Sigma Nu High Council Grants Appeal; Theta Iota Returns to MTSU

In the first issue of this semester, Letters reported the exit of Greek life’s largest fraternity, Sigma Nu. But after Sigma Nu National Headquarters witnessed the first ever appeal in its history, the MTSU chapter is now back and ready to prove they deserve a second chance!

In December 2006, the Theta Iota chapter was charged with hazing allegations, resulting in the revocation of their charter. The gentlemen of Sigma Nu would not rest on the decision made by nationals and took it upon themselves to look further into what was supposedly discovered from national’s investigations. After many corrections were made to the investigation report, and tremendous support was given from MTSU and many sororities and fraternities, an official appeal was produced and given to every member of the High Council (executive board). The appeal was held in Austin, TX on March 3^rd, with Commander (President) Chassen Haynes traveling to the Home of the Alamo to argue the appeal, along with Candidate Steve Disser, Greek Life Director Gentry McCreary, and a handful of alumni.

The Theta Iota charter was not automatically returned, instead, a Memorandum of Understanding has been created by National Headquarters, Alumni, and MTSU for the men of the chapter to achieve before full status is granted. They will first reopen immediately on campus as a colony, continuing to participate in all campus activities. After achievements are made and requirements are met, the men of Theta Iota will then have their charter returned and run as an official fraternity once again.

And the Winner Is…

Josh McKenzie

Casting your vote proved vital for the recent Student Government Association Elections. The elections, which were February 27- March 1, witnessed four Greek members come out on top in a record setting spring election!

The Presidential race, which included three well-qualified Greeks, and two non-Greek members, was extremely close. Newly elected President Chassen Haynes, who is also the current President of Sigma Nu, won by a mere sixty votes, over current Attorney General Lora Hortert. Alpha Omicron Pi member Ashley DeSabetino, and former Letters editor, did not have to put up much of a fight, as she ran unopposed for the position of Vice President of Administration and Public Affairs.

The 2007 SGA elections included a record setting voter turnout of over 3,300 students, the most for a spring election in MTSU history. Run-off races will also be conducted for the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Basic and Applied Science, March 27-29.  The newly elected executive officers, as well as the 70^th Congress of the SGA Senate, will officially take office on May 1^st. Congratulations to all of those who participated in the elections!

President:

Chassen Haynes (Sigma Nu)

VPAPA:

Ashley DeSabetino (Alpha Omicron Pi)

Executive Vice President:

Gretchen Jenkins (Alpha Delta Pi)

Election Commissioner:

Brandon Reedy (Sigma Alpha Epsilon)

Business:

Justin Morris

Jessica Utley (Chi Omega)

Olivia Barker (Alpha Delta Pi)

Quinton Ladd (Alpha Tau Omega)

Jacob Marlin

Liberal Arts:

Erin Dycus
Matthew Hurtt

Marcy Videau

*Shayna Taylor

*Jameel Braddock

Mass Communications:

Samuel Delgado (Sigma Nu)

Lemon Keith

Wil Shults

Megan Stacey (Kappa Delta)

Education and Behavioral Science:

Brandon McNary (Sigma Nu)

Jonathan Bryan (Sigma Pi)

Basic and Applied Science:

Mark Murphy

Michael Hicks (Sigma Nu)

Wes Merriman (Sigma Nu)

Ryan King (Alpha Gamma Rho)

Amanda Petty

Kevin Colvert (Alpha Gamma Rho)

*Lekeisha Hudson

*Aaron Pirani (Sigma Nu)

Undeclared:

Jennifer Beadle (Alpha Chi Omega)

Mary Alice Porter (Alpha Omicron Pi)

At Large:

Steven Disser (Sigma Nu)

Erin Johnson (Alpha Omicron Pi)

Jessica Turri (Chi Omega)

Meredith Blair (Alpha Delta Pi)

Nathan Haynes (Sigma Alpha Epsilon)

*Run-off Races

What Else is Going on with SGA right now?

• SGA Award Applications are now available and are due by March 19^th to the SGA office, KUC 208. Click here for more info.
• Want to be a Student Regent for the Tennessee Board of Regents? Ask the SGA to find out about this prestigious position!

Click above to visit the SGA website!

Showin’ Those Kids How to Step!

John Carter

The National Pan-Hellenic Council wrapped up Black History Month showing their Greek pride to a group of lucky local youngsters.  Members from all 8 NPHC organizations as well as 3 IFC/NPC organizations dropped by Northfield Elementary school on Thursday, March 8, and spent over an hour sharing with students what it means to be Greek.  The children, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, were taught the four pillars of the Greek community, and how they could eventually become leaders of respective organizations.  Emphasis was placed on staying in school and getting the most out of their academic potential.  In addition to educational topics, the students were given step demonstrations by the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the women of Chi Omega.  The Greeks also showed the kids how to “stroll” and gave them opportunities to strut their stuff at the end of the day.  The event was such a success that Northfield faculty and administration hope to make it an annual event. 

“The biggest concern was keeping the kids’ attention, but once the show got going and they started strolling, there was no doubt they were going to love it,” said NPHC Vice President Jose Becton.

The other half of NPHC’s Black History Month finale, “Black.White.” was postponed due to inclement weather. The speak-out for all MTSU Greeks has been tentatively rescheduled for April 23rd in the Tucker Theater. 

Greeks of the Week:

Whitney Carr & John Carter

Josh McKenzie

In past issues, we have tried to reach into many different areas of the Greek community, seeking out the best of the best. This time, though, we chose from within. Whitney Carr and John Carter make up the Greek Life Newsletter Editorial Board, working hard to write stories and research topics for you to consume while at your computer. Because of their hard work and dedication this semester, they have been chosen as this week’s Greeks of the Week.

Whitney Carr is a junior public relations major. As a member of Alpha Delta Pi she has become an asset to the Greek community, not only due to her work within ADP, but she is also currently serving as the Public Relations Director for the Panhellenic Council. Whitney is also active in her church, New Vision Baptist, looking towards her spirituality with guidance for her future. She is excited to be a member of the Letters editorial board, helping inform the Greek community in a newsletter that is delivered straight to your email. Whitney will always cherish her experiences in Greek life, taking with her a lifetime of memories, countless friends and leadership experiences.

The second member of the Letters editorial board is Kappa Alpha Order member John Carter. John is currently in his junior year as a Business Administration major, hoping to one day become a Contractor and Land Developer. Serving outside of his fraternity, he is also the Public Relations Director for the Inter-Fraternity Council. He has enhanced many of his characteristics due to his role in Greek Life and with Kappa Alpha.

“I have learned how to conduct myself as a gentleman and have created relationships with quality people that, I hope, will last a lifetime,” says John.

Whitney and John have gone above and beyond their duties as members of the first ever editorial board. With these two helping produce quality stories, there is no reason you shouldn’t be reading Letters!

Brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha Garner National Recognition

 Twenty-nine members of The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity loaded up their cars and headed south for the weekend.  Their destination was Atlanta, GA, for their annual Atlanta Leadership Summit, hosted by their International Fraternity Supreme Council. The Eta Zeta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha joined over 300 Pikes from around the southeast at this summit. The Pi Kappa Alpha brothers spent the weekend discussing topics such as the Fraternity’s founding in historical context.  They spent time speaking about the different values and ethics focused on by the Fraternity.   The brothers even participated in smaller break out sessions, where they practiced personal leadership assessment and development, and exemplary practices of proven leaders and their methods.

On the final night of the Leadership Summit the Supreme Council hosted a banquet dinner where awards and recognition where handed out.  The Eta Zeta chapter was presented an award for having the highest amount of undergraduates present at the Summit.   Six individual awards were also presented out to members of the Eta Zeta chapter, as Brandon Butler and Marshall Farmer received a Pike University Certification Program Award- Gold Level, for attending the requisite number of Pike University leadership events.  Matt Lewers, Steven Giles, Michael Santoro, and Jordan Wilder were recipients of the Pike University Certification Program Award- Garnet Level.  The Eta Zeta chapter represented Middle Tennessee State University very well, as every award that was presented over the course of the night, the chapter had a representative in.   

By attending the Atlanta Leadership Summit, the brothers of the Eta Zeta chapter have exemplified their commitment to personal development, leadership in their chapter and the future prosperity of their Fraternity.