Last week, Greek organizations around campus came together to compete in games and raise money for their philanthropies.
A portion of the money raised will be given to family members of two students who passed away earlier this academic year and were involved in Greek life at Troy University: Matthew Awbrey of Farmhouse and Caydee Grace Miller of Chi Omega.
“Those two deaths have hit the Greek communities very hard, especially for those specific houses,” said Panhellenic President Jenna Nabors, a junior English major from Montevallo, Alabama.
Nabors explained why philanthropy of all kinds is an important part of Greek Week.
“It’s not an unknown fact that Troy is a community with a good deal of poverty, and it's always really important when you are in college, whether it's a big or small campus, to give back to the community,” Nabors said. “I think sometimes communities feel overlooked, so this is just us giving our thanks to the people around us.”
More than 1,000 students participated in Greek Week, competing in sports, like kickball, dance and skit night, a banner competition, and other community service-orientated events, like can castle.
“Non-Greek students should know how great Greek week is,” said President of the Interfraternity Council Peyton Moore, a sophomore science education major from Oneonta, Alabama. “Greek life is such a key part of our university.
“This last week, I hope that the non-Greek students could see the passion that every single one of us has for our respected fraternity or sorority. The main idea of this week it to create competition, friendship and to show how great Greek life is on this campus.”
In addition to competing for their organization, students were divided into teams made up of all three Greek councils: The National Pan-Hellenic Council, The Panhellenic Council sororities and the Interfraternity Council.
“Greek Week is probably one of the most fun times whenever you're in a Greek because you get exposed to new people, and You're able to grow your network,” Nabors said. “School is hard, especially the spring semester because you're just itching to get to the summer.
“This is just a way of having fun, everybody likes competing, and we're able to make friends at the same time.”
Danielle Skinner is a graduate student at Troy University who served as the NPHC president in her undergraduate studies. She said Greek Week is meant to bring students together and, even now, the event holds special meaning to her.
“Greek week to me means fellowship.” Skinner said. “It’s always interesting to bring two different but similar worlds together.
“Greek week helps bring the different organizations together by allowing each council to come bond and do things they typically don’t.”
“I definitely do feel like I grew close with a bunch of students on campus between being united under the spirit of competition and service projects,” said Timothy McDonald, a sophomore nursing major from Columbia, Georgia, and a member of Farmhouse.
McDonald also appreciated the philanthropy aspect.
“Philanthropy is important for several reasons: it helps address social issues, promotes positive change, and improves quality of life for those in need,” McDonald said. “Additionally, it encourages empathy, compassion, and community involvement and fosters a sense of responsibility towards others and creating a more equitable society.”
Winners Overall: 1st - Team 2, 2nd - Team 1, 3rd - Team 4
Sororities: 1st - Kappa Delta, 2nd - Alpha Delta Pi, 3rd - Chi Omega
Fraternities: 1st - Farmhouse, 2nd - Sigma Chi, 3rd - Lambda Chi
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