Speeches

Greek Pride: A Return to Glory

Good evening and welcome to this wonderful celebration of Greek pride.  This event provides an opportunity to recognize the positive aspects of Greek life, and also allows us to explore ways in which we can strengthen our organizations. 

The Greek system has for decades been an integral part of life on university campuses. From their dedication to philanthropic causes, the leadership opportunities they provide, and the social aspects they offer, to the community support, lifelong friendships and deep ties to our institutions they forge, fraternities and sororities are important components in the total educational program of universities.

Colleges and universities that see themselves as student-centered places of learning understand the value of Greek organizations in encouraging the active participation of students and contributing to a student's overall development. Building character, developing leaders, and creating engaged citizens is the true promise of the Greek system.

At Penn State, Greek-letter organizations constitute one of the largest student groups on campus, with more than 4,000 members in 88 chapters of fraternities and sororities. They have been in existence for more than 100 years and the members of our fraternities and sororities hold a distinct place in the life of our University--both during their years as students and after graduation. Some of our most loyal and generous alumni are members of Greek fraternities and sororities and they have helped to make our University one of the nation's best. 

In recent years, Greek organizations have come under fire from a number of directions. We believe it is time to show our university communities and the general public that the defining characteristics of Greek life can entail academic excellence, positive leadership, and committed service--the core values and principles on which Greek organizations were founded. 

Earlier this month, Penn State's Greek organizations made a public commitment to positive change during a signing ceremony held on campus. The ceremony culminated a yearlong process that focused on identifying positive aspects of the Greek experience and on preparing a vision for the future.

The vision is bold.

Members of our Greek organizations signed a shared statement of what they hoped for the future, not only for their individual fraternity or sorority, but for the entire Penn State Greek community. The statement confidently asserts that by 2014, the fraternities and sororities of Penn State will be heralded as the premiere Greek community in the nation. Greeks at Penn State also pledged to create a better university by creating a better Greek experience.

As you can imagine, this endeavor requires tremendous backing from the university administration, the Greek community, alumni, faculty, staff, and also from the international and national fraternity and sorority communities.  Your interest in the Greek Pride initiative is greatly appreciated and your support is critical to its success.

Our Greek Pride initiative is a priority for both our Division of Student Affairs and for our entire University community.  By identifying expectations, creating rewards, and forming partnerships, I believe we can transform the image of Greek life on our campus into one that is appreciated by every member of our community. I believe we can empower our students to seek excellence, and I believe we can create a strong partnership between students and the University and between our university and your international and national organizations that will benefit all students.

Again, I'd like to thank you for your support and for helping students across the nation uphold the wonderful traditions of Greek life. The engagement of all of our stakeholders is vitally important in this effort to create a more meaningful Greek experience. 

I hope that in the year 2014 I am standing before you, not just talking about plans for our Greek community, but sharing with you how Penn State became the home of the premiere Greek community in the nation.