Greek leaders urged all members of University sororities and fraternities to continue their record of community service at their annual awards ceremony last night.
At the event, hosted by the Inter-Gree Committee, each governing council received awards for its members based on philanthropy, community service and contribution to the Greek system.
The presidents of the four Greek councils spoke on the state of their governing council, also addressing what they have accomplished so far and what they hope to achieve.
Inter-Fraternity Council president Charlie Morgan said the IFC remained committed to philanthropy and academics, adding that the IFC has a higher average GPA than the general male population at the University.
"I am particularly proud of our contributions to the community," Morgan said, noting inter-Greek involvement in the creation of the Mid-Autumns carnival and the Crimson War blood drive against Maryland in the fall.
Morgan said such events were hugely successful and brought together the four governing councils and the larger community.
National Pan-Hellenic Council President Zuri Darrell said his organization, which governs historically black fraternities and sororities, has continued to serve minority communities on Grounds. Darrell added that the NPHC would like to increase its visibility at the University in the coming year. NPHC is looking into permanent housing for its member organizations, Darrell added.
NPHC member Nicole Gray, former IFC president Andy Paradis, former Inter-Sorority Council president Massie Payne and Multicultural Greek Council member Sandy Yoon each won the Greek Person of the Year award for their respective councils.
Outstanding Chapter awards went to Sigma Pi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Chi Omega and Theta Nu Xi.
Keynote speaker Dion Lewis, assistant dean in the Office of African-American Affairs and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, highlighted the importance of diversity in the Greek system.
Lewis added that Greek members have an important role both within the University community and in life after college. Students should know themselves and understand what they would like to contribute to society at large, Lewis added.
"If you haven't taken the time to ask yourself why you're in school, why you joined your fraternity or sorority, [or] why did you come to the University of Virginia, then you need to do it now," Lewis said.
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