The University's Greek community unveiled a Habitat for Humanity house Friday built as part of a cooperative effort by the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Inter-Sorority Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Multicultural Greek Council and Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity.
Aaron Laushway, dean of fraternity and sorority life, said the house unveiled Friday is the fourth built with involvement from the Greek community and the second built with cooperation from all four councils.
"It was great," Laushway said. "It was a wonderful experience to see our students engaging with the community and producing what I think is a very lovely house on 6½ Street."
IFC President Charlie Morgan emphasized the strength of a united Greek community as a force for positive change.
"One of the biggest assets of the Greek community is the sheer manpower that we can lend to large-scale community service projects," Morgan said, noting the large percentage of the University community involved in Greek organizations.
ISC Public Relations Chair Marci Stewart also emphasized the importance of service within the Greek community.
"I think people forget that a huge part of Greek life is philanthropy and a lot of good can come out of community service," Stewart said. "Greek life is not just about partying; it is also about serving the community."
ISC President Laura Anne Kuykendall said she hoped projects such as the Habitat house would foster cooperation among the Greek councils and create a lasting culture of community service in Charlottesville.
Eric Flow, founder and chair of the Inter-Greek Habitat for Humanity project, said he created the program as a way in which the four councils could come together and enhance the community through service.
"I was looking around and I didn't see any events that involved all four Greek councils ... I was looking for a project that would enable all Greeks to come together and collaborate on something and in the process benefit the Greek community, the U.Va. community and the greater Charlottesville community," Flow said.
Laushway said the Greek community has plans to cooperate on additional projects, such as a student-faculty dinner and an additional Habitat house.
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