Today’s blog post is from Brittany J., a junior Mechanical Engineering major from Lee’s Summit, Mo.
You know what stresses me out? Calendars. They are supposed to be these wonderful organizational tools, but in reality, they just systematically categorize all of the stress inducing events that I need to attend. Yet, I suppose it’s not the calendar’s fault since it is only as crowded as I want to make it. Greek Life is the same way; it’s only as time- consuming as you chose to make it. However, I have made it a priority in my life, and while it may be stressful to see all of the events going on this month, it brings me satisfaction to know that I am taking part in something bigger than myself.
Greek Life at The University of Tulsa takes its philanthropies very seriously, and February’s event lineup is a prime example of it. Every Greek organization has a week of the year dedicated to raising money for its individual philanthropy organization. Several houses host a variety of small events in addition to a major fundraiser. These events are always open to the entire campus and encourage all students to participate and get involved. So while the Greek organizations may host the events, the university community comes together to support them. Let’s take a look at this month’s Greek Calendar for a sneak peak of everything going on.
Both Phi Mu Alpha (the men’s music fraternity) and Kappa Alpha Order have their big philanthropy weeks this month. On the Monday of its given week, each organization hosts an all you can eat $5 dinner catered from restaurants in the Tulsa area. These are always a fun time because 1.) the food is delicious, 2.) you get to socialize with friends from other houses, and 3.) you’re raising money by eating (that’s the equivalent to getting paid for sleeping, but now you’re helping someone else, too). Clearly it’s a win-win-win. Later in the week, each fraternity will host its own big event. Phi Mu Alpha puts on a fantastic concert (right before Valentine’s Day so we can all fall in love with their beautiful voices) and KA hosts a karaoke night.
Also sprinkled throughout the month are events such as DG Desserts (Delta Gamma), Kappaccino (Kappa Kappa Gamma), and Waffles for Wishes (Chi Omega). There is a central theme of food; thus, you know it will be popular among college students. There’s no better study break than a snack break. And to be honest, I would probably take a snack break anyway, so this month I can help raise money while doing so. I call this productive procrastination at it’s finest.
There are also larger events,such, as Tri Delta’s “Hoops for Hope” and Chi Omega’s “Chi O Sing.” Both of these events are lots of fun and, in a weird way, I can actually credit them with making me a better person. Why? They push me completely outside my comfort zone and encourage me to try new things. For example, I’m as coordinated as a baboon trying to ride a bicycle while juggling bananas (aka I am not great at sports) and I can’t clap on a beat to save my life let alone sing and dance. Yet, my teams placed in both events last year. My sisters gave me the confidence to participate and we worked together to make it fun. While these events may not have been straight up my alley, I can honestly say I am thankful that I participated in them.
Kappa Delta and Kappa Alpha Theta have ongoing events this month to raise money for their respective philanthropies. Kappa Delta is selling Crush-O-grams the first 2 weeks of February. You can buy a can of Orange Crush Soda for $2 (or 3 cans for $5), and KD will deliver it with a message to the person of your choosing on Valentine’s Day. Theta hosts “KATch Me If You Can,” which is an interactive game on campus that you can sign up to play.
Whether we are raising money for Make A Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s, Prevent Child Abuse America or for the cancer treatment of a fellow brother, we are all doing it together as a Greek community. The best part is that it’s a “best of both worlds” situation; we as students get to have a lot of fun competing and hanging out with one another, and we are simultaneously working to benefit a greater cause. So if that’s the reason my calendar will be full this month, then the more events the merrier. Our philanthropic work is only one of many reasons I am proud to be a member of the Greek community at TU.
