Truman State University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life is preparing for its annual Greek Week April 8-12, an event that unites Greek organizations in a shared community service and engagement mission. This year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Learn!” is a call to action for the Greek community to suport three local causes: Project HAPPIE, the Kirksville Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program and the Truman Serve Center Food Pantry.
This is a campus-wide initiative that supports our local community with donations from the student body. There will be multiple tablings and food deliveries available on and around campus such as Sigma Kappa’s Walking Tacos, Tri Sigma’s Dirty Soda, Delta Zeta’s Shirley Sips and Mac n Cheese and so much more.
With a fundraising goal of $20,000, the fraternities and sororities are uniting for a week of philanthropic activities. Ella Schnake, former president and a current member of Delta Zeta, believes her active participation, spirit and loud cheers can contribute to the event’s success.
“If you have not lost your voice by the end of Greek week, you have not given your all,” Schnake said.
Activites such as “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?,” lip-syncing, musical chairs and donations to the fundraising event are all ways for students to support the cause.
The FSL is committed to making a lasting impact in the local community through philanthropy. The primary beneficiary, Project HAPPIE — Help All Preschoolers Play in Inclusive Environments — is dedicated to creating an inclusive playing and learning environment for all children, particularly those with Down Syndrome. FSL will direct the funds raised through the event to La Plata Elementary School for classroom and library resources to aid them in this mission. They will also support The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program. This program is crucial in removing financial barriers to participation in various recreational activities, from sports leagues to creative and theatrical programs.
Lastly, FSL will support the Food Pantry run by Truman Serve Center. Morgan Cowen, Greek Week Coordinator and a member of Delta Zeta, said food insecurity has increased among Truman students, and they aim to provide ample food to the pantry through the event. One planned initiative is a penny bucket in the Student Union Building specifically raising funds for the Serve Center Food Pantry. The funds raised during Greek Week will help ensure that all members of the Kirksville community can engage in these enriching activities, fostering a more secure, inclusive and vibrant community for everyone.
Kara Hardin, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and co-chair of the lip sync competition, organized the competition along with co-chair Lindsey Pellock of Sigma Kappa.
“This is one of my favorite events of the school year,” Hardin said. “As part of the organizing committee, we are working super hard to make this event possible.”
Even though the official event starts April 8, 2024, FSL has been working since March and aims to engage all students and impact our community.