28 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(01/27/11 5:30am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When junior Bill Kennedy received his bid to fraternity Pi Kappa Phi as a freshman, he was excited to meet his new brothers. He didn’t know that he would share the experience with his twin, Jim. And then his little brother, Patrick.Though many siblings grow up together only to part ways before college, Bill and Jim made the choice to stick together through the greek system.Bill, now president of Pi Kappa Phi, said when he and Jim went through rush, they had considered different houses, but both decided on Pi Kappa Phi because they felt it was the best fit.The following year, their younger brother Patrick, now a sophomore, went through rush, and Bill and Jim made sure that he chose Pi Kappa Phi, too.“He didn’t have much of a choice,” Bill said, joking.Jim said he and his brothers have remained close because they’ve maintained different groups of friends within the house. He said anyone going through rush should form their own opinions about a house, independent of sibling influence.“My advice would be to keep an open mind,” Jim said. “You should definitely check out a bunch of different houses and choose the one that fits your talents and abilities.”But twin sisters Kaitlin and Kelly Ruchniewicz, both seniors in Alpha Gamma Delta, stuck together, too.They went through rush as freshmen, but decided to go through the process as individuals.On bid night, Kaitlin received a bid to AGD, and Kelly didn’t. She was ready to live with other friends. But a few days later, Kelly got news that there had been a glitch in the computer system and she had actually received a bid to AGD.“Kelly didn’t find out for a day or two after me that she got a bid, but it was exciting. We were really happy, and I was so excited at the prospect of sharing the whole college experience with her,” Kaitlin said.Kaitlin said the experience of pledging the same chapter has also helped them show that they’re each their own person.“Sharing this experience, if anything, has continued to keep our relationship close, but people have also gotten to see our independence, because we’re not the same person by any means,” Kaitlin said.Twin freshmen Alex and Max Fredlake pledged Pi Kappa Tau this past fall after Alex received a bid halfway through the rush process and invited his brother to an event. “Max decided to come out to a couple of events — he wasn’t really rushing or anything — but they decided they liked him and gave him a bid, and he decided to join,” Alex said. While he likes having his brother in the house, Alex also emphasized that each house is different and that anyone going through the process should consider their options.There are siblings like junior Kim Lockhart, a member of Alpha Phi, and her twin sister Stacie, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. They chose to go different directions when they went through rush as freshmen, deciding not to compare which sororities they liked until after three party.“We ended up falling in love with two different houses, which was cool to see,” Kim said. “If we had ended up living in the same house we obviously would have loved that too, but it’s been great both ways.”Kim said while there are definitely times she misses her sister, she would advise women not to pledge a house just because of someone they know.“I always tell siblings that you don’t have to do whatever your sibling does — everyone likes something different,” Kim said.
(01/24/11 3:14am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>IU’s Independent Council will have its spring callout meeting today at 7
p.m. in the Walnut Room of the Indiana Memorial Union to bring together
non-greek women.
The main goal of IC is to unite independent students and give them a way to get involved on campus, according to its website.
IC also has its own philanthropy, which is voted upon by members and changes each year.
This spring, IC will focus on Shriners Hospitals for Children, a
not-for-profit that helps children around the country get free medical
care.
Melissa Feeser, vice president of IC, said she hopes non-greek women will see IC as an exciting opportunity to get involved.
“We created Independent Council to be a great way to meet non-greek
women on campus,” said Feeser. “We’re offering outlets for girls to meet
each other, make friends and participate in things they wouldn’t be
able to otherwise.”
IC holds weekly meetings in the IMU and one to two events each month for
their philanthropy and to build relationships between members.
For more information visit www.sites.google.com/site/independentcouncilatiu/.
(01/12/11 4:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Kappa Alpha Psi, together with the Union Board Outreach Committee, sponsored a TV-style panel Tuesday night to raise awareness about sexual assault and racial tension on campus.Kampus View, held in Whittenberger Auditorium, was led by a panel of four IU students and was modeled after the TV show “The View.”The conversation focused on the recent attacks on minorities, the incidents of sexual assault and the importance of prevention and education.Doctoral student and panel member, Tomika Ferguson said the purpose of Kampus View was to facilitate discussion about issues on campus.Ferguson stressed the idea that nothing happens overnight, and conversations about diversity and campus safety need to happen more frequently.“People are human, and discrimination exists because there are stereotypes out there. If we accept those stereotypes as true, we facilitate even more discrimination,” Ferguson said. “There needs to be an ongoing conversation so we understand other people’s views.”Junior Laci Boxell, associate director of the Union Board Outreach Committee, collaborated with Kappa to plan the event.“It’s really good for students to be aware and present, to have a voice, and to make sure they have a hand in making their campus safe,” Boxell said.Kampus View was just one part of a week long series of events called Kappa Week that is designed to connect students who wouldn’t normally come together. Junior and Kappa treasurer Aaron Barnes was the host of Kampus View and central in planning the events for the week. Wednesday night Kappa will sponsor “Dancing with the Greeks: Kampus Kulture,” modeled after the TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” Representatives from different sororities and fraternities on campus will be paired with IU dance instructors to perform a routine.Later in the week, there will be an open mic coffee hour in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a night for speed networking to bring people together.Kappa week will also include “Black Diamonds & Pearls II,” a party to celebrate Kappa’s centennial.Ultimately, Barnes said he wants students to come up with solutions that will make the campus better than it was when they got here.“If nothing else, I want people to leave with a mentality that they’re going to do something — reach out to our campus and improve it,” Barnes said.
(01/11/11 5:30am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The atmosphere of excitement and anticipation was almost tangible in the cold, Monday night air as sorority women waited to greet their new sisters.Then the buses arrived.Screams erupted down North Jordan and East Third Street, and throngs of women wearing feather boas and carrying balloons and signs swarmed around the buses to welcome their new members.Bid night marked the end of a month-long recruitment process and the beginning of a week-long celebration.Each of the 19 sororities has different events and activities planned for this week, “bid week,” in an attempt to help the new members feel welcomed in their new homes.Alpha Omicron PiAOPi planned a fashion show for their bid night celebration, where women modeled outfits for themed parties that they will attend this week. They also ordered pizza for the new pledge class, while some opted to take new sisters out for coffee or ice cream.Sophomore Abbey Reller said the house has fun activities planned for each night in the upcoming week, including a pinning ceremony and a game night for the new pledge class.Delta ZetaThe women of DZ planned ’90s-themed activities for their bid night. They decorated the house, served cake and candy and hired a photographer to take pictures.A spa day is planned for later in the week to pamper the new pledge class, as well as a formal dinner to help the women get to know each other.“We want to make the new girls feel as welcome as possible,” said Delta Zeta member, sophomore Lily Watson.Alpha Gamma DeltaNew sisters of AGD and sophomores in the house went to BuffaLouie’s for their bid night festivities. Their celebration was more laid-back as they spent the evening talking, eating and listening to live music. Wednesday night the new pledge class will visit the house for a “Yack ‘n’ Snack,” which will include games and mocktails. They have also planned a craft night for the women to paint pottery.AGD member, sophomore Whitney Beard said sister bonding activities are really important in helping the new pledge class get adjusted. But more than anything, she said she was most excited about all the new members arriving.“It’s really exciting to finally see all the new girls,” said Beard. “Getting a bid is amazing, especially since it’s so competitive here at IU.”
(11/18/09 5:19am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer announced that it is pledging $10 million to the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center for breast cancer research.Co-founders Patricia Miller and Barbara Baekgaard of the popular handbag manufacturer Vera Bradley started the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer in 1998 after the loss of a close friend to breast cancer.Vera Bradley began raising funds in 1994 and since then has made endowments of $1.2 million in 1998, $2 million in 2003, $6.8 million in 2006 and now $10 million in 2009 to the IU Simon Cancer Center.With the Vera Bradley Foundation’s first $1.2 million endowment, Linda Malkas was recruited to work with IU School of Medicine and was named the Vera Bradley Chair in Oncology. Malkas now co-directs the breast cancer program and works with a team of 34 members to eradicate breast cancer.Malkas said that she credits the Vera Bradley Foundation with giving the breast cancer program the boost it needed to develop its very targeted research programs.“IU is right at the cusp of the new paradigm of how we treat cancer,” Malkas said.Malkas said that the most recent $10 million donation was given to the IU Simon Cancer Center with the understanding that it would take the breast cancer center to a new level as far as developing very targeted clinical and research programs.George Sledge, co-director of the IU Simon Cancer Center breast cancer program, also recognizes that the Vera Bradley Foundation’s donations have made breakthrough initiatives in research possible.“Our long-term goal is that we will be able to use this as something that will kick-start a much larger effort,” Sledge said.The IU Simon Cancer Center is located in Indianapolis and is a part of the IU School of Medicine. In recognition of the foundation’s previous gifts, IU recently established the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories, located in Joseph E. Walther Hall, the School of Medicine’s newest and largest research building.Vera Bradley is based out of Fort Wayne and chose to give to the IU Simon Cancer Center not only because of its close location but also because the Vera Bradley board of directors felt it was one of the best facilities for breast cancer research, said Melissa Schenkel, public relations representative for Vera Bradley.The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer continues to raise funding for endowments through the sale of breast cancer awareness handbag designs, donations and special events across the country, including a women’s amateur golf and tennis tournament.The foundation’s donations to the IU Simon Cancer Center have aided in the development of new treatments for women with advanced stages of breast cancer, Schenkel said.“The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer’s ultimate goal is that we find a cure for breast cancer,” Schenkel said. “We hope that we can raise funds for another cause because breast cancer will no longer be an issue.”
(11/10/09 4:37am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Coal Free IU will screen “Coal Country” today to inform students about the harmful effects of mountaintop-removal coal mining.Coal Free IU began in September when the Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest and largest environmental group, launched its Beyond Coal Campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to shut down more than 60 coal plants on campuses across the country and to transition them to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, Sierra Club Coordinator Monica Embrey said. IU’s on-site coal plant is located on the corner of 10th Street and Fee Lane and provides energy for heating and air conditioning on campus, Embrey said. In 2006 alone, the plant burned 68,000 tons of coal. The film “Coal Country” follows Appalachian residents who are directly threatened by mountaintop removal, the mining practice where mountaintops are blasted away to gain better access to coal. The waste is then dumped into valleys and waterways of nearby communities. “This issue of mountaintop removal practices is very applicable to students because some of the coal used at IU for electricity from Duke Energy is mountaintop removal coal,” Embrey said. Novella Shuck, academic events coordinator for Coal Free IU, planned the “Coal Country” screening to raise awareness about the harmful effects of coal not only as an energy source but also in the environment while it is mined. “I really hope that students understand the entire life cycle of coal,” Shuck said. The “Coal Country” screening is part of a national event coordinated by the Sierra Club to spread awareness about mountaintop-removal process. Between 800 and 900 screenings will take place across the country this week, Embrey said. Musician Jason Wilber, who worked on the “Coal Country” soundtrack, will be at the screening to say a few words before the film begins. Coal Free IU will also feature an art installation Wednesday made from 100 percent recycled materials as a way to get a visibility on campus and raise awareness about the harmful effects of coal. The installation will be located by the clock tower at Woodburn Hall. Desiree Branaman, visual arts events coordinator for Coal Free IU, said that the installation will include an interactive board for students to voice their opinions about IU’s on-site coal plant. “I want people to see that we are a positive group on campus,” Branaman said. “We want to provide facts and figures about coal in fun and creative way.”
(11/05/09 5:37am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Coal Free IU will have its first discussion panel to inform students about the harmful effects of IU’s on-site coal plant and to raise awareness about alternative energy options today.Coal Free IU began in September after the Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest and largest environmental group, launched its “Beyond Coal” campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to shut down the more than 60 coal plants on college campuses across the country and to help them transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, said Sierra Club coordinator Monica Embrey.“I’m really hoping that people get an idea of energy at IU,” said sophomore Novella Shuck, academic events coordinator for Coal Free IU. “I hope that they don’t take anything for granted and that they get an understanding of the realities and challenges that we face.”“Coal on Campus: Coal and the future of energy at IU” is the topic of the discussion panel that will feature Bill Brown, office of sustainability; Ben Brabson, professor from the physics department; Jeff Kaden, University engineer; and Michael Beczkiewicz, networking coordinator for the Southern Indiana Renewable Energy Network.Shuck planned the discussion panel in order to raise awareness about both the environmental and public health issues associated with having a coal plant on campus.The Sierra Club identified IU specifically as one of the 11 schools that they thought would be open to environmental change and could successfully transition to renewable energy.In fall 2009, Embrey moved to Bloomington to run the Coal Free IU campaign, get students involved with the group and initiate action in shutting down IU’s coal plant.“It’s exciting to do this with so many other schools at the same time and knowing that change is being made,” Embrey said. “It’s completely possible to power the campus with renewable energy.”IU’s on-site coal plant is located north of 10th Street on Fee Lane and provides energy for heating and air conditioning on campus. In 2006 alone, the plant burned 68,000 tons of coal, Embrey said.Sophomore Bryan James McClatchie, who works on faculty coalitions for Coal Free IU, got involved with the campaign when Embrey came to speak to his communications class.His job is to increase support by getting faculty involved with events, asking them to permit a speaker to present to their class and getting them to sign the Coal Free IU petition that will be presented to the administration.Sophomore Matt Cohen, student coalitions coordinator, communicates with students and gets groups on campus to endorse Coal Free IU. His goal is to have five community groups and 15 student groups affiliated with Coal Free IU by Thanksgiving.“We want to get more people involved,” Cohen said. “On a bigger scale, we’re trying to educate students and give them the facts. We can make this campus a more green place.”
(10/29/09 1:08am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Each fall, local chefs and farmers come together to prepare a five-course meal in celebration of Indiana’s fresh produce.Today the Local Growers Guild will have its second Harvest Dinner fundraiser in honor of the abundance of local, fresh, in-season foods with 100 percent of the proceeds directly benefitting the LGG.The LGG is a cooperative of farmers, community members, grocery stores and restaurants dedicated to strengthening the local food economy in southern Indiana. Katie Zukof, assistant director of the LGG, said that the purpose of the harvest dinner is to make connections between growers, retailers and members of the community.“The dinner is a great opportunity to offer something to community members,” Zukof said. “They can see what we do in a more concrete way.”Marcia Veldman, local grower and Farmers’ Market coordinator for Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation, has participated in the event both years. The dinner this year will feature Veldman’s leaf lettuce, fingerling potatoes and butternut squash.Because of last years successful turn out, five local chefs will prepare the meal using Veldman and other farmers’ fresh produce rather than catering.“The food and the chefs that are working on the dinner are really top-notch,” Veldman said. The LGG decided to expand capacity this year from 60 to 100 attendees and contacted Angela Schnick, general manager at Upland Brewery, about having the event at a larger venue to raise more money.LGG members Upland Brewery and Oliver Winery are donating alcohol to the event. Schnick said each course of the meal has a recommended wine and beer pairing, and the grapes used to ferment the wine are grown locally. Coffee will also be provided by Brown County Coffee.“It’s our mission to bring as much local produce as we can to our menu to help sustainability and to help the community,” Schnick said.Other farms donating produce to the dinner include Harvest Moon Flower Farm, Fiedler Family Farms, Grass Harvest, Homestead Growers, The Chile Woman, Meadowlark Organic Farm, Strangler’s Hill Organics and Capriole. Participating chefs from One World Enterprises, FARMbloomington, Upland Brewery and Nick’s English Hut will also attend. Local Irish musicians Eric Schedler, Jamie Gans and Grey Larsen will perform live music.Overall, Zukof hopes the dinner will facilitate relationships and raise awareness about food issues.“We just want to celebrate the amazing products and the abundance of fresh products available this time of year,” Zukof said. “We also want to encourage community members to purchase local foods and learn more about the diversity of local produce.”