Greek Life: Letters Today, Leaders Tomorrow

Even though I myself am not Greek, I have had the opportunity to advise and learn from several different Greek organizations and Greek Leaders over the years, so Greek Life has a very special place in my heart. As a Graduate Assistant at Loyola University Chicago, I had the opportunity to co-advise a service immersion trip to the Gulf Coast region for over 30 fraternity and sorority members representing several different Greek organizations. Through that experience, I gained a strong appreciation for the Greek commitment to community, service, and brotherhood/sisterhood. When I completed my graduate degree, I went on to serve as the Director of Civic Engagement and Student Leadership Programs at Alfred State College in Western NY, where I had the opportunity to advise 9 locally-based fraternity and sorority chapters. I advised Greek Senate, the governing board for the college's Greek Life system, attended events and fundraisers, mediated intra/inter organizational conflicts, and helped to propel the Greek community forward. My experience with the Alfred State Greek Life system helped me realize the impact of Greek Life on leadership development. Ultimately, I was named the 2011 Alfred State College "Greek Advisor of the Year," a meaningful accomplishment that I will always remember.