The highlight for Greek Life every year is the annual, greek week.
Greeks from all affiliated organizations come together to participate in several events on and off campus. “It’s a week for all affiliated organizations to come together and share our common bond of Greek Life,” Courtney Sweeney, vice president of Pan Helenic Council said. As vice president, she oversees all sororities at Keene State College. She said greek week is a chance for all greeks to show the rest of the student body what they are all about. A new tradition started last year. The week was kicked off by the Night of Clarity event, held on campus grounds. This was a full day and night where greeks offered alternatives for students on a Friday night, rather than going out and drinking. Angelo Liberatore, Intra Fraternal Council President, pointed out that not everyone drinks on the weekends and it is nice to provide alternatives for those students who don’t, so they don’t get stuck in their dorm rooms all night. “We are the biggest social group and are willing to give up a Friday night to show issues with drinking,” he said. “Since no one else is doing it, we’ll do it.” The Night of Clarity involved several activities and events. There were mock drunk driving demonstrations, sobriety tests while wearing beer goggles and a comedian. Mike DeStefano, the comedian, talked about challenges with drugs, alcohol and AIDS. Later in the night, there were snacks in the Night Owl Cafe and a performance by the local band, the Bathin’ Apes. Also, an unofficial kick ball game was played on the quad at 1 a.m. Liberatore said the event was aimed for all student body, but all greeks attended and not many other students. “It’s a fun week where we can get out and have other students participate,” Dann Thomas, a PMD brother said. Liberatore said there will be a new Public Relations chair next year, who plans to set up more events like this throughout the year, giving alternatives for students on the weekends. Greek week continued with a parade down Appian Way on Monday afternoon. All the greeks marched from the arch on Main Street to the A-fields for more activities. Students played capture the flag, soccer and other competitive sports. According to Sigma Rho Upsilon sister Aislyn Vaughan, Sigma Pi brothers dominated in most of these events. Each night there were events, including air band, the newly-wed game and the Mr. and Ms. greek week competition. The winners received votes based on their talent, evening wear and swim wear. This year’s winners were Zach “Steak” Saucier, of Psi Upsilon, and Amy Battey, of Phi Sigma Sigma. This is the third year in a row that a Psi Upsilon brother has won Mr. greek week. Several greek organizations are starting to become nationally affiliated. One is Tau Phi Xi, now known as Tau Phi Xi NAS Kappa Beta Gamma. As a nationally affiliated sorority, their letters changed. “All the letters are changing and we all get to start over,” said Cait English, a KBG sister. “Any problems we had last year are gone and we get to start fresh.” Greek Life is huge part of student life at KSC and, according to Liberatore, several people misunderstand the huge impact the organizations have. All together, they put in thousands of hours of community service each year and participate in several charity and outreach events. For example, during the recent Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, Liberatore said most of the student participants were from greek organizations. “Those things don’t get mentioned, but when a couple brothers get in a fight it’s on the front page of the [Keene] Sentinel,” Liberatore said. He added that Greek Life is not for everyone, but everyone could find an organization that is for them, like how Tau Kappa Epsilon has several music students. “I’ve always felt a really strong unity within my organization,” English said. “The parties are sick and so is the camaraderie.” Greek unity is important within these organizations. They see one another as family members and that is how they work. Greek week exemplifies this bond so all the greeks can get together and share with the campus this bond as well. “It’s about hanging out with close friends and havin’ a ball,” Liberatore said. Jen Senofonte may be contacted at jsenofontekeeneequinox.com Be the first to comment on this article!
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