Fraternity and Sorority Life Blog

Mental Health Awareness Event

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On Tuesday November 9th, PHA, IFC, and FSLSA hosted a mental health awareness event. This event was located in Glass Hall and also had a zoom option available to students. Senior Emily West, is the Director of Social Awareness on the Panhellenic Executive Board and she took lead in executing this event for the FSL community.  

 “I wanted to tie in IFC because when it comes to mental health issues, people never think of how they can relate to males,” West said. “I feel like that also adds to the stigma of mental health of not wanting to reach out and get help, so making sure that we are starting to break down that barrier so that guys know that mental health issues happen to anyone and it’s okay to get help. I decided to bring in FSLSA because they are all about furthering social awareness in our community.” 

 Tammy Dixion, from the Missouri State Counseling Center, was the speaker for this event and she discussed a holistic viewpoint of mental health with students. Dixion had previously spoken to the Pi Chi’s during PHA recruitment, which is how West knew she would be a great speaker for the event. The goal of this event was to reach everyone involved in the FSL community and express that it is crucial to take care of your own mental health, along with making sure those around you are supported with their mental health as well.  

 “As a senior, I have seen people go through freshman to senior year and they have their own struggles and I had my own struggles so I think that talking about it and not being afraid to talk about it makes a huge difference,” West said. “If it wasn’t for having the strong support system that the FSL community has, it would be hard to have this conversation. I think people have been open about it, but I am hoping that this conversation leads us to bettering as a whole and making sure people in our community are okay.” 

 Moving forward, the goal is to have the FSL community along with the Missouri State community be more engaged with conversations regarding mental health. Making sure that everyone is supported and taken care of is a priority, and the event was a step in the right direction of making this happen.  

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

Recruitment Rundown: 2019

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Panhellenic Recruitment

The beginning of a new school year brings a plethora of activities on campus to assist new students to get involved on campus and meet new people. The first weekend of the semester, August 22nd through the 25th, Panhellenic Primary Recruitment took place. Potential New Members (PNMs) were guided through the process with the help of their Panhellenic Counselors (Pi Chis). 

Pi Chis play a big role during the recruitment process. Selected early in the year, Pi Chis spend time training on how to guide women through the recruitment process which can be stressful at times. Pi Chis are disaffiliated from their chapter during this time in order to act as an unbiased role model during the recruitment process as well as answer questions and give advice to PNMs.

Each woman who goes through the primary recruitment process has the chance to spend time at our 8 National Panhellenic Council sororities on campus. Day 1 is split between Thursday and Friday evening, where PNMs are able to get a tour of the chapter house, meet women in the community and learn more about sorority life. Day 2, women are able to get a deeper look into chapter’s sisterhoods and philanthropies. The final day is Preference Day, where PNMs get to spend the most amount of time at a maximum of two houses, being a part of a special ceremony. Each day allows women to spend more time at chapter houses, enabling them to develop deeper connections with chapter members and discover their values.

 

Photo credit: The Standard

The finale of recruitment is Bid Day where chapter members and new members have the chance to celebrate the hard work and excitement of recruitment. PNMs and  Pi Chis meet on the North Mall to witness Pi Chi reveal and open their bid cards. Senior members from each chapter are also present to run home with the new members. This year, Men’s Basketball coach, Dana Ford spoke encouraging words to the PNMs before opening their bids, congratulating them on finding a ‘team’ to join on campus. This year, over 500 women found their home within Panhellenic life. Our local sorority, Xi Omicron Iota is also holding their recruitment September 9th through the 14th.

 

 

Interfraternity Council Recruitment

August also brings IFC recruitment events as well. During the first two weeks of classes, men have the opportunity to attend recruitment events such as BBQ’s, service projects and intramural games. Men have the choice of what recruitment events and chapters to go to.  Between the 19 recognized IFC chapters on campus, over 400 men joined Fraternity life this fall.

We are so excited to have welcomed over 900 men and women into Fraternity and Sorority Life here at Missouri State! To stay up to date with our community, follow @mostateFSL on Instagram and Twitter.

 

 

Delta Chi Member Heads to Washington D.C.

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Former Delta Chi president and 2018 Homecoming King, Andre McIntyre, had the opportunity to be a part of the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition’s (FGRC) Capital Hill visit April 23-25th in Washington D.C. Andre was one of a handful of students presented with this opportunity to visit the nation’s capital through direct interaction in legislative process currently impacting fraternity and sorority life across the country. While there, he was able to represent Delta Chi Fraternity, Fraternity and Sorority Life members and Missouri State University. Andre said, “My team consisted of myself and Emily Bauer, a Delta Phi Epsilon from Truman State, and we visited the offices of Congressional leaders to discuss the benefits of FSL, why students’ freedom of association should be protected, and three pieces of legislation… The legislation protects our freedom of association, and the other two were anti-hazing policies that add transparency to acts of hazing on campus.”

When asked what made him want to go he said the following, “when I was presented with the opportunity, I had the chance to research the issue. Reflecting on my fraternity experience, being a part of a single-sex organization has added so much to my overall university and has provided incredible opportunity for growth and leadership development. I found the issue very relevant to me and something that I am passionate about.”

To hear more about Andre’s experience and the pieces of legislature, check out this video, from Ozark First!

Andre is certainly a leader in letters, making his Missouri Statement. We are lucky to have students who fight for not only for their collegiate experiences, but for the future of others as well.

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. Judges from Missouri State University and college and universities across the country review each award application to determine the recipient. The following chapters, students, and advisors received awards for 2017. Congratulations to you all!

Chapter Awards                                          

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Xi Omicron Iota

Outstanding Academic Achievement – Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding Community Relations and Philanthropic Work – Sigma Kappa

Outstanding Community Relations and Philanthropic Work – Phi Gamma Delta

Outstanding Chapter Leadership and Management – Alpha Sigma Alpha    

Outstanding Chapter Leadership and Management – Gamma Phi Beta

Outstanding Chapter Leadership and Management – Sigma Chi

Outstanding Membership Development – Sigma Kappa

Outstanding Membership Development – Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding Risk Management and Social Responsibility – Alpha Sigma Alpha

Outstanding Risk Management and Social Responsibility – Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding University Relations – Delta Zeta

Outstanding University Relations – Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding University Relations – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

 

Chapter of the Year

Chapter of the Year – Delta Zeta

Chapter of the Year – Pi Kappa Phi

 

Individual Awards                                      

Man of the Year  – Connor Aller, Pi Kappa Phi 

Woman of the Year – Lauren VanNess, Gamma Phi Beta  

Outstanding Interfraternity Council President – Blake Kobel, Phi Gamma Delta 

Outstanding Panhellenic Association President – Kayla Eggering, Alpha Sigma Alpha 

Outstanding Campus Leadership – Brandon McCoy, Theta Chi   

Outstanding Fraternity Freshman – Hayden Hollingsworth, Pi Kappa Phi 

Outstanding Fraternity Sophomore – Luke Mac, Pi Kappa Phi 

Outstanding Fraternity Junior – Zach Cull, Pi Kappa Phi

Outstanding Fraternity Senior – Drew Geer, Pi Kappa Phi 

Outstanding Sorority Freshman – Madelyn Cooper, Alpha Sigma Alpha  

Outstanding Sorority Sophomore – Haley Swanigan, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Outstanding Sorority Junior – Caitlin Schaefer, Alpha Delta Pi 

Outstanding Sorority Senior – Rachel Prather, Alpha Chi Omega 

Outstanding Community Engagement – Connor McClew, Phi Gamma Delta 

Living Your Values  – Ali McClean, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor – Jimi Sode, Pi Kappa Phi   

Outstanding Alumni Advisor – Carol Fritts, Sigma Sigma Sigma  

 

FSL Programming Report Awards                                               

2017 Highest Interfraternity Council GPA – Lambda Chi Alpha 

2017 Highest National Pan-Hellenic Council GPA – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

2017 Highest Panhellenic Association GPA – Alpha Delta Pi

2017 Highest Interfraternity Council New Member GPA – Sigma Chi

2017 Highest National Pan-Hellenic Council New Member GPA – Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

2017 Highest Panhellenic Association New Member GPA – Xi Omicron Iota

2017 Most Improved Interfraternity Council GPA – Delta Sigma Phi

2017 Most Improved National Pan-Hellenic Council GPA – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

2017 Most Improved Panhellenic Association GPA – Gamma Phi Beta

2017 Most Interfraternity Council Community Service Hours – Pi Kappa Phi

2017 Most National Pan-Hellenic Council Community Service Hours – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

2017 Most Panhellenic Association Community Service Hours – Alpha Delta Pi

2017 Most Interfraternity Council Philanthropic Donations – Sigma Phi Epsilon

2017 Most National Pan-Hellenic Council Philanthropic Donations – Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

2017 Most Panhellenic Association Philanthropic Donations – Sigma Kappa