Greek Speak Newsletter
Delivered to you inbox 3-4 times per year, Greek Speak captures stories of current members of sororities and fraternities at the University of Idaho, as well as news and accomplishments of the U of I Greek system. To subscribe, check the "Greek Speak" box under "Alumni/Retirees" on this form. Email us your stories and news items.
2022 Greek Speak
Welcome to the refreshed Greek Speak Newsletter! This is your source for information about:
The Idaho Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) Office.
- How you can help the University of Idaho reach its goals and elevate FSL.
- The current state of our Greek community and the great work of our student leaders.
- The impact our engaged alumni are having on the community.
We hope Greek Speak is a valuable resource for keeping you in the loop about U of I’s fraternities and sororities. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter, and what you would like to see in future newsletters.
Philanthropic Progress and Impact
Our organizations continue their strong focus on giving back and raising awareness for their partner philanthropic focus. We are on track to raise over $58,000 this year for philanthropies across the community. In addition, our members volunteered almost 13,000 hours in 2021! Our alumni have established a solid foundation for our current students to build on to be successful
The FSL Opportunity Scholarship was launched during Vandal Giving Day 2021. Through generous donor support, 18 students received scholarships to help make their dream of belonging to an FSL organization a reality. These scholarships help cover recruitment and membership fees that can be a barrier to membership. Your support of this fund will truly transform students' lives by giving them access to sisterhood and brotherhood during their collegiate years and for life.
The FSL Office hopes to continue growing this fund. You can donate year-round to the fund here, or participate in Vandal Giving Day 2022 on April 5-6. The FSL Office needs your support to reach their goal of 30 recruitment and new member scholarships to grow our community!
Recruitment and Housing Costs
One major change to the community in the past several years has been the evolution and growth of Informal Recruitment and chapters adding members after formal recruitment. 2021 set a record with over 37 women and 39 men receiving invitations to membership during continuous open bidding (COB) and informal recruitment.
Even though U of I remains the No. 1 best value public university in the West, many families must carefully consider cost when deciding where their students will live while attending U of I. FSL can be a attractive option by being competitive on house bills. We demonstrated this for the 2021-2021 school year:
- Average sorority house bill per semester is $4,029.
- Average fraternity house bill per semester is $3,823.
- Average residence hall room and board per semester is $4,474 (although costs vary by residence hall).
As you can see, a fraternity or sorority is a good value for students and their families, especially when you factor in the benefits of an instant and lifelong community of friends and support. We believe FSL is a best value at U of I and these reasonable costs will help attract and sustain membership. If you know of a student coming to U of I, please encourage them to look at joining a chapter. FSL continues to be an affordable, vibrant option for students.
Idaho Greek Alumni Council Update
The Idaho Greek Alumni Council continues their work to elevate the FSL community. Council leaders Ann Marie McGee, Sandy Fery, Hailey Uhlenkott, David Poe, James Trayford and Dan Alsaker collaborate with university leadership, the FSL Office and chapter volunteers to preserve and enhance the FSL experience. Although COVID put a stop to in-person meetings, they have been actively working on these projects:
- Improving the scholarship awarding process for fraternity and sorority scholarships managed by the U of I Foundation. Now, fraternity and sorority scholarships are added onto any other financial aid the student receives!
- Helping the University of Idaho recruit students in a variety of ways to continue enrollment growth across campus.
- Liaising with chapter advisers and house corporations to encourage more new member recruitment, including promoting a more holistic and integrated year-round recruiting effort.
If you would like to get involved with your chapter or the University of Idaho as a volunteer, please email Marie Duncan or call her at 208-885-5366.
2019 Greek Speak
Greetings, Greek Vandals!
Fall semester is off to a great start, both on campus and off in the Vandal Family! I am proud to announce that University of Idaho alumni chapters are enthusiastically embracing our call to include at least one community service activity in their annual portfolio of events.
Vandals in Moscow spent an evening last week cleaning trails at Idler’s Rest near Moscow Mountain. The Treasure Valley chapters are working on a food drive and helping at the local food bank. Denver Vandals are collecting a variety of toys and other goods to help comfort and entertain children staying at Children’s Hospital there. U of I alumni are making a difference in communities in Idaho and throughout the United States.
You, as Idaho Greeks, well understand the value of giving of your time, talent and treasure. The philanthropy ethic you have cultivated in every chapter for generations manifests in a variety of ways – in school, but also, I would argue, for a lifetime.
Last year alone, U of I fraternities and sororities raised nearly $70,000 to help support local, regional and national causes, including Meals on Wheels, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and St. Jude’s Children Hospital, to name just a few. And, they did it in some very creative ways – Phi Delta Theta Turtle Derby, Theta Chi’s Waffles for Warriors and Gamma Phi Beta’s Moonball kickball tournament, for example.
Not only did the students raise some real money, they also gave valuable exposure to the causes and organizations that do, literally, a world of good. And, they learned the value and joy of giving. Think of the lives touched by the money raised; think of the lives changed by the simple act of helping others.
The official National Make a Difference Day is Oct. 26 this year, but for Idaho Greeks, making a difference is a deep-seated tradition that has shaped its culture for years.
Congratulations and Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
FROM THE COLLEGIANS
Video
Panhellenic Bid Day August 19, 2019
Video
University of Idaho IFC Bid Day August 21, 2019
Video
Multicultural Greek Council Fall Showcase
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE
STAFFING UPDATE
To our Vandal Greek alumni,
The Fall semester is in full swing and things are certainly hopping on campus! One area in particular that is bustling with excitement is Greek Row, especially after a successful recruitment season. Both the men and women saw increases to the number of students who participated in recruitment this fall. IFC recruitment increased 16.7% and PHC recruitment increased 6.7%. We don’t have the information for the Multicultural Greek Council recruitment efforts just yet as that occurs after the semester has begun and students are currently engaging in that process. I give all the credit to the hard work of our student leaders in each organization and to the great staff in the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
As you may recall, Nick O’Neal is the acting Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life for the next academic year. Nick is doing a great job working with the students on the implementation of the changes that saw the increases in recruitment participation in addition to great programming currently underway.
In addition to Nick, we have also successfully filled the Assistant Director position and hope you will help me welcome Shani Sullivan to the Vandal Family and the Greek community. Shani began work in mid-July and hit the ground running gearing up and helping to implement a successful recruitment season. Shani (pronounced Shay-Knee) is a recent graduate of the Higher Education graduate program at the University of Arkansas where she worked as the graduate assistant for Registered Student Organizations. During her undergraduate career at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Shani served her organization, Alpha Xi Delta, as Chapter President, Alumni Relations Chair, Academic Chair, and served the Panhellenic Council as VP for Public Relations.
You will also recall that we hired recent University of Idaho graduate Mike Bivens '19 as the Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life. The coordinator position is designed to be a one-year appointment as an entry level opportunity for recent Idaho graduates from our Greek community. Mike's history of leadership for his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, and his extensive campus involvement make him a great asset to the team.
Recruitment to the University of Idaho for the next class of Vandals is already underway. We are hosting an ENVISION event next weekend with upcoming travels around the state for our annual Meet the Vandals events later this Fall. So be on the lookout and help us bring in future Vandals that we can introduce to the Greek community.
I look forward to seeing you on campus whenever you are in town and as always, Go Vandals!
Blaine Eckles, PhD '10
Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Alumnus Eric Pickett '83 received the Charles G. Bartell Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award at the Delta Sigma Phi convention in July, and it gets better - Charles G. Bartell was a faculty member at the University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture and chapter advisor for many years. The award recognizes individuals serving in an advisory capacity who have excelled at leading the chapter.
Pickett pledged in '79 coming to U of I from Borah High School. With his College of Agricultural and Life Sciences degree he moved to Arizona yet kept his ties to the Moscow campus and his fraternity.
“Mr. Pickett has had a profound impact on Delta Sigma Phi and the undergraduate members since starting his role as a member of our Alumni Corporation Board. Throughout the time we worked together, Mr. Pickett has provided incredible advice and has proved to be a valuable mentor and confidant to discuss matters that go beyond the fraternity experience. He has been a mentor and role model for myself and many others. His actions and conviction continue to inspire me,” said Michael Bivens ’19, former chapter president.
The chapter’s motto is Better Men, Better Lives with both Bartell and Pickett have emulated in their roles.
"Eric's love for the U of I and the Gamma Iota chapter cannot be overstated," said Travis Thompson, a fellow fraternity brother.
Charles Bartell was a professor of architecture in the College of Art and Architecture and served as the Gamma Iota chapter's on campus advisor, his passion and support of the support of the chapter lead him to become involved on the advisory board more than three decades inspiring leadership among members. Bartell was known for his patience and understanding ans was a very loyal friend to the students and fellow faculty members. Bartell passed away in 2006 after a brief illness at age 95.
"Charles was instrumental in our local chapter history," said Thompson, "His legacy is a testament to how professors can contribute to the Greek system and help enrich the lives of students on campus."
Bartell was a charter member of Delta Sigma Phi upon its founding in 1950, the same year he was recruited to teach on the U of I campus. The namesake award was created in 1985 with Bartell its first recipient.
Submit a Greek Alumni Story
2018-2019 PHILANTHROPIC CONTRIBUTIONS
Event(s): Tri Hop, Sincerely Yours
Philanthropic organization: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Amount Raised: $15,585
Event: Derby Days
Philanthropic organization: Huntsman Cancer Foundation
Amount raised: $21,642
Event(s): Shamrock
Philanthropic organization: Prevent Child Abuse America
Amount raised: $2,100
Event: Rock the CASA
Philanthropic organization: Court Appointed Special Advocates
Amount raised: $2,200
Event(s): G.I.Theta Chi, Waffles for Warriors
Philanthropic organization: United Service Organization
Amount Raised: $2,500
Event(s): Moonball
Philanthropic organization: Girls on the Run
Amount raised: $5,294
Event(s): Pumpkin Bash, Lambda Chai Lattes
Philanthropic organization: Feeding America
Amount raised: $2,200
Event(s): Chess and Mac, Mr. Idaho
Philanthropic organization: Meals on Wheels, Feeding America, Food Banks
Amount raised: $5,340
Event(s): Pie an LTA, Kiss Away Cancer, Letters to St. Judes, Annual Cake pop Sale, crafts for St. Judes.
Philanthropic organization: St. Judes
Amount raised: over $900
Event(s): Phi Taucos, Toys for Tots
Philanthropic organization: Serious Fun Children's Network
Amount raised: $1,500
Event(s): Kappa Klassic, Flower Grams
Philanthropic organization: Reading is Fundamental
Amount Raised: $2,500
Displaying figures provided by chapters who responded to the request.
UPCOMING REUNIONS
2020 Events
Jan. 24 — Kappa Alpha Theta Founder's Day & Centennial Celebration.
Feb. 28-29 — Greek Alumni Weekend. Reconnect with your Alma mater and your brothers and sisters, interact with undergraduate members and take part in discussions about Greek Life at U of I.
March 6-7 — Phi Gamma Delta Centennial
May 1-2 — Delta Sigma Phi Reunion
July 17-19 — Alpha Kappa Lambda 30th Anniversary
Oct. 23-24 — Gamma Phi Beta 110th Anniversary
The Office of Alumni Relations assists Greek chapters in planning, communicating and executing reunions on campus. Our team of professional event planners can help create customized events for your celebrations.
Learn More >>
EXPANSION NEWS
* Interest is rising in the colonization of a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organization - a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities.
* Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) is nearing colonization status after approval from IFC in the fall of 2019 to be re-founded.
NATIONAL & REGIONAL GREEK NEWS
'Constant Firefighting': Greek-Life staffs are underpaid and overworked. Here's what some colleges are doing about it. (https://www.chronicle.com/article/Constant-Firefighting-/247137)
September 13, 2019 - The Chronicle of Higher Education
END ALL Hazing Act introduced in Congress
June 18, 2019 - Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values
Clearing the turnPIKE
August 30, 2019 - The Argonaut
Greetings, Greek Vandals!
It is true that attendance at year-based college reunions around the country is waning, and our alma mater is no exception. As class sizes grew, knowing your fellow classmates got harder and harder, which means getting alumni to reunite with those who graduated with them is harder and harder.
But, Greek reunions – those are a whole other matter! In the past several years, we have seen chapter after chapter celebrate landmarks with amazing energy and commitment.
Kappa Kappa Gamma still holds the record for the largest chapter reunion in University of Idaho history. A little over three years ago, almost 500 Kappas returned to campus to celebrate their centennial. There were generations of women from the same family attending – a beautiful legacy to pass from grandmother to mother to daughter. Pledge classes from the 1950s and every decade to present day gathered for a weekend of reconnection. And, when their reunion banquet was coming to an end, the singing started – slowly at first from one far corner of the ballroom, and then involving every woman there. A true “goosebump moment.”
The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon gathered earlier this year – nearly 250 of them celebrated the chapter’s centennial despite the difficult situation their house faced. They honored each other, their Violet Queens and Little Sisters of Minerva. I especially loved the story of one SAE brother traveling to Norway every year to visit a member of his pledge class – what a connection! There was singing at that reunion as well – robust and rowdy and remarkable!
Members of the Theta Tau chapter of Delta Delta Delta were on campus most recently to celebrate the 90th anniversary of their chapter. More than 200 women from seven decades gathered from all parts of Idaho and the country to mark the milestone. The energy, love and commitment in the room was palpable.
These are just three recent examples of how strong the ties to sorority and fraternity are. There are many more from the past and many more yet to come. In every case, volunteers step up to work with the Office of Alumni Relations staff to create a special event for their Greek brothers and sisters. We are honored to help in this way.
Lifelong friendship is so much more than a catch phrase for Vandals. These reunions are vivid proof that, at least at U of I, it is a reality.
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Ready for Recruitment
Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment - August 14-19, 2019
The formal recruitment process allows potential members to explore the sisterhood of each Panhellenic sorority. During the recruitment process, potential new members (PNMs) will be housed in temporary residence hall accommodations and provided all meals and temporary storage of personal belongings.
PNMs are split into recruitment groups to visit chapters each day. They are assigned a recruitment counselor to guide them through the process. At the end of each day, chapters select PNMs to invite back to the next event and PNMs record their chapter preferences. PNMs are encouraged to have a minimum high school or college GPA of 2.75 to join.
IFC Fraternity Recruitment - August 18-22, 2019
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) supports and promotes a structured recruitment, which allows potential members to explore each IFC fraternity on campus. For formal recruitment 2019, PNMs participating in recruitment will reside in fraternity housing throughout the recruitment period. All meals and temporary storage of personal belongings will be provided.
PNMs will visit each chapter. At the end of each day, chapters will communicate invitations to PNMs for events the following day.
Multicultural Greek Council Fraternity and Sorority Show Showcase - September 3-7, 2019
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is comprised of seven nationally recognized, culturally based and multicultural fraternity and sorority chapters. Its primary purpose is to unite member organizations to share ideas and provide a support network for students.
MGC chapters are inclusive; new members don’t need to identify with a specific cultural or racial identity to qualify for membership. Fraternities and sororities affiliated with MGC hold recruitment weeks throughout the academic year beginning in the fall semester.
Learn More about Fall Recruitment >>
From the Collegians
YouTube Video
Recruitment message from Panhellenic Conference President Kirsten Forster
YouTube Video
Recruitment message from IFC President James Trayford
YouTube Video
Recruitment Message from Multicultural Greek Council President Oscar Salinas
The Truth About Chapter Advisory Boards
Chapter advisory boards are a key component to the University of Idaho Greek community. The relationships that advisors develop with chapter officers and members encourage the growth and development of the chapter and bring countless resources to the table. A full chapter advisory board can assist in monitoring chapter performance by acting as a liaison between the chapter and the headquarters, assisting with officer transition, reviewing chapter finances, boosting academics and even locating jobs/internships for undergraduates. Suffice it to say, chapter advisory boards are the backbone of our Vandal Greek Community.
The unique challenge to campuses like ours is distance. The pool of advisory board volunteers can dry up quickly if we narrow our focus to those living "near" campus. Many advisory boards are looking to fill their roster. These tried and true volunteers serve varying terms and in many differing roles.
If you feel inclined to serve your chapter in this way, we warmly welcome you to email greek@uidaho.edu with your interest and chapter affiliation and we'll share the information with your local advisory board volunteers.
Nick O'Neal, M.Ed.
Interim Director
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff Updates
To our Vandal Greek alumni,
I wanted to make you aware of some changes occurring in Fraternity & Sorority Life. Shawn Dowiak, assistant dean of students, left the university as of June 7. I wish to thank Shawn for his work during his time at the university as through his efforts, he has helped move Greek Life forward in many positive aspects. Thank you, Shawn…..we all wish you the best.
Nick O’Neal has agreed to accept the role of interim director of Fraternity & Sorority Life for the next academic year. Nick will carry on the great work being conducted in Greek Life and I look forward to his leadership in this area. Should any questions arise regarding Fraternity & Sorority Life moving forward, please direct those to Nick by emailing greek@uidaho.edu. I know Nick looks forward to continuing the great collaborations with many of you as we look to on-board a new set of students in Fraternity & Sorority Life this fall. Thank you, Nick, for assuming this position and your leadership with students.
Recent graduate Michael Bivens '19 has been hired as coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Michael's history of leadership for Delta Sigma Phi and campus involvement make him a great asset to the team. We are excited to have him on board.
Finally, we are excited to announce our assistant director of Fraternity & Sorority Life with all of you in the next edition of Greek Speak.
Go Vandals!
Blaine Eckles, PhD, '10
Vice Provost for Student Affairs &
Dean of Students
2019 Greek Awards
Danica Davis ’19, College of Business and Economics graduate from Moscow and member of Kappa Alpha Theta, was the big winner of the 2019 Greek Awards ceremony held in April where she was recognized as the University of Idaho Greek of the Year.
Davis served in leadership and volunteer roles since she stepped foot on campus, culminating in serving as chapter president and president of the re-established University of Idaho Order of Omega chapter, which recognizes members of the fraternity and sorority community who have exemplified high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership and involvement within their respective organization wand within the fraternity and sorority, campus and local community.
The Accounting and Management Information Systems major is a Graue Scholar, Most Vandalized Fan winner, Award For Excellence recipient, Vandal Marching Band member, Homecoming Court Royalty and passionate Vandal.
Reflecting on her college career, Davis says she owes her achievements and success to the university, saying that “at the end of the day, the University of Idaho was always there. The University of Idaho is home, it is family and it has supported me through all my endeavors. I am so grateful.”
Read more about the award recipients >>
Upcoming Reunions
The Office of Alumni Relations assists Greek chapters in planning, communicating and executing reunions on campus. Our team of professional event planners can help create customized events for your celebrations.
Email reunion@uidaho.edu to start planning your next chapter milestone.
2020 Events
Feb. 28-29 — Greek Alumni Weekend. Reconnect with your alma mater and your brothers and sisters, interact with undergraduate members and take part in discussions about Greek Life at U of I.
March 6-7 — Phi Gamma Delta Centennial
April 10-11 — Alpha Kappa Lambda 30th Anniversary
April — Gamma Phi Beta 110th Anniversary
Read More About National / Regional News and Greek Trends
END ALL Hazing Act introduced by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and Congressman G.T. Thompson
June 13, 2019 - North American Interfraternity Conference
Journey of Hope makes annual visit to Parker
June 21, 2019 - Parker Pioneer.net
Student activists shut down Swarthmore's fraternities. Here's why that matters
May 1, 2019 - The Chronicle of Higher Education
University of Idaho students bike 300 miles and raise more than $3,600 for Hope House
April 14, 2019 - KTVB
Greetings, Greek Vandals!
All Vandals are passionate about our alma mater; Greek Vandals seem even more so! The news of this week – both a visit to campus by proud Phi Delta Theta and Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Monday and the appointment of Scott Green, a proud Kappa Sigma and former ASUI president, to the University of Idaho presidency – just confirms that perception.
When there are university events, you show up. When there is a call to action, you step up. Whether you agree or disagree with what the university is doing, you speak up. You are leaders on the U of I Alumni Board of Directors, the U of I Foundation Board, in alumni chapters and college advisory boards, and now the state of Idaho and our own University of Idaho, and I thank you.
Idaho’s Greek community has a long, strong legacy of leadership on the Moscow campus, helping generations of Vandals succeed by providing a community that truly builds lifelong support systems and friendships. That tradition is a bedrock of our institution, a strong foundation for our future. And, yet, there is no formal way for us to celebrate that on a regular basis.
So, welcome to the inaugural issue of Greek Speak! Our goal is to capture the stories of current members of fraternities and sororities on campus as well as keep you informed about issues and accomplishments of the U of I Greek system. We will feature content generated by Greek students as well as Greek alumni and university administrators.
There is always something to celebrate about our great university. The century-long tradition of Greek Life on campus is certainly one of them.
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
C. Scott Green '84 to Serve as 19th University of Idaho President
The University of Idaho is proud to welcome C. Scott Green as the 19th president of the university. The Vandal alumnus, member of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity and international business leader will take office Monday, July 1, 2019. His appointment comes after a unanimous vote of the Idaho State Board of Education today.
Based in New York, Green is the global chief operating and financial officer of Hogan Lovells, an international law firm. Green has a long history of running billion-dollar global law firms and brings broad perspective on diversity and international outreach to this position.
“My history with the University of Idaho is deep. I care about this place, its students, its faculty and staff and its alumni,” Green said. “Together, we will work toward its strategic goals, creating a stronger, more competitive institution.”
Green’s appointment comes after several months of reviewing more than 50 applicants for the position to replace Chuck Staben, whose contract ends June 15, 2019. Green’s annual salary will be $420,000.
Green has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from U of I and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard. He was the first non-lawyer to run an American Lawyer 100 law firm, recognized as one of the Top 50 Big Law Innovators of the Last 50 Years by American Lawyer Magazine and was inducted into the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Business and Industry Hall of Fame. He has authored numerous articles and books and had global responsibility for more than 3,000 employees in more than 30 countries.
Green and his wife, Gabriella, an interior designer, have two college-age children: Nicholas and Christina.
The University of Idaho was a “wild” place in the early 1970s, when now-Governor Brad Little first came to the Moscow campus. The end of the Vietnam War meant many veterans were back in school, a fact that led to some interesting options for all students. But, Gov. Little told U of I students Monday that it was the mentors he found that made him the leader he is today.
“As a farm kid from Emmett, I was weaned from my hometown by finding mentors and friends in my fraternity,” he said, in an on-campus presentation called “From Greek to Governor” on April 8. The Greek community offered him lessons in “discipline of making choices and prioritizing.”
Little, a proud member of Phi Delta Theta, has deep roots at his alma mater. He recalled meeting his wife, Theresa ‘76 in a stairwell at Phi Delta Theta and spending rainy days studying and sunny days procrastinating. He boasted about his father, a U of I Sigma Chi, his two sons who are members of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, his daughter-in-laws and the possibility of five- and sixth-generation Vandals.
The governor focused on the mentors he found at Idaho. Charlie Peterson, former professor in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), for example, “saw something in me” and “always pushed me to work harder.”
Following graduation, “I leveraged what I learned and my friendships for life after graduation,” Little said. “My ability to deal with diverse populations was honed right here on this campus.”
His parents served as role models and mentors for what alumni-hood would look like, serving the institution on the U of I Foundation board, a role Little later assumed along with an advisory role with CALS, philanthropic work, ranching, and serving as an Idaho senator and lieutenant governor.
He commended Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter as another mentor who drafted him into leadership. It was Gov. Otter who called him one night with an offer to serve as lieutenant governor. Little also mentioned Vandal alumnus Jim McClure ‘50, Idaho State Senator, U.S. Senator and philanthropist, as also being influential in his career. Little spoke about the value of learning how to compromise and find solutions when faced with working with a diverse populations and complex situations. He explained instances in the current legislative session regarding education in Idaho. “We can do a lot of things, but if it doesn’t maximize the opportunity for you and other young Idahoans to stay in Idaho, live and work in Idaho, it doesn’t interest me,” he said. “This is the lens for all my decisions.”
Multicultural Greek Council
* Held an MGC showcase event to recruitment week kick off
* Spring recruitment brought over 25 interested members
Interfraternity Council
* Completed a review of recruitment practices in order to promote wholistic community growth
* Created a broad risk management policy to ensure the health and safety for members and reduced liability for our member organizations
* Rising Scholar Award winners are Trent Hunter, Theta Chi; Cole Elliot, Beta Theta Pi; Jordan Hieronymus, Alpha Kappa Lambda; and Jacob Von Bargen, Theta Chi
National Panhellenic Conference
* Recruitment counselors are selected and in training
* More than 20 women accepted bids during spring recruitment
* Greek Week(end) restructure brings back chariot races
* Six participants attended the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) conference
Dear alumni of the Vandal fraternity & sorority life community,
Spring Break is over, and the members of our fraternities and sororities are finishing out the spring semester strong with Greek Week, Greek Awards and commencement. This semester the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL) continues to help students create positive transformation within our community by hosting more training, highlighting diversity, and celebrating the academic, philanthropic and community service achievements of our students.
We kicked off 2019 with the IMPACT Emerging Leaders Retreat. This North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) program brings together campus-based and fraternity/sorority headquarters professionals from across the country to facilitate programming with our students. First and second-year members from Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (PHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) chapters developed their leadership, problem-solving, community building, and communication skills throughout the three-day retreat. The weekend retreat also serves as an opportunity for students to connect with leaders in other chapters, encouraging them to learn from one another and to build partnerships throughout our U of I community.
With an eye toward summer recruitment for IFC and PHC, the OFSL is working to provide added resources to bolster last year’s struggling recruitment numbers. Ultimately, at Idaho, we face the challenge that summer recruitment requires students to return to campus one to two weeks before the start of the semester in order to participate. This limits the number of students who can to take part, many of whom would have to leave work and farms to participate, and eliminates some populations of students entirely. To overcome these challenges, OFSL is engaging in several specific strategies to increase numbers in IFC fraternities and PHC sororities. I'll address this more in a an upcoming edition of Greek Speak.
While our community faces challenges, many of which fraternities and sororities are facing nationwide, our U of I fraternity and sorority community has lots of strengths and opportunities. As a team, we need to focus on Greek community development to make all of our chapters stronger. I look forward to the day when our Greek community is recognized as the best community in the nation! I firmly believe that day is coming for Vandal Greeks.
Go Vandals! Go Greek!
Interfraternally,
Shawn Dowiak
Assistant Dean of Students
Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life
Upcoming Reunions
The Office of Alumni Relations assists Greek chapters in planning, communicating and executing reunions on campus. Our team of professional event planners can help create a customized events for your celebrations.
Email reunion@uidaho.edu to start planning your next chapter milestone.
2019
April 12-13 — Theta Chi 60th Celebration
April 26-27 — Sigma Alpha Epsilon Charter Celebration
June 21-22 — Delta Delta Delta 90th Celebration
2020
March 6- 7 — Phi Gamma Delta Centennial
April — Gamma Phi Beta 110th Anniversary
Read More About National / Regional News and Greek Trends
PIKE Ends Initiation Week
2/27/19 - The Argonaut
Finding Home
2/27/19 - The Argonaut
The New In-Loco
2/18/19 - Chronicle of Higher Education
Fraternities Unanimously Adopt Health and Safety Guidelines
1/10/2019 - North American Interfraternity Conference
Share this newsletter with your bigs and littles. We do our best to update alumni records and need your help. Encourage your pledge class to subscribe to this newsletter by checking the "Greek Speak" box under Alumni/Retirees here.