EVERYONE can agree that good times make for good friends. With this premise in mind, several leaders of fraternities and sororities around Grounds are organizing a philanthropy event followed by a four-way non-alcoholic mixer in hopes that all will have a good time.
Clearly, this isn't a traditional Greek fete. Granted, there will be charity work, music and fun. But there will be so much more.
Working toward the goal of fostering a greater sense of community among all Greek students, a fraternity and sorority of the Black Fraternal Council as well as one each from the Inter-Fraternal and Inter-Sorority Councils are hosting this combined event. The mixer will be hosted jointly by Sigma Pi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., Gamma Phi Beta and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Such an effort demonstrates a practical approach to dealing with a perennial problem. The mixer will be an opportunity for Greeks of different letters to experience the traditions of their peer organizations. It also will provide a chance for non-Greeks to meet new people: The party will be for the participating groups for the first hour and then open to invited guests afterward.
It's no secret that relations among the various Greek organizations on Grounds have been strained in the past. To a certain extent, it stands to reason. Not only are the histories of these groups vastly different, but their activities and public images are as well. For example, non-IFC/ISC Greek organizations don't have houses, tend to be more service-oriented and have strikingly different recruitment procedures. More importantly, though, the different Greek groups rarely socialize with each other in a formal setting.
In spite of the contrast, though, one thing is certain: They all like to have fun. Taking this common denominator one step further by hosting a multi-group philanthropy project and mixer may prove to be a great way to alleviate some of the tensions of the past. Moreover, it could serve as a stimulus for other groups to follow their example and truly work toward fostering better relations among all University students. The organizers hope that students will respond positively to the idea since it is student-run and not University-sponsored.
There are other events that incorporate different groups. Consider Culturefest, which brings together several student groups for a day of food, music and shared company. Additionally, a recent charity basketball tournament for all Greek organizations helped bring together students of many backgrounds. Clearly, the idea isn't new. But extending it to the Greek sphere may go the farthest for students to reach out to each other successfully.
|
People frustrated with endless discussion about race relations that lead to no significant or tangible changes should be encouraged to see this event as an alternative approach. Not only does the idea stand as a vehicle for improving our community, but it's also a genuine way to have fun. The relaxed and informal setting of a service project and a party is an environment more comfortable for most students than the forums and fishbowls of the past.
That isn't to say that if everyone spends a day together we'll strengthen the bonds in our community. But performing service and throwing a party for different groups together can allow students who normally may not branch out do so without much trepidation.
For the past few weeks, the University has been host to a remarkable level of cohesiveness, unity and student interaction. It's sad that it takes events such as those on Sept. 11 to achieve that. However, as we continue to heal and learn from each other, this multi-group event will provide a chance for students to revel in the brighter side of the human spirit.
But hopefully it won't stop there.
Other groups only have to mimic the concept and throw joint parties of their own. The opportunities for all fraternities and sororities are limitless. Contracted Independent Organizations stand to gain much from working with each other to have fun together, as well. With so many varied and diverse student groups on Grounds, there could be an inter-group party every weekend. Not that this outcome is necessary, but such a reality illustrates that truer and lasting student interaction is possible.
This event stands as a pragmatic example of how our community can unite. Even though one students' ideas of a good time can differ, almost everyone likes to party and let loose. As the four Greek organizations hosting this project understand, kicking back with a fresh set of faces could pave the way for better relations all around.
So here's to good times and good friends - the old and the new.
(Katherine Martini's column usually appears Mondays in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at kmartini@cavalierdaily.com.)
Read More
ONIBUDO AND SAWAYA: Police, not students, were agents of chaos
By Naima Sawaya and Nathan Onibudo | 2 days agoSaturday, the state, not students nor protesters, brought violence to this campus.
IYER: Sports stadiums should sport more benefit to Virginia residents
By Arjun Iyer | 5 days agoPast stadiums in other states show that Virginia has the potential to succeed at such a construction project, provided that proper measures are undertaken.
KURTZWEIL: True financial aid must be transparent
By Paul Kurtzweil | April 29, 2024The implications and revelations of the lawsuit should inspire greater transparency at the University in order to ensure that financial aid is properly and equitably distributed.
