PANHELLENIC SPIRIT WEEK 2019

In recognition of Panhellenic Spirit Week 2019,we asked our Blog Writers "What makes the Panhellenic Council at the University of Arkansas so special, and how does your chapter show Panhellenic spirit?"

Read their responses below!

Alpha Chi Omega

BY: OLIVIA ELLIS

The Panhellenic Council at the University of Arkansas is unlike any other campus. Our Panhellenic Council goes above and beyond to work and make our Greek Life the most inclusive, exciting, and welcoming community it can be. This year, we are honored to have one of our members, Elizabeth Muscari, serving as the Vice President on the Panhellenic council. Our chapter shows it’s Panhellenic spirit in many ways. Each week is a new opportunity to support our fellow Panhellenic chapters. From percentage nights, to paired events like stroll, paired functions and more, there are always ways that our chapter is able to reach out and come into closer community with the chapters around us. One of my favorite events is homecoming, where we are paired with different Panhellenic chapters to build a homecoming float for the parade. We pomp together everyday for weeks leading up to the event, and it truly shows the relationships that can be built when we come together to celebrate the University as a whole. Other Universities Panhellenic spirit pales in comparison to the University of Arkansas because we truly love our campus and our Panhellenic Council.

Alpha Delta Pi

BY: LAUREN SHIMER

Panhellenic Council at the University of Arkansas is so special because it is rooted in community. There is a common understanding at the University of Arkansas in general, but specifically in the Panhellenic community that we are here for each other, we are here to lean on each other for support, and when tough times come we are here to hold each other up. Yes, each chapter has their own sisters, but we can not stand alone. There is a larger sisterhood present as well. We exercise this larger sisterhood by supporting each other’s philanthropies and helping others achieve their goals. The Panhellenic Council constantly reminds us that we are one community and we stand up for each other and uplift each other. The overall emphasis on community and togetherness that the University of Arkansas’s Panhellenic Council promotes is truly unparalleled. It is a joy to be apart of a Panhellenic Council that is fixated on unity. Alpha Delta Pi promotes Panhellenic spirit and unity by reminding our members of our open motto “We Live For Each Other.” This motto is not only just for our sisters, it is a reminder to live for and serve those around you. We implement this in the Panhellenic community by encouraging and supporting other chapters. It is crucial that as women we are constantly reminded that we are stronger together and that we are for each other. Having Panhellenic spirit is rooting for each other, showing up for each other, and celebrating each other.

Alpha Omicron Pi

BY: MICA VITUG

The University of Arkansas’ Panhellenic council is truly something incredibly special. Every chapter is so appreciative and loving on the others. It honestly feels like it’s one big family. Regardless of the letters we wear on our shirts, the chapters spend time to encourage and support the others. 

Chloe K., Nu PC, says, “I really do think that AOII has such an appreciation for Greek life. I can see that in how we love on the other chapters on campus and how we want to make a huge effort to support them. Not only do we want to help them, but we are so appreciative of them when they help us out. One of our main philanthropy events, Strike Out Arthritis, for example is our biggest fundraiser and so many other chapters come out to play kickball and softball to help us raise money for Juvenile Arthritis Research. We wouldn’t be able to have Strike Out if it weren’t for them.” 

Our Panhellenic community is super involved in each and every chapter. There are so many events that raise money for important causes and every other day there is an opportunity to give back to the community, different philanthropies and the other sororities. AOII not only focuses on our own philanthropies, but the other chapters’ philanthropies as well. Our campus does an amazing job at promoting Greek unity through a lot of Panhellenic events, like Kappa Cookout! Bella R., Nu PC, says, “me and all three of my roommates are in other sororities and honestly I don’t even think I notice. Our chapter truly does reach out to the other sororities and sees everyone as a Panhellenic sister and that is really special to me!”

Chi Omega

BY: KENDAL HEAVNER

At the University of Arkansas, Greek Life is all about community. We may wear different letters, but being a Greek member at the U of A is deeper than just the t-shirts we wear. There are a number of events that each sorority and fraternity take part in to support one another and the Panhellenic Council works hard to ensure that we stay connected throughout the year. From rush events to homecoming, Arkansas Greek Life connects students in a number of ways. Greek recruitment could easily been seen as a competition; however, it is a wonderful example of how our Greek members are truly connected. Throughout rush week we spend the majority of our days with members of our own sorority or fraternity. It is during this time that we make memories that last a lifetime! However, when Bid Day rolls around, we have the chance to run up and down Maple Street chatting with different members of the Greek community. Bid Day is always the best day because we get the chance to spend time with our friends in other houses and celebrate recruiting wonderful people for our new member classes. This is a day all Greek members look forward to! One of my favorite things Chi Omega participates in is the annual Block Party. Toward the end of the spring semester, the houses on our block throw a big party on a Friday afternoon. Tri Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Alpha Delta Pi join us for a lunch break full of ice cream, music, and community. We hire a DJ and take pictures at each other’s beautiful houses. Scheduled right in the middle of finals week, the Block Party is always a great way to take a study break and enjoy some time with other members of the Greek community. Arkansas Greek Life places lots of emphasis on philanthropy as well. Each fraternity and sorority supports a different national philanthropy. The chapters host a number of fundraising events for their respective charities, and their fellow Greek chapters support the causes as well. Between fundraisers at the Greek houses to percentage nights at restaurants around Fayetteville, our Panhellenic members continue to show support for different causes. As Homecoming approaches, we can’t help but feel the excitement rise on campus. Greek life plays a huge part in promoting homecoming spirit. Each year we are paired with a few sororities and fraternities to create banners and choreograph dances for competitions. We spend a few weeks prior to the Homecoming game working together to paint banners, and as you can imagine, there are lots of fun conversations that take place. Finally, on Friday night before the game we walk together in the Homecoming parade throughout Fayetteville. There are floats, banners, and costumes to promote school pride. Homecoming is approaching, and I can already feel the excitement buzzing all around Maple Street! At the U of A, Greek life is a way of life. With a large number of our student body participating in a fraternity or sorority, it is important to ensure we stay connected during our four years on campus. Our Panhellenic council does a great job of promoting unity and inclusivity through our various chapters, and being a Greek member is a great way to make friends all around campus.

Delta Delta Delta

BY: HAVEN KING

"It's about more than just the letters." I heard this phrase time and time again before becoming a part of Greek life at the U of A but wasn't sure it was all that true. I thought Greek life was all cute insta pics, fun functions and some girls I would clichély call my "sisters." But what I quickly realized was that it was so much more. Coming upon spirit week, it's easy to get caught up in the surface level of Greek life. The pep rally's, the singing, the chanting, the cheering as exciting as all of that is, it's only a small fraction of what makes Greek life so unique at the U of A. This organization is founded on the belief that you truly can find your "home away from home" and instill yourself in a community that will support you even when your time on campus comes to a close. Unlike other universities, each member of the Greek life staff is devoted to making it about so much than just the letters. I found that "home away from home" thanks to the presence of Greek life on this campus, and for that, I am forever grateful. With spirit week being on everyone's mind, I began to reflect on how my chapter shows spirit not only this week but throughout the year. What I realized was yes, we wear our fun delta tee's and scream "BADOOM BADOOM" until we're left without a voice, but we also show spirit in another way. We show our spirit by valuing true friendship and rooting the values of Tri Delta so deep in our selves that each day, a glimpse of this shows through. Our spirit comes from a love of sisterhood and empowerment and proves that we too are so much more than just our letters. 

Delta Gamma

BY: MIA DALTON

Greek Life here at the UofA is so unique because each chapter is so supportive and uplifting of each other. As a new chapter, it has been so wonderful to have every panhellenic chapter show up to support all of our philanthropy events, and we love being able to go and support others. We would not be where we are today without the support we have from other chapters. Greek life at Arkansas is not just about finding your sisters for life, but also your friends from every chapter here on campus. We have enjoyed being able to participate in other Panhellenic events such the Phi Mu Lip Sync Battle, A D Pie Day, and intramurals. Junior Abbie Rhodes said “I love getting to participate in intramural flag football and soccer because I get to bond with my sisters and other panhellenic women”. As a member of Delta Gamma, it is so incredible to share so much love and support amongst our Panhellenic Community.

Kappa Delta

BY: GRACE ARNN

Walking down Maple Street, students view groups of intermingled young women wearing t-shirts that represent events thrown by varying Panhellenic chapters on UofA’s campus. Kappa Deltas walking in a group with Zetas. A Tri Delta hand-in-hand with her closest Pi Phi friend. Maybe a Chi Omega piggybacking with her ADPi friend on a scooter. The varieties could go on and on, for the idea of united women supporting different philanthropies is the only dividing factor amongst Arkansas’ Greek women. Different Greek letters distinguish us, while the common goal of sisterly support links every sorority into a Panhellenic community.

Chapter fundraising events or functions are never exclusive. Every Panhellenic chapter on campus jumps at another chapter’s call to assemble a team to participate in their events, attend a fundraising percentage night, or go to a function with a different Greek sister. Furthermore, the idea of Greek unity is even emphasized and embraced during Panhellenic Recruitment week, a time that could comparatively be dividing.

Recently, Kappa Delta Zeta Gamma hosted a unifying Panhellenic event, “Greek Yogurt, Yoga, and Unity”. Our chapter invited new members from each Panhellenic chapter on campus to visit the Kappa Delta house, participate in a yoga class on our deck, and then share yogurt parfaits with new friends! 

Ally Tibbitts, our chapter’s Panhellenic Delegate, said that when she presented the idea of the event she “…could feel everyone’s faces light up!” Some of the other chapters’ delegates had a scheduling conflict with the event, and even told Ally that they “wished we could push [the event]  back so [they] could attend.”

Finally, Ally emphasized that being a part of the Panhellenic community on campus is a supportive, inspiring, and incredible experience. She says, “It’s amazing getting to serve [her] own chapter as well as getting to be a part of the greater entity that is Panhellenic.”

Kappa Kappa Gamma

BY: TURNER GRACE EDWARDS

The University of Arkansas is remarkable in so many ways. One reason being the Panhellenic council and community. Every individual who is involved in Panhellenic at the University of Arkansas, works so hard and remains so dedicated to their work and impact of the community. The Panhellenic council itself is so inspiring to all, and deserves quite the appreciation. They serve others so truly, keep everything organized and running smoothly, and are so positive and encouraging while doing so. Panhellenic life would not be the same without our council. Another very important aspect of this community, is greek unity. Greek Life at the U of A is very true to loving others, building friendships with all chapters, and engaging in the community through philanthropy. All greek chapters support each other in many ways and love on each other through everything. Members of all chapters attend other chapters philanthropy events in support and have so much fun doing so. My chapter, Kappa Kappa Gamma hosts several philanthropy events every year. Books, Blues, and BBQ, Kappa Key’s Dip, and Kappa Kookout are only a few examples of our outstanding philanthropy events. Members of the Panhellenic council and members of other chapters, attend our philanthropy events in support of our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. As people show out and help support our philanthropy, greek unity is present in so many ways. Members of Kappa Kappa Gamma attend all other chapter’s philanthropy events as well, in support of greek unity. The University of Arkansas Panhellenic life is such an amazing organization on our campus, and will continue to shine in ways that impact this community and university. I love my campus, Panhellenic, and my chapter, Kappa Kappa Gamma for giving me my best friends, lifelong friendships, endless philanthropy and community service opportunities, and for teaching me how to be a leader on this campus.

Phi Mu

BY: TAYLER WICKMAN

Here at the University of Arkansas 31% of the student body is a part of Greek Life. This past year we officially become the largest Panhellenic college in the United States, and for good reason. Being in a sorority here is so much more than letters and houses, we collectively come together to support one another through these 4 amazing and yet, tough years at college. When recruitment happens at the beginning of the school year, each chapter gets their new members which is so exciting to welcome freshman and give them a home to grow in. But in all honesty so many people, including myself, have just as many friends inside and outside their chapter. Some of the first friends I made in college were in my Gamma Chi group during that recruitment process. Seeing where they all ended up was so exciting but over the years watching them meet new people in their chapter and see all the opportunities they got to become leaders is even more special. As a Greek community, we support 11 different philanthropies and all hold events to raise money and bring awareness to the things we care about. One of my favorite things that our chapter does, is make sure that for every sorority event whether that is a cookout, a front lawn carnival, or lip-sync battle, we have a certain number of girls from Phi Mu come and support what they are doing. We think that it is so important to recognize the effort that individuals have put in making these events possible and overall showing our support for ALL of our sisters along Maple St. At the end of the day, we are Greek sisters who love this Panhellenic community and everything it has added to our lives.

Pi Beta Phi

BY: HELEN WOODHAM

As a graduated high school senior, the months of June and July can feel overwhelming as you look forward to rush week and all that sorority life has to offer (I know it did for me.) But going through rush was one of the best experiences of my life because I learned so much about myself and because I found an amazing sisterhood in Pi Beta Phi! Throughout the week of rush and into freshman and now sophomore year what has been just as impactful as my sorority is the love and support, I feel from my Panhellenic sisters. Personally, I have made so many amazing friends in all of the Panhellenic sororities and they love me so well even though we don’t share the same letters. One of the biggest misconceptions coming into college is that you’ll only be friends with girls in your sorority, but I was so glad to find out this wasn’t true! I love Pi Beta Phi and all of the friends it has brought me so much, but I am so thankful that friendships are not bound by letters and that I’ve chosen to go to a school where Panhellenic love and spirit is shown by all members of every chapter! I’m thankful that no matter where I go on campus, I can always find a friendly face and I’m thankful that I have chosen to join a sorority that understands the importance of Greek unity so well! As a chapter Pi Beta Phi is committed to loving each other, the University of Arkansas, and our Panhellenic sisters so well! We love getting involved with other sororities philanthropy events, everything from cookouts to field days, because we believe in supporting each other’s philanthropic endeavors. The members of Pi Beta Phi strive to be involved in a variety of ways on campus and we love getting to meet members from other sororities! From late night Sonic runs, to cramming for that 7:30 am test the next day, to being there for each other after a breakup, the girls and chapters that make up the Panhellenic Council at the University of Arkansas wear different letters but love each other unconditionally. It is this love that makes me proud to be a Pi Beta Phi, proud to be a Razorback, and proud to be a part of such a wonderful community of women.

Zeta Tau Alpha

BY: ALANA ESSEX

The University of Arkansas is known for its greek life, all thanks to the Panhellenic Council. 31% of students at the U of A are in a sorority or fraternity, making the responsibility of Panhellenic a big one. Here at Arkansas, the Panhellenic Council does a great job of making students feel welcomed and encouraged to find their home away from home. Their mission is to bring in students looking to be involved in greek life and make sure they have the best experience possible. Panhellenic lends a hand to every chapter on campus, and manages to keep order and fairness throughout each house. Seeing how Panhellenic equally supports each chapter; this creates an environment where every sorority and fraternity strive to do the same for each other. The phrase “pan love” has a lot deeper meaning than a hashtag or Instagram caption. From attending other philanthropic events to having a “sister” sorority each semester, Panhellenic makes it possible to support all of greek life and make new friendships. No matter what chapter you’re apart of, we’re all apart of one Panhellenic. Though many of us wear different letters that are important to us, it does not define who we are or the people we have to be friends with. We all have friendships outside of our chapter circle and seek to love other chapters that make greek life so large at the U of A. Zeta Tau Alpha shows Panhellenic support by attending philanthropy events, handing out pink ribbons for everyone to wear, and inviting other sororities and fraternities to our own events. As a whole, Zeta Tau Alpha participates in many greek life affiliated events and activities in support of Panhellenic and the women that lead it. It is important to Zeta to love our neighbors well and speak highly of not only our own members, but all the men and women that form our greek life on campus.