From starting education funds to “spiking out” domestic violence, Baker University’s greek community is committing its time and resources to various charities.
Director of Greek Life Bryan VanOsdale said fraternities and sororities participate in philanthropic activities throughout the school year, and each has a charity with which it is affiliated, usually on the national level. VanOsdale said whether holding a car wash, selling items or inviting bands to play for a benefit concert, fraternities and sororities’ goal is to help the community.
“(Philanthropy and community service) is a part of the greek mission and culture,” VanOsdale said. “It is imperative that as human beings and as Americans that we help those in need and those who cannot help themselves.”
Senior Megan Lamb is a member and former president of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. The sorority’s national philanthropy helps victims of domestic violence, and locally, the chapter at Baker donates to the Woman’s Transitional Care Services center in Lawrence.
“Working together as a national chapter really unites us as a sorority, and since often times women are the targets of domestic violence, it really hits home for us,” Lamb said. “With us helping a female-based cause, everyone can relate whether they have been the victim of domestic violence personally or have known a victim.”
Saturday, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority is holding its annual “Spiking Out Domestic Violence and Youth AIDS” volleyball tournament with the help of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Alpha Chi Omega President Ashley Schmidt said last year’s tournament was the most successful ever, with over $1,000 raised to go to WTCS.
President of the Zeta Chi fraternity Nick Wasser said the fraternity’s philanthropy is very personal this year. In conjunction with the Baker Alumni Association, Zeta Chi has started an education fund for Sidney Price, the infant daughter of Eric Price, a Zeta Chi alumnus who was killed in a car crash earlier this year.Zeta Chi also holds an annual Polyeuphony concert, Wasser said. Wasser said philanthropy is a very important part of the organization.”It gives us a way to give back to the community, and it is also a lot of fun for us because we get to gather a whole bunch of bands and listen to music all day,” Wasser said.
Junior Susan Surman is the president of the Phi Mu sorority, which is working with the Children’s Miracle Network. Surman said around Halloween, the sorority went to all the greek houses and collected spare change to donate.
“We went to Children’s Mercy Hospital and visited the children and helped them do art projects,” Surman said. “It keeps us in touch with the community, and it is also a lot of fun to help children.”
Phi Mu will be holding its annual President for a Day fundraiser on April 23. The event gives students a chance to purchase raffle tickets, with the winner earning the opportunity to swap places with University President Pat Long for one day.