R. Taj Frazier has agreed to fill the spot temporarily. Frazier will be abroad next semester. College junior Angela Holland, an Alpha Kappa Alpha sister, is the board's new parlimentarian. The new board has many goals it hopes to implement within the next year. Their focus will be on increasing the organization's numbers, visibility and sense of community with other Greek organizations on campus. "We're moving and we're growing," Moses said. "We'd like to see a revival among Greek life and an interest in Greek life," Holland said, noting that between 1993 and 1995 the BIG-C was a "strong" presence on campus, supporting fraternities and sororities with 20 to 25 members. "Nowadays, if you have eight to 10 members, you're good to go," she explained. In order to increase numbers and visibility, Rideout said that the group plans on putting together a pamphlet for incoming freshmen about the BIG-C and posting information on boards in the various college houses advertising upcoming BIG-C events. "I'm really excited," she said. "I have a lot of ideas." Outgoing BIG-C President Marcela Poveda said that the new board is working towards "being noted more on campus by everyone, not just people of color." The board plans on working to increase communication between the InterFraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council. As "umbrella organizations for Greeks on campus, it's important for us to work together as a collective unit," Holland said. "We are all Greeks on campus. That is one thing we do share." In addition, the BIG-C is working to organize an "all Greek" party during Penn Relays this April. The board hopes to create a sense of community by having one party for all the fraternities and sororities as opposed to individual parties by chapter. "We want to promote a sense of togetherness," Holland said. Holland also said that she is excited for a successful term but admits that this upcoming year will definitely be a busy one. "There's work to be done," she said. "We hope to make moves from here on out."