Letters Volume One Issue Three

lettersVOLUME ONE • ISSUE THREE • MAY 2011

Sincerely,

Dear Reader, As the semester now comes to end, I can say that this school year has gone by so fast! Seems like just yesterday it was August and I was moving to Ames from Indiana. There was a horrible flood that shut down the city and I had to learn how to function in a new town with no water. I almost thought the great flood of 2010 was a sign that I had made a big mistake by moving to Ames, but I’m glad to say I am still here and I have no regrets.

This year working in the Greek Affairs Office has been an awesome and rewarding experience. The Greek Community at Iowa State isn’t like anything I have seen across the country. Iowa State has a strong Greek Community that is rich in tradition and fraternal values. It has been my pleasure to work with such devoted staff in the Greek Affairs Office and such organized, professional and fun student leaders. The Greek Community should be proud of all the things that have been accomplished this year. I know it will be bittersweet for graduating students, but remember that Greek Life is a lifelong commitment and fraternal values do not end with a degree. Good luck to the Class of 2011 and continue to move onward and upward toward the light of success. I will have the privilege of working in the Greek Affairs Office this summer while many Greek students will be around taking classes or will be across the country participating in fun and exciting internships. I look forward to being in Ames for my first summer, while I help the students and staff gear up for Fall Formal Recruitment! I will also have the opportunity to Study Abroad in Indonesia during the month of June. I am super excited about this experience and look forward to sharing my stories and pictures when I return. Have a safe summer everyone!

Cameron BeattyThe Office of Greek Affairs Graduate Advisor of NPHC and MGC

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Lauren RyanCPC VP of Marketing

Α Dear Reader

Β Contacts

Γ Award of Distinction

Δ Step by Step

Ε 100th Anniversary

Ζ Make A Wish

Η&Θ Senior Spotlights

Ι&Κ Senior Spotlights

Λ&Μ Senior Spotlights

Ν&Ξ Senior Spotlights

Ο&Π Senior Spotlights

Ρ Greek Triangle

Σ UIFI Scholarships

CONTENTS

Lucas Droessler

IFC VP of Marketing

Ryne Dittmer

IFC VP of Communications

Rachel GerdesCPC VP of Communications

Bethany SchaferWriter

Colin GraceWriter

Robin KamenjarinWriter

Sam BehrensPhotographer

Katie H. Writer

Greek Relations Executive Council (GREC)

[email protected]

@ISUGreek

Greek Community -Iowa State University

Rhonda DelgadoWriter

Amber Oppelt Designer



From Left: Matt Skarshaugh, Andy Pringnitz, Jake Kolker, Jordan Uthoff, Drew Brown

By: K

atie

H.

In April, the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) awarded the Iowa State University FarmHouse Fraternity Chapter with the 2011 Chapter Award of Distinction. FarmHouse was one of only four chapters nationwide to be honored with this prestigious recognition. Chapter leaders were invited to accept the award in Washington, D.C. along with the other NIC award recipients from April 10-12. Jordan Uthoff, Andy Pringnitz, Jake Kolker, Drew Brown and Matt Skarshaug represented the chapter at the awards ceremony. The NIC’s Award of Distinction recognizes an excellent fraternity chapter based on their values and relationship with their national organization. The recipients of this award are chapters that are very well functioning and educate other chapters in their community on the benefits of a values based Greek experience. “We model ourselves to strive to be the best we can be,” said FarmHouse president Jordan Utoff. “We always try to be gentlemen, philanthropists, service members and do all of this while being good students.” In addition to the prestigious Award of Distinction, FarmHouse alumna alumni Rick Barnes of the Texas Tech chapter was the recipient of the Gold Medal Award, which is one of the oldest traditions of the NIC and the highest honor the NIC gives to fraternity members. Barnes currently serves on the Board of the Association for Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Foundation and the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) Foundation and is the president of the Texas Tech FarmHouse Alumni Association. Barnes also does is a Risk Management speaking keynote speaker for fraternities and sororities across the country. Uthoff said that Barnes has always been a strong supporter of the fraternity movement and of FarmHouse. “I believe these awards will be a great recruiting tool,” Uthoff said. “I hope it will improve the idea that Greek chapters can be a positive experience in young people’s lives.”

FarmHouse

Step By StepNIC Award of Distinction

By: Colin Grace

Members of MGC and NPHC sororities perform a unity stroll.


Step By Step

It was an out of the ordinary sight in front of Parks Library. From a distance you could see a crowd had formed around a group of performers. The students and passersbys cheered them on as they hit their moves in sync with hip hop music blasting from the stairs. A variety of Greek letters adorned the jackets and shirts the performers were wearing. It was the annual Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council’s annual Yard Show, showcasing the talents of the councils’ students. This spring’s show was held April 11. The event was an opportunity for a small organization to make a big splash on Iowa State’s campus. The Multicultural Greek Council, along with the National Pan-Hellenic Council, are looking to expand their numbers and foster an environment to promote diversity awareness. The Yard Show showcased several MGC and NPHC Greeks performing a stepping and strolling routine. Stepping is a traditionally African-American form of dancing where the dancers use every part of their body to produce rhythm and beats with footwork and hand-clapping. Greeks from several fraternities and sororities collaborated in the event, making the show a huge success. Anyone with questions about the Multicultural Greek Council or National Pan-Hellenic Council should contact them via email at [email protected] or [email protected]

1st: ΔΣΘ2nd: ΖΦΒ

Congrats to our chapters that placed at the Drake

Relays Step Show Competition April 30th!

Since the founding of Iowa State University in 1858, many Greek organizations have called Ames home. Alpha Delta Pi was founded at Iowa State on June 3, 1911, established from a friendship club called Inomene Feliae. It was the third national sorority on campus and was colonized as the 16th chapter of Alpha Delta Pi nationally. Over 2,100 members have been initiated to the blue and white, marking a century of sisterhood for this chapter. During VEISHEA weekend, April 15-17, over 185 initiated alumni from 1946 onward and 90 current chapter members celebrated with Alpha Delta Pi International Grand President Claire Brown Gwaltney and Virginia Stafford, past International Grand President and Ames Alumni Association member. The mistress of ceremonies was Mollie Cooney, KCCI-Des Moines weekday news anchor, graduate of Iowa State and Alpha Delta Pi alumna. The Saturday evening banquet had special ceremonies and presented ISU with a commemorative bench near Catt Hall’s Walk of Heroines. Alpha Delta Pi has been able to give back to Iowa State with the values of scholarship, work ethic and sisterhood. Ada Hayden, Margaret Wragg Sloss and Kitty Hach truly exemplified “we live for each other” and serve as constant

reminders of their Greek allegiance. Hayden was the first female and fourth person ever to receive a doctorate in Botany from Iowa State in 1918. Ada Hayden Heritage Park was been named in her honor. Sloss was a 1919 initiate and received her bachelor of science in 1923, her masters in science in 1932 and was the first female to receive her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State in 1938. In 1940 she was honored by the Women’s Centennial Congress as one of the 100 women in the United States to successfully follow careers. The Margaret Sloss Women’s Center bears her name. Hach serves as the CEO of Hach Scientific Foundation along with staying active philanthropic endeavors. In 2009 she pledged $10 million to start the construction of Hach Chemistry Hall on Iowa State’s campus. After 100 years Iowa State has grown from a college to a university, a small school to a Big 12 competitor and from less than ten Greek chapters to more than 50. Many things have changed over the years, but the ideals in which each Greek organization lives by are still intact.

Executive Board Members with International Grand President Claire Gwaltney. Alpha Delta Pi in 1931, eight years after the home was built.

A Century of Sisterhood


By: Rachel G

erdes

Executive Board Members with International Grand President Claire Gwaltney. Alpha Delta Pi in 1931, eight years after the home was built.

A Century of Sisterhood

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Making a Wish a RealityBy: Bethany Schafer

For her 16th birthday, Shelby dreamed of a Sweet Sixteen party, and the chance to spend one night away from discussion of treatments or sickness. This was Shelby’s only wish, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, along with the help of the Iowa State Chi Omega chapter made her wish a reality this past January. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities. Since 2002, Chi Omega has been a part of the Chi Omega/Make-A-Wish alliance. Since the start of the alliance, Chi Omega has nationally raised more than $6.5 million and given over 400,000 volunteer hours. The Make-A-Wish Foundation recognizes Chi Omega as one of their Cause Champion sponsors. Forty-two Chi Omega members from the Eta Beta Chapter at Iowa State traveled to Cedar Falls, Iowa to help Shelby create her “Super Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party”. The masquerade included huge table centerpieces, decorative face masks, red carpet entrance, balloon pillars,

dance floor surrounded by “Paris street lamps”, photo back drop, cake, a disc jockey and a full buffet dinner. Shelby arrived in a stretch limo with her father and cousins. Her guests anxiously watched from both sides of the red carpet to greet the birthday girl. Cheering and music radiated as she stepped out of her limo. Chi Omega members primarily helped with decorating in preparation for the event. About 12 members were allowed to actually stay for the birthday party. Those volunteers assisted with directing guests, serving meals, gift opening, videotaping, distributing cake, and enjoying the rest of the night dancing with the birthday girl and her friends. The Chi Omega’s also gave Shelby a scrapbook for her birthday so she could keep all of the pictures in from her dream birthday party. Additionally, the Chi Omega members gave her four tickets to the Civic Center in Des Moines for a musical production because Shelby loves dance and performing. “It was definitely a night we will all remember and was such an amazing experience to be a part of,” Justina Frost, Chi Omega senior said. “I felt so blessed to be able to help make a wish come true for a very deserving 16 year old girl. You could tell Shelby was having the time of her life and was truly grateful that her wish turned out so amazing.”


Senior SPOTLIGHTS

In this special section we recognize outstanding graduating members of our Community. Each chapter was invited to nominate one senior on the merits of academics, Greek and Iowa State involvement, leadership and achievements during their undergraduate years. Seven standout seniors were selected from these nominations to be spotlighted alongside the other nominated members.

We congratulate the Greek Community members graduating this semester and thank them for their contributions to our chapters and campus.

Justina FrostChi Omega

Communication Studies

“I have never met a more driven individual who puts others first,” Emily Skjerping, president of Chi Omega said. “She has shown our house that if you work hard, the

possibilities are endless.”

Mike BealsTau Kappa Epsilon

Accounting“He is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon National Grand Council and is the youngest member to ever have the privilege to be on it,” Joe Nobile, president of Tau

Kappa Epsilon said. “He has also been very involved on campus and will be graduating with a cumulative GPA above a 3.9.”


Alex KothPi Kappa Alpha

Mechanical Engineering

”He still continues to play a huge role in the upkeep and maintenance

of our Fraternity house as a senior,” Thomas Spring, president of Pi Kappa Alpha said. “He also

serves as a peer mentor and holds cabinet positions for Mechanical

Contractors Association and American Nuclear Society.”

Lindsay Michaelson has made the most of her college experience. The Gamma Phi Beta Sorority senior has done everything from study abroad to being Assistant Producer of the 2011 Fashion Show. Michaelson attributes a lot of her drive to her involvement in the Greek Community. “If it weren’t for being Greek, I would not have been as involved in campus organizations as I am,” Michaelson said. “I would probably have never participated in Dance Marathon, Blood Drive, or even the Fashion Show if it weren’t for the amazing people in the Greek Community pushing involvement.” Her Gamma Phi Beta sisters always encouraged her to do her best. They were Michaelson’s best friends and support system. “Being Greek really helped my academics because I always had somebody to study with,” she said. “I am really going to miss the girls in my house and their amazing ability to make me feel constantly loved.” Michaelson said the best part of her collegiate experience was how many opportunities and experiences the Greek Community had to offer. “The biggest regret you can have is not getting involved,” she said. “Make sure you take the time to really live up every football game, philanthropy, formal, and any other Greek event.”

Apparel Merchandising - Gamma Phi BetaLindsay Michaelson

Beth RudnickDelta Delta Delta

Apparel Merchandising“She is dedicated to absolutely everything she does, especially in furthering the success of our

chapter,” Steph Jones, president of Delta Delta Delta said. “Her loyalty and genuine personality

will take her very far in life.”

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘIKΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Jonathon Schroeder

Alpha Tau OmegaPolitical Science and

Criminal Justice“He has served in a variety of

positions within the house and has been active with IFC, GSB, and

SALC,” Sean McCarthy, president of Alpha Tau Omega said. “He is an excellent example and

representative in his time here.”

It may seem hard to stand out on a campus as large as Iowa State University, however, Paul Tretow, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, has gone above and beyond during his college career to strive for success. Following graduation this spring, Tretow will begin his career in aerospace engineering with Boeing in Seattle. He received this job offer as a result of his hard work, extracurricular involvement, and outstanding character throughout college. As an undergraduate, Tretow did many things to set himself apart from his fellow classmates. He has been a TA for engineering courses, worked at the Asteroid Deflection Research Center, mentored students, and obtained an internship during his time as a student. “During college I have tried to expose myself to as many opportunities as possible. Internship experience and networking have been the main reason I’ve landed such a great job in my future,” said Tretow. Being a member of the Greek Community has also been a huge part of Tretow’s college experience. As a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he has held various positions within the house, as well as holding a regional officer position as secretary for SAE. Tretow was elected for this national level position and has been able to help out with alumni events and various other leadership activities. As a member of a fraternity Tretow feels he has been motivated to be the best he can and to strive to be successful. “Being in a Greek chapter has allowed me to grow as a leader. You don’t have to take advantage of all the opportunities it offers, but I found that those experiences help you out in the future and help you grow as a person,” said Tretow. While Tretow may be ending his career at Iowa State University, his success as a student here only offers a bright future to come.

Trent JacobsonSigma Phi Epsilon

Materials Engineering

“He has served as Chapter President, was the Co-Director of

ISU Dance Marathon and attended UIFI and various other SigEp leadership conferences,” Kyle

Zibrowski, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon said. “He has been a very involved member of the fraternity and can be found at the chapter

house every day.”

Aerospace Engineering - Sigma Alpha EpsilonPaul Tretow

.

Stephanie ThodePhi Beta Chi

Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

“She has been a great leader within our chapter and on campus as well,”

Kelsey Schultze, president of Phi Beta Chi said. “She has held multiple

leadership positions and has been named a ‘Student Sensation’ within the

College of Human Sciences.”

Cynthia SalasLambda Theta Nu

Liberal Studies and Biochemistry

“She is a great leader and was not only involved with our sorority but also she was President of the Multicultural Greek Council this year,” Mayra Jamie, member of

Lambda Theta Nu said. “She has volunteered for Science Bound

throughout her college years and is also a McNair Scholar.”

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘIKΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Ryan QuinnKappa Sigma

Integrated Studio Arts

“He is one of the hardest working, smartest people that I know,” Jordan Krohn, president of Kappa Sigma said. “During

his time (in the chapter) he has helped improve this Community through community service and

philanthropy.”

Over the past four years the Greek Community has been a huge impact on Chelsie Wilson’s life. As a freshman she was a part of the Greek Marketing Executive Council (now GREC) and gained experience with projects within the Greek Community. Being a part of Business Week gave Wilson leadership experience within the Iowa State Community and among the College of Business. As a member of the Collegiate Panhellenic Council in 2009, Wilson served as VP of Marketing and was able to create marketing materials sent out to 7,000 incoming students. Wilson has been active in her chapter during her years at Iowa State. She has been assistant panhellenic delegate, philanthropy and community service coordinator, vice president of programming and president. Being president of her chapter in 2010 helped her grow as a person, and she was able to see members of her chapter grow throughout the year. Lastly, being the 2011 Greek Week General Co-Chair was one of the most rewarding leadership positions Chelsie had held. She was able to work with 21 amazing Greek members to help make Greek Week 2011 a success. Wilson’s involvement has also included work with Dance Marathon, Marketing Club and Trend Magazine. She also is a member of Order of Omega and Rho Lambda Honor Societies. “Being a part of the Greek community has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me,” Wilson said. “Being on Greek Week Central and seeing the bonds among the community made all of the hard work worth it.”

Marketing - Delta ZetaChelsie Wilson


KyleAnne KiralyKappa Alpha Theta

English“She takes great pride in Iowa State

University and the Greek Community,” Victoria Millen, president of Kappa Alpha Theta said. “All the volunteer work and worldwide experiences she has completed make her an

outstanding senior.”

Josh MonroeSigma Pi

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

“He has held many offices in the chapter and has been a great asset to our chapter,” Brian

Skalak, member of Sigma Pi said. “He has gotten a great job and attributes his Greek experiences to his success.”

Civil Engineering - Sigma Lambda BetaBrian Castro “Someone has to set the groundwork for what’s next.”

Brian Castro has lived by that sentence during his time at Iowa State. Castro, a senior graduating in civil engineering has been a member of Sigma Lambda Beta since 2006. In his years on campus Castro has served in numerous positions within his chapter including co-recruitment chair, vice president of operations, new member educator, and chapter president, among others. Additionally, Castro was president of the Multicultural Greek Council in 2007. During his tenure, MGC grew from two to four officer members while becoming a more structured and stronger group. Castro’s involvement extended beyond the Greek Community including serving as the vice president of the Society of Hispanic Engineers, a member of the Carver Academy and a peer mentor. The motivation for Castro to become so involved on campus stemmed from one particular objective. “It was for my fraternity and to get my fraternity name out there at first,” he said. “Then it pretty much came down to the fact that I wanted to be involved.” The highlight of Castro’s time at Iowa State came when the Iowa State Sigma Lambda Beta was awarded chapter of the year in 2010. While earning this distinction tops the list for Castro, seeing his chapter grow and succeed is what has mattered most. “I like seeing the generational changes in my chapter,” he said. “They take your legacy and build upon it.” And looking at Castro’s legacy, there’s no doubt the groundwork he set is solid for the future.

Nate MeisgeierBeta Sigma Psi

Civil Engineering

“He has been actively involved in our chapter as well as on campus,” Jon Baumgarten,

president of Beta Sigma Psi said. “He is respectable leader who has significant academic and professional achievements.”

Emily WadeAlpha Chi Omega

Speech Communication

“She was President of Alpha Chi Omega, has served as Blood Drive Co-Director for

the past two semesters and is also a TA on campus,” Josie Dyer, president of Alpha Chi

Omega, said. “Emily has a great personality, and is just an all

around great person.”


Cassie LehrSigma Kappa

Criminal Justice and Psychology

“She is a great friend and outstanding role model for

our younger members and I am honored to follow in her footsteps,” Katie Watson,

president of Sigma Kappa said.

Biology - Alpha Sigma KappaEmily Carlson

Although Emily Carlson has only been a member of the Greek Community for two years, no one would be able to tell the difference. Carlson, senior in Alpha Sigma Kappa majoring in biology hit the ground running as soon as she joined her chapter, participating in Greek events and becoming a leader among her sisters. As a young member, Carlson has taken on multiple positions in her chapter, participating in lip sync twice and serving as new member educator for the past two semesters. According to Alpha Sigma Kappa president Kaity Brien, Carlson excels in welcoming the new members and making them feel at ease. Carlson has also been active outside of her chapter as a member of the ISU Women’s Volleyball Club and serving on the Operations Committee for Dance Marathon 2011. Carlson enjoys dancing, playing sand volleyball and traveling across the U.S. In the classroom, Carlson has constantly kept high educational goals for herself, a trend that will continue after leaving Iowa State. This fall she will begin work on a PhD from the University of Kansas.

Josh LarsonBeta Theta Pi

Journalism and Mass Communications and

Electronic Media“He is a leader in the classroom and in the community through activities like

the ISU marching band being the drum major,” Matthew Stockman, president of Beta Theta Pi said. “He also writes articles in the ISU Daily and stars on

ISUtv.”

Holly Van Steenhuyse

Alpha Delta PiJournalism and Mass

Communication

“Her willingness to serve and lead is something you’d hope every Greek member could

have,” Lauren Nissen, president of Alpha Delta Pi said. “She has

been an inspiration to our chapter as past president and has had a great impact on the Greek Community and Iowa State.”


Sam WhiteAlpha Sigma Phi

Psychology“As the only senior in the

house, he has been a great older brother to show our young

fraternity how to succeed in college and in life,” Robert

Vance, president of Alpha Sigma Phi said.

Austin BamrickDelta Tau DeltaMarketing and Management

“He is the epitome of an individual that betters himself not through

highly lauded leadership positions, but by practical, everyday service to those around him,” Denton Patrick,

president of Delta Tau Delta said. “His moral character is beyond reproach.”

Apparel Merchandising and Design - Zeta Phi BetaNatasha Oakley

Natasha Oakley is the epitome of a leader for the Greek Community and Iowa State University. As a sophomore, Natasha joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and served as the chapter’s secretary and is currently the president. She has also been on the National Pan-Hellenic Council as the secretary. In addition to her Greek involvements, she works part-time with the Admissions Call Center as a student supervisor along with her multiple extracurricular activities. Within organizations on campus, Natasha has been a Cyclone Aide, a Destination Iowa State Team leader, a peer mentor in the Connect 4 College of Human Sciences mentoring program and treasurer for CONNECT. As an active member of the Black Student Alliance she has been the secretary and recently won an award for Outstanding Senior of the Year. She maintained a 3.53 grade point average and was recognized for her Outstanding Research with the Ronald E. McNair Program. Natasha is also a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society and a member of the University Honors Program. “My advice for current students would be to get involved on campus and in the community,” Natasha said. “College is more than just going to lectures and taking exams; the best memories are


Allison BernardKappa Kappa Gamma

Kinesiology and Health“She is sisterly to everyone, portrays

herself in a positive light and is taking her studies seriously,” Kaitlin

Bohn, president of Kappa Kappa Gamma said.

Zach KruegerDelta Lambda Phi

Liberal Studies

“He is a very dedicated and responsible student with varied

interests,” Chris Celania, president of Delta Lambda Phi said. “His presence

has already made a difference in many students and we know that he will make immense changes where

ever he ends up in life.”

Justin HawkinsPhi Gamma Delta

Management of Information Systems

“He has excellent leadership and persuasive negotiation skills,” Eli

Krambeer, president of Phi Gamma Delta said. “He is good at assessing situations and finding many solutions

to the problem or alternatives that benefit both parties.”


Biology - Pi Kappa PhiTucker Harrison

Tucker Harrison, senior in biology and member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, is a strong representation of living up to Greek Community values. Harrison’s many roles within his chapter culminated with serving as Chapter President, work that would eventually lead him to be named the 2010 Interfraternity Council President of the Year. Pi Kappa Phi Vice President Trae Hestness said, “Being named president of the year is the least of his accomplishments.” The senior’s dedication to others and his chapter extend far beyond the typical Greek Community member. As part of Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy, PUSH America, Harrison rode his bike from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. as a participant in the Journey of Hope. The cross-country trip was part of Harrison’s efforts to raise awareness for people living with disabilities. “It was a great physical achievement and eye opener, it taught me to take a look at my own life and not take things for granted,” Harrison said. Harrison also has volunteered his time with the Iowa State Blood Drive, and is a member of Order of Omega, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Scuba Club. Upon graduation, Harrison will continue his research on coral reefs at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo in the Scott Aquarium.

Anne RoushPi Beta Phi

Kinesiology and Health

“Her calm demeanor and good-natured personality makes her willing to help, give advice or just listen to a member talk about her day,” Moira Sullivan,

president of Pi Beta Phi said.

Jason GraikaTheta Delta Chi

Electrical Engineering

“He has shown what it means to be a Greek leader,” Alex Frisvold, president of Theta Delta Chi said.

“He has had multiple internships on NASA’s space program and will go on to do great things after his

time at Iowa State.”

Gregory BurgessPhi Kappa Theta

Mathematics

“Apart from holding numerous positions within our chapter, he has actively been involved in the

community,” Alex Davis, vice president of Phi Kappa Theta said. “He is an avid member of the Iowa State

Men’s choir and always promotes Greek Life in a positive spotlight.”

Michael WeberAcacia

Family, Finance, Housing and Policy“He has served in various leadership positions in

the chapter as well as on campus,” Riley Thiesfeld, president of Acacia said. “He currently serves on

the Acacia International Council as one of two Undergraduate Counselors.”

Jon KempfFarmHouse

Public Service and Administration in Agriculture

“He has been active in his chapter and the Greek Community throughout his undergraduate

experience,” Mitch McDermott, member of FarmHouse said. “He embodies what it means to be a fraternal man, showing in his personal character all

aspects of value based living.”

Julio EspadaPhi Delta Theta

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

“As a senior, he remains one of the most active and prevalent members of our chapter,” Colin Hueser,

president of Phi Delta Theta said. “Good times or bad, busy or relaxed, fun or serious, he has always, and continues to exemplify Phi Delta Theta and the Iowa

State Greek Community.”


Katie MunnAlpha Gamma Delta

Graphic Design

“She is also a great role model in the way she carries herself and interacts with people,” Maggie Dougherty, president of Alpha Gamma Delta said.

“She truly lives by the values of Alpha Gamma Delta and the Greek Community.”

Scott KettnerSigma Chi

Performing Arts“He has led the house for a year with great

poise and high ambition,” Sean Murphy, president of Sigma Chi said. “He has helped the Chapter in receiving an award from our International Headquarters and put a great amount of personal time and effort toward

recruitment.”

Jordan PaceAdelante

Agriculture Genetics

“He is outstanding member, leader and mentor throughout his time here,” Adam Dreeszen, president of Adelante said. “He has been

instrumental in raising our house’s GPA and increasing our house membership with his

hard work and dedication.”

Justin Van WertAlpha Gamma Rho

Agriculture Business“He has had executive position on almost every major campus organization,” Lucas Larsen, president of Alpha Gamma Rho

said. “He plays an extremely valuable role as a senior leader.”

Cory MohlingAlpha Kappa LambdaComputer Engineering

“He is selfless and is always the first to volunteer to help the chapter,” Nathan George, president of Alpha Kappa Lambda said. “He’s had numerous positions in the chapter, while being a TA on campus and making dean’s list

every semester.”

Henry WangPhi Kappa Psi

Fashion Apparel and Design “I don’t know how he finds enough hours in the day to do everything he does,” Brandon Otto, president of Phi Kappa Psi said. “Even with all of the activities

that Henry is involved in, he still finds time to contribute to our chapter and has stayed very

active as a senior.”


On Saturday, April 30th, members from the Greek Community volunteered their time to help renovate the plot of land, formally known as the DZ Triangle, located to the west of Sorority Circle. Members from 16 chapters arrived at 9:00 a.m. to get their hands dirty by laying out trails, digging flower beds and constructing the central patio of the Triangle. The Greek Triangle is intended to become an area that encompasses functionality and curb-appeal the Community can enjoy. The Greek Triangle plot, neglected for years, has been the topic of repeated discussion with the South Campus Area Neighborhood and City of Ames officials. Previous efforts in past years to make the green space functional have been unsuccessful. In the summer of 2010, the Student Affairs Commission, SAC, and the City of Ames began looking into ways to revitalize the space. Matt England, member of Acacia, and at the time, ex-officio Ames City Council member and chair of the SAC, sought out ISU’s Student Society of Landscape Architecture, SSLA, as partners for the project. Tor Finseth, member of Beta Sigma Psi and current ex-officio Ames City Council member, joined the project in late 2010. England and Finseth worked closely with Jessica Teskey, president of SSLA to organize the project.

“The idea has been circulating around for awhile and nothing was ever done. So, Matt England and I presented to IFC, CPC, and GSB, and then to each chapter in the Greek Community,” Finseth said. Roughly $24,000 has been raised so far between the City of Ames, Iowa State Government of the Student Body, the Greek Alumni Alliance and the IFC and CPC councils and chapters, with support still growing. “The main elements of the design for the Greek Triangle are the paths that match the curvilinear design of the roads that surround it,” said Teskey. Construction of the Greek Triangle will continue through the summer with anticipation of completion by this coming fall. Eventually, the patio portion of the construction will feature perimeter pillars, each engraved with the priorities of Greek Life: scholarship, philanthropy, friendship and leadership. Large cardinal and gold canvas shade sails will top the patio with the implantation of decorative trees and flowers to accent. With efforts extending to Greek Community alumni, donations will continue to be accepted. For more information on how you can help, contact Tor Finseth at [email protected] or Matt England at [email protected].

By: Rhonda Delg

ato

Greek Triangle Renovation


UIFI Scholarships

Six students will attend one of the five-day institutes this summer sponsored by the North-American Interfraternity Conference.

Frederick Fifield – Sigma Pi, UIFI Scholarship Camilla Dantas – Chi Omega, UIFI ScholarshipBriana Haguewood – Gamma Phi Beta, CPC Scholarship from the Ames Alumnae Panhellenic Clare Goeken - Gamma Phi Beta, CPC Scholarship from ISU FoundationAshley Olberding – Alpha Chi Omega, CPC Scholarship Ryan Helling – FarmHouse, IFC Scholarship

Also, congratulations to Matt England of Acacia and Emily Wade of Alpha Chi Omega for receiving awards at the Division of Student Affairs Spring Meeting on April 29. England was awarded the Above and Beyond Award for helping direct the Greek Triangle renovation project. Wade was recognized with the Unsung Hero Award for the chapter improvements she coordinated while serving as president in addition to the work she did co-directing the ISU Blood Drive.


VPSA Awards

The Greek Relations Executive Council is seeking your input!

Send your story ideas about your chapter’s news, notable alumni and current members for inclusion in one of our publications this semester. We are also looking to include any information on upcoming philanthropies and events you’d like placed on our calendar in each issue of Letters. Finally, we encourage you to send in high quality pictures from your chapter events as they happen throughout the semester.

This is your chance to showcase your chapter to the Iowa State University campus, and parent, alumni and support groups for the Greek Community.

Send all submissions to [email protected].

Documents

Letters Volume One Issue Three