Dear Union College Faculty and Administration:
We believe that it is important to keep you updated on Greek involvement within the campus as well as the local community. It is our intention to underscore the Greek commitment to both community service in Schenectady and to promote an intellectual environment here at Union. We hope to continue to develop a stronger relationship with the college by promoting these ideals. Please feel free to email any of the three of us with questions or concerns. If you have any questions about becoming involved in an event sponsored by a Greek organization, please contact Steven Berlowitz at berlowis@union.edu.
On to the Fraternities:
AEPi
The brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi had their most successful philanthropic term to date. On Wednesday February 13th AEPi held the “Buy a Pi” charity auction. Brothers allowed themselves to be purchased as dates to the highest bidder for a catered semi-formal dinner on Valentines Day. The auction raised over $1000 for a children’s hospital in Israel. The highest bid went to Andrew Fierman, who went for an astounding $165! The brothers of AEPi followed up on much of their good work from last year, as well. They continued to volunteer three times a week at the Kenney Center for the Homework Program and the America Reads program in addition to continuing their tradition of teaming up with Hillel to volunteer with local senior citizens at Snowball 2008. The chapter has also started giving monthly donations to UNICEF to help support children in need from underdeveloped countries. Lastly, the brothers of AEPi hosted an educational dinner with Professor Baum. Professor Baum discussed the history of Rastafarianism and its direction in Jamaica today over traditional Jamaican cuisine.
Sigma Chi
This past term the brothers of Sigma Chi ran their most successful blood drive in recent history. One hundred eleven units of blood were donated by one hundred thirty five students and faculty. Sigma Chi also began its sponsorship of Joseph Kalume, a six year old boy from Marafa, Kenya. The chapter has already received its first letter from Joseph, and they replied to him with a letter and a package of colored pencils. In addition, Sigma Chi is in the process of fostering a relationship with the 101st Airborne Division, which is currently on the ground in Iraq. Sigma Chi will be writing the troops as well as sending them care packages with supplies.
TDX
The brothers of Theta Delta Chi spread a lot of their philanthropic work around the local community this past winter term. The chapter held a can drive event to benefit the Schenectady City Mission. They also worked with the SAIL program in the Schenectady school system. Lastly, the brothers of TDX volunteered at the Maple Ski Ridge Race, which served to benefit the American Heart Association, and they also volunteered to help clean up Vale Cemetery.
Delta Kappa Epsilon
On February 27th the brothers of Delta Kappa Epsilon hosted dinner with professor Chad Orzel, and they discussed physics and politics. On March 8th the chapter participated in two community service events with City Mission of Schenectady. The brothers helped install improvements to transition houses on Lafayette Street and they also worked at a local soup kitchen. Two days later Delta Kappa Epsilon hosted Michael O’Connor and Bob Soules from the Becker Career Center. They discussed resume writing and the job market over dinner. Lastly, this past term DKE began to support a young child from Kenya, and they will continue to do so in the months to follow.
Alpha Delta Phi
Alpha Delta Phi continued their work on the Union sponsored Habitat House this past winter term. The brothers also worked with the World Vision Organization to adopt an impoverished Ugandan child named Gideon Kisakye. AD is also working towards weekly grilling events on Wednesdays. The proceeds will go to cancer research.
Psi Upsilon
The Psi Upsilon fraternity assisted Habitat for Humanity on 1124 Barret Street in installing the foam insulation and dry walling throughout the house. The brothers of Psi U were the first students involved in renovating the house that Union generously donated, and as the project approaches completion they all feel very fortunate to be a part of the process.
Sigma Phi
This winter term, the Sigma Phi Society has prepared several admirable philanthropic events. Through the World Vision organization, Sigma Phi has actively sponsored a four-year-old Rwandan child named Jonathan Kwizera. Jonahan, his parents, and his two brothers live in a community struggling through the HIV/AIDS crisis. Donations will help sustain substantial prevention and care programs that are otherwise unavailable in many areas of Africa. The brothers of Sigma Phi also constructed an exhibit in the Nott Memorial which helped bridge the gap between Greek organizations and independents, professors, and administrators. The display featured artwork, music, and documents that highlighted the history and traditions of the Sigma Phi Society and how Greek life has shaped the Union College Campus. The event also honored those brothers that served in the armed forces, and the brothers who were professors here at Union College. Finally, Sigma Phi upheld its recently established tradition of “tea-ologies.” This winter Timothy Dunn, the newly appointed Director of Greek Life, was invited to discuss his role in Greek life at Union College as well as his future goals for the program. Timothy Dunn’s enthusiasm and positive approach has reinvigorated the ambition of Greek organizations to shape Schenectady by striving for academic excellence and through the use of philanthropic events.
Chi Psi
The newly re-colonized Fraternity Chi Psi has worked with a range of organizations to help better our local community. The brothers have worked closely with Culinary House, and each member has helped plan and run several events. Chi Psi also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, many of the brothers have chosen volunteer organizations to work with on an individual basis. Organizations such as SAIL tutoring, the Wildlife conservation in Schenectady, DARE, and the Zollar school program have greatly benefited from their volunteer work.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about all the great work the Greek community has contributed to Union College this past winter term. More new and exciting philanthropic events are in store for the upcoming spring term. Again, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns, or if you are interested in having a fraternity organize an event, provide a forum for discussion, or if there is anything else we can help you with.
Thank you for reading!
IFC Vice President of Philanthropy
Steven Berlowitz, ‘09
berlowis@union.edu
