Greek community comes together to recognize excellence

There was no red carpet, no paparazzi and no celebrity presenters, but leaders of the greek community gathered at the Indiana Memorial Union on Monday for an awards night to honor chapters’ achievements.  

The ceremony gave awards to each of the four greek councils: the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, Multi-Cultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council. The night started with a dinner, then various representatives from the four councils and the Student Activity Office handed out plaques.  

Alpha Chi Omega and Sigma Phi Epsilon each won the Chapter Standard of Excellence Award, which was presented to chapters that excel in values, academics, leadership, citizenship and brotherhood or sisterhood.

Alpha Chi Omega President and senior Kristin Burke said all sororities did great things this year, but her house worked hard to win the award.

“It feels great because it’s something we had in the back of our minds all year,” Burke said. “We’ve been putting our best foot forward and giving 110 percent.”

Awards were given to a fraternity and sorority for each of the five areas of excellence. Other awards included Greek Man and Woman of the Year, Advisor of the Year and Most Improved Chapter.

Junior Kyle Drennan – the president of Sigma Pi, which won Most Improved Chapter – said he thinks his fraternity won because of efforts during the past year.

“I’m excited,” Drennan said. “It’s good to be recognized for the work the chapter put in over the last year.”

At the end of the ceremony, the four councils presented Dean of Students Dick McKaig with a gift congratulating him on his retirement and thanking him for his support of the greek system.

“IU and fraternities have been partners for a long, long time,” McKaig said. “We have distinguished alumni who led this University and learned their leadership through fraternities and sororities.”

McKaig said he appreciated the recognition but then shifted the focus back to greek members.

“I’ve been honored to work with the greek system at IU,” McKaig said. “The credit goes back to the undergraduates of our organizations that live the values of their organizations.”