Fraternity and Sorority Life Blog

FSL Celebrates Its 100th Homecoming

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The week of October 11-16th, Missouri State University celebrated its 100th Homecoming. Students, staff, faculty, and alumni all came together to celebrate this very special Homecoming. This year’s theme was “Celebrating 100 Years” and each of the teams and pairings were able to individually express what 100 Years of Homecoming was to them in the events.  

 “We thought hitting the milestone of 100 years of Homecoming was an important mark to celebrate, especially this year,” homecoming advisor, Addy Emmons said. “As we social distanced the last year and half to protect our fellow Bears and greater community, the student body sacrificed a lot. When social distancing restrictions lifted, we wanted a homecoming theme to celebrate past, present, and future bears.” 

 Each day of Homecoming week has a specific event tied to it. The events are scored by judges who base their score off of creativity, originality, and how well the team tied the theme into what they did. At the end of the week, all of the scores are added up and the overall Homecoming winners are decided. This year, Alpha Chi Omega placed first, Delta Chi placed second, and Pi Kappa Phi took third place for Fraternity and Sorority Life.  

 “A weight was definitely lifted off my chest,” Delta Chi Homecoming chair Garrett Vernon said. “I felt great knowing that the work I put in paid off and I could contribute in my own way to Delta Chi’s success.”  

 Because Homecoming week is filled with many activities every day, there is a lot of hard work that goes into the planning of it. Advisors Addy Emmons and Debbie Letterman were responsible for leading the Homecoming Committee throughout the week. The Committee consisted of a group of students who coordinated the events and made sure the overall week ran smooth from all Bears participating past, present, and future.  

 “My favorite part was working with Committee,” Emmons said. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes for months in advance to make each event successful. It was fun to watch their months of hard work come together.” 

 Homecoming Court was crowned during half time ceremony of the Homecoming football game. The student nominees on Homecoming Court worked hard the weeks prior to the week of Homecoming, to campaign and showcase themselves and their involvement on campus throughout their time as a Bear. This year, Homecoming King and Queen were a part of our very own FSL community! Colin Weber from Theta Chi and Katie Sulzner from Alpha Chi Omega.  

 “As soon as my name was called, a huge wave of relief came over me,” Weber said. “I knew that all the time and work I put into Homecoming had finally paid off. I truly was in awe. It’s a weird thing to say, I was crowned as the 100th Missouri State Homecoming King and I personally can’t describe how it makes me feel other than I couldn’t be more excited to represent Missouri State and my fraternity with that title.”  

 During the week of Homecoming, Fraternity and Sorority Life was able to showcase University spirit in unique and creative ways. Chapters already cannot wait for next year to continue to showcase the community, personality, and members.  

Check out the recap of FSL winners below:

 Decorate Downtown: 

  1. Alpha Omicron Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Kappa Sigma 
  1. Sigma Sigma Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon  
  1. Sigma Kappa, Sigma Pi, Phi Gamma Delta 
  1. Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Zeta, Xi Omicron Iota, Kappa Alpha Order  

 Chalk-n-Rock: 

  1. Delta Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Pi Kappa Phi 
  1. Gamma Phi Beta 
  1. Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Zeta, Xi Omicron Iota, Kappa Alpha Order  

 PSU Window Painting:  

  1. Delta Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Pi Kappa Phi 
  1. Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Nu, Pi Kappa Alpha 
  1. Alpha Omicron Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Kappa Sigma 

 Can We Build It: 

  1. Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Chi, Pi Kappa Phi  

 Rockstar: 

  1. Alpha Omicron Pi  
  1. Theta Chi 
  1. Alpha Chi Omega  

 Maroon and White Night: 

  1. Alpha Omicron Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Kappa Sigma 

 MO State Live: 

  1. Delta Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Pi Kappa Phi  
  1. Alpha Delta Pi, Theta Chi 
  1. Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Nu, Pi Kappa Alpha 

 Field Day: 

  1. Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Chi, Pi Kappa Phi 
  1. Alpha Sigma Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu  
  1. Theta Chi, Alpha Delta Pi 

 Parade Walking: 

  1. Alpha Omicron Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Kappa Sigma 
  1. Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu, Alpha Sigma Alpha 
  1. Sigma Sigma Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon  

 Parade Car: 

  1. Alpha Delta Pi, Theta Chi  
  1. Delta Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Pi Kappa Phi 
  1. Sigma Kappa, Sig

Connor Aller Receives NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction

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The North-American Interfraternity Conference has selected Connor Aller as a recipient of the Undergraduate Award of Distinction, recognizing him as one of the top 11 undergraduate fraternity members nationally. Award recipients are described as individuals that embody the values of their fraternity, exhibit high personal standards, academic achievement, a commitment to positive change, and that demonstrate campus and fraternity involvement.

Connor has held numerous leadership roles as an undergraduate student. He served his fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, as Secretary and Chapter President, and held the roles of Director of Research and Development and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association. Additionally, Connor has been a SOAR Leader and worked in the Office of Student Engagement as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Student Specialist. He uses his free time to make an impact on the local community, working with the Southwest Center for Independent Living to build ramps that increase accessibility. His involvement at Missouri State and in the community resulted in Connor receiving the Citizen Scholar Award, which is an award given to six students annually by the Missouri State Board of Governors and is the highest honor a student can achieve.

Connor has made a significant impact on both Missouri State University and Pi Kappa Phi. When asked to speak on Connor’s leadership, President Clif Smart said, “Connor’s academic and professional accomplishments rival those of someone much older. His initiative, tenacity, and work ethic speak for themselves.” Mark Timmes, Chief Executive Officer of Pi Kappa Phi, shared that, “Connor truly exemplifies the best of fraternity: a member who embraces his role as a leader, puts service before self, and strives to improve the world around him.”

When asked about his fraternity experience, Connor said,

“The undergraduate Fraternity and Sorority Life experience is what I consider a 4 year or less sprint. Given this limited amount of time, your efforts must be pragmatically focused. During my undergraduate career I gained three guiding principles; be relentless in the pursuit of helping others, know your brand, and allow yourself to be replaced.

All of the principals were discovered while taking a leadership risks and allowing for moments of vulnerability. They served as a constant reminder that the impact you have on your chapter will allow you to improve the experience of someone whom you may never meet. Although the undergraduate is a 4 year sprint your impact after graduation can become a marathon.”

Connor graduated this Spring and is moving to New York City where he will serve as a Business Associate for Atalo Capital.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Celebrates Homecoming 2017

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Pictured from left to right: Matt Campbell (Delta Chi), Lily Cozad (Alpha Chi Omega), Isaiah Villarreal (Sigma Tau Gamma), Rachel Prather (Phi Sigma Pi, Alpha Chi Omega), David Azar (Catholic Campus Ministry, Sigma Pi), Ali McClean (Alpha Sigma Alpha), Blake Kobel (Phi Gamma Delta), Joy Sharp (Xi Omicron Iota), Evan Grosch (Sigma Phi Epsilon), Taylor Christopher (Sigma Sigma Sigma)

Homecoming is an important tradition within the Fraternity and Sorority Life community. In 2017, members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Association (PHA) councils had the opportunity to pick their own teams for the annual week of friendly competition. Judges from Missouri State University and the Springfield community determined the winner of each event, and gave appropriate points to teams who best applied creativity, brilliance, and diligence to each sect of the week.

In addition to the competition, members of the FSL community contributed to a total of over 6,000 pounds of canned food donations, as well as over 150 hours of voluntary community service. The 2017 Homecoming FSL winner was Theta Chi, with Sigma Kappa and Delta Zeta coming in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Winners of each individual event can be found below. Additionally, all 10 nominees for Homecoming royalty were members of the FSL community.

 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. placed first in the inaugural Homecoming Step Show hosted by NPHC and the Black Alumni Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council also hosted the inaugural Homecoming Step Show with the Black Alumni Council. With over 300 in attendance, four teams from NPHC chapters and the student organization “Essence of Hip Hop” performed.

1st Place: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

2nd Place: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

3rd Place: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

 

 

Homecoming King, Matt Campbell (Delta Chi) and Homecoming Queen, Lily Cozad (Alpha Chi Omega)

Banner Competition:
1st Place: Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Chi, Xi Omicron Iota
2nd Place: Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Zeta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
3rd Place: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi, National Pan-Hellenic Association, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Tau Gamma

Window Painting Competition:
1st Place: Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Zeta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
2nd Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi
3rd Place: Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Decorate Downtown:
1st Place: Alpha Gamma Sigma, Alpha Kappa Lambda, Gamma Phi Beta, Sigma Chi
2nd Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi
3rd Place: Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Chili Cook-Off:
1st Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi
2nd Place: Alpha Omicron Pi
3rd Place: Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Pi

Rockstar:
1st Place: Sigma Tau Gamma
2nd Place: Delta Zeta
3rd Place: Lambda Chi Alpha

Can We Build It?:
1st Place: Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon
2nd Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi
3rd Place: Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Chi, Xi Omicron Iota

Yell Like Hell:
1st Place: Delta Zeta
2nd Place: Theta Chi
3rd Place: Lambda Chi Alpha

Field Day:
1st Place: Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Zeta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
2nd Place: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi, National Pan-Hellenic Association, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Tau Gamma
3rd Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi

Parade – Float:
1st Place: Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Chi, Xi Omicron Iota
2nd Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi
3rd Place: Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Pi

Parade – Decorated Car:
1st Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi
2nd Place: Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Pi
3rd Place: Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon; Sigma Nu, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Sigma Sigma

Parade – Walking Entry:
1st Place: Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Zeta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
2nd Place: Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi; Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi, National Pan-Hellenic Association, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Tau Gamma; Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Pi

Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards

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Each year, Fraternity and Sorority Life has the opportunity to award chapters and individual members for their achievements over the past year. This year we received a record number of award submissions: 70 chapter award applications and 73 individual award applications. Judges from Missouri State University and colleges and universities across the country review each award application to determine the recipient. The following chapters, students, and advisors received awards for 2016.

 

Chapter Awards

Highest Interfraternity Council GPA – Lambda Chi Alpha

Highest National Pan-Hellenic Council GPA – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Highest Panhellenic Association GPA – Sigma Kappa

Highest Interfraternity Council New Member GPA – Alpha Gamma Rho

Highest National Pan-Hellenic Council New Member GPA – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Highest Panhellenic Association New Member GPA – Alpha Chi Omega

Most Improved Interfraternity Council GPA – Sigma Chi

Most Improved National Pan-Hellenic Council GPA – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Most Improved Panhellenic Association GPA – Alpha Sigma Alpha

Most Interfraternity Council Community Service Hours – Sigma Phi Epsilon

Most National Pan-Hellenic Council Community Service Hours – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Most Panhellenic Association Community Service Hours – Alpha Delta Pi

Most Interfraternity Council Philanthropic Donations – Sigma Phi Epsilon

Most Panhellenic Association Philanthropic Donations – Delta Zeta

 

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Alpha Chi Omega

Outstanding Community Relations and Philanthropic Work – Sigma Phi Epsilon

Outstanding Chapter Leadership and Management – Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding Membership Development – Sigma Phi Epsilon

Outstanding Risk Management and Social Responsibility – Gamma Phi Beta

Outstanding University Relations – Delta Zeta

 

Chapter of the Year

Interfraternity Council – Sigma Phi Epsilon

Panhellenic Association – Alpha Delta Pi

 

Individual Awards

Man of the Year – Andrew Whitney, Pi Kappa Alpha

Woman of the Year – Kelsey Lester, Sigma Sigma Sigma

Outstanding Interfraternity Council President – Luke Wiesboeck, Sigma Nu

Outstanding Panhellenic Association President – Savannah Moore, Alpha Delta Pi

Outstanding Campus Leadership – Tylyn Anders, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Outstanding Fraternity Freshman – Jacob West, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Outstanding Fraternity Sophomore – Zachary Cull, Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding Fraternity Junior – Connor Aller, Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding Fraternity Senior – Dan Altmann, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Outstanding Sorority Freshman – Courtney Monier, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Outstanding Sorority Sophomore – Rachel Frisch, Gamma Phi Beta

Outstanding Sorority Junior – Lily Cozad, Alpha Chi Omega

Outstanding Sorority Senior – Alex Forquer, Xi Omicron Iota

Outstanding Community Engagement – Katy Warfield, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Living Your Values – Zachary Riel, Sigma Pi

Outstanding Advisor – Darren Wienberg, Sigma Chi

 

Congratulations to all of our award recipients!