Volume 4, Issue 5

IFC Recruitment 2007

John Carter

Fall recruitment for the Inter-Fraternity Council came to an exciting conclusion over the weekend, as new members and active chapters held bid day festivities in conjunction with tailgating for the Florida International football game.  One hundred sixty-five young men made an admirable decision to better themselves and accepted invitations of brotherhood from one of MTSU’s outstanding IFC organizations.  The anticipation developed throughout the week and finally matured as the new members ran out of the James Union Building and met their respective groups for the first time as a potential brother. 

The men accepting bids were not the only ones thrilled on Saturday, however, as plenty of the IFC fraternities exceeded even their own expectations of success.  The numbers were far more balanced than in years past, as none of the new classes completely dwarfed the rest. 

Coordinator of Greek Affairs Carrie Youell accredited the close numbers to chapters being dedicated not only during formal rush, but also during the summer and the first month of school.  “Rush week was a great success this year for all fraternities.  I think it stems directly from strong summer recruiting and a great group of new members.  Bid day this year was one of the best I can remember over the last several years and I would like to congratulate all IFC organizations on an excellent job,” said Youell.

SGA Plans New Events

Whitney Carr

As if Greeks needed anything else on their schedule, SGA has some pretty cool events coming up.  For those of you who want to be a part of something that extends beyond this campus, Blitz Build and the blood drive are for you!  Blitz Build, as most of you have heard, is part of the newest edition to the SGA philanthropic efforts.  The Student Government Association has recently added Habitat for Humanity to their supported philanthropies and Blitz Build will be the first installment. Students are asked to sign up in shifts to help build a house from October 17 to the dedication November 1.  The Bautista family of Murfreesboro will be receiving this house and will know that students from all walks of life on Middle Tennessee’s campus helped construct their home.  To sign up, come by the Student Programming office at KUC 326. 

If that isn’t enough for you, give your blood away too!  In conjunction with the Blue Raiders' Road Rally game against Memphis, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are being encouraged to "Bleed Blue.”  Join the competition against the Memphis Tigers by donating blood during the American Red Cross blood drive.  Currently, the blood supply in the middle Tennessee region is very low, so you can save lives and take part in the competition at the same time. The blood drive will take place October 10-11 from 10a.m.-4p.m.at the KUC 322.  Let’s show Memphis that Middle Tennessee State University can “bleed more blue”!

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Delta Sigma Theta Plans Katrina Fundraiser

Jonathan Joy

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Delta Pi are collaborating to help victims of hurricane Katrina. Two years after the devastating hurricane hit the New Orleans area, people affected by the tragedy are still in need of aid.

"We felt like people had started to forget about the Katrina victims. It was time for us to remind everyone to continue to give to the cause," said Aleece McKnight, president of Delta Sigma Theta.

To show their support, ΔΣΘ enlisted the help of AΔΠ. They will set up tables in the KUC lobby to accept donations of money and basic toiletry items such as deodorant and toothpaste. "Katrina Drive" will be held in the KUC lobby on October 8 and October 10.

Monetary donations will be sent to the Habitat for Humanity project in Louisiana that will benefit Katrina victims.

On October 10, a forum entitled "Have We Forgotten?" will be held in the State Farm Room of the BAS. The forum will display the hardships and suffering endured by the hurricane victims and will include guest speaker. A discussion of the media’s affect on the tragedy will also be included in the forum.

After planning the Katrina benefit, Delta Sigma Theta decided to contact Alpha Delta Pi due to their high level of activity on campus and extensive philanthropic efforts.

"I was so glad to hear that we had been contacted by the Delta’s," said Alison Helton, philanthropy chair of AΔΠ. "Raising awareness about the victims is a cause I am happy to help with."

MTSU Concert Benefits Southern University

Sarah Russell

With recruitment behind us and homecoming in the near future, now is the time for Greek students to take a short break from our hectic lives.  What better way to do that than enjoy a night full of music while benefiting a worthy cause?

The MTSU McLean School of Music has partnered with the Southern University of New Orleans to present the Presidential “Prism” Gala Concert at 7:30 p.m. October 4 in Tucker Theater.  Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit SUNO, whose campus was ravaged by hurricane Katrina over 2 years ago.

“More than two years post-Katrina, SUNO remains the only institution of higher learning in New Orleans that has not returned to its original campus, a goal that is expected to be fully accomplished by fall 2009. But despite this challenge, having this relationship with MTSU is quite special,” said SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo.

The Prism Gala is not going to be a typical concert, however.  Rather than each music ensemble taking turns performing on the stage, each group will be placed throughout Tucker Theater to create a surround-sound effect.

“Once you experience a prism concert, you will definitely want to return,” added Dr. Reed Thomas, director of bands for MTSU.  “You will never know where the music is coming from next, and at some point you will be literally surrounded by music and musicians—a truly up-close and personal encounter.”

The Prism Gala will feature music from all genres and instrumental groups.  From a jazz ensemble and salsa band, to a concert chorale and symphonic band, the MTSU music students will display a wide range of talents.  The musical fraternities and sororities will be playing several roles in the evening.

“Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Delta Omicron will be helping with the student involvement aspect of the night.  We’ll be working the concert as well as performing in it,” said Michael Turner, member of Phi Mu Alpha.

“Greeks are the leaders on campus, so we think that if the Greeks get involved, student involvement will follow in the future,” added Turner.

Dr. George Riordan, Director of McLean Music School, hopes to make the Prism Gala an annual showcase.   “Once the people of Middle Tennessee get to know this concert, they will look forward to it … and we expect that it will sell out each year.” 

Tickets are $20 for General Admission and $10 with a Student ID.  They are available now through the MTSU Ticket Office at 615-898-5261.

Find more information about the McLean School of Music by clicking above!

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