Up ‘Til Dawn is a Success

Sheila Umayam

MTSU’s annual Up ‘Til Dawn Finale event opened on Friday, January 26th with the Caribbean sounds of Steel Drummers, which fit well with this year’s beach theme, “Be a Life Saver.”  It was not known at that moment, but this year’s Up ‘Til Dawn would have the biggest turn-out in its history. 

Up ‘Til Dawn was a month earlier than usual this year causing some anxiety about raising money within a shorter time period.  But to the executive board’s pleasant surprise, this year’s Up ‘Til Dawn contained 70 participating teams with over $92,000 raised.  In addition, over 700 letters were turned-in on the Finale night, which will raise even more money.

This year, the executive board consisted of Jeanne Jodoin (Executive Director), Meagan Flippin (Associate Director), Sheila Umayam (Associate Director), and advisor Jackie Victory.  The executive board also included several committees such as finance, fundraising, spirit, recruitment, and patient relations.  Together, the executive board planned one of the most successful Up ‘Til Dawn Finales yet with more than 300 people in attendance.

After the Steel Drum opening, MC Jose Becton introduced the cover band of the night, Groove Addiction. Other highlights of the night included hypnotist Barb Gambrill, MTSU Gospel Choir, Merengue, and Step Performances from Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Delta Sigma Theta.   Participants of the Finale also enjoyed inflatable games, sports games, as well as caricatures, Dance Dance Revolution, and Star Stage’s “Make Your Own Video.”

Most importantly, the St. Jude’s video was shown to share stories of St. Jude’s patients, while Chi Omega’s own Jessica Turri shared her unforgettable story with the participants as well.

At the end of the night, three awards were given to teams who really demonstrated their support for Up Til Dawn: Most Spirited Award—Sigma Nu, L.O.V.E. Award—Alpha Chi Omega, and Fundraising Award—Hoot-N-Honeys.  The Hoot-N-Honeys team raised almost $2,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  With everyone’s help, Up ‘Til Dawn is currently $3,000 away from their goal, and with money still coming in, it is possible we will reach it.

IFC Makes Changes

John Carter

With the onset of a new year, and the landscape of Greek life changing at a rapid pace, the Inter-Fraternity Council at MTSU revised its governing by-laws with hopes of enhancing upbeat relations, with not only the overwhelming independent population, but also the other Greek councils.  Each of the first three ratified amendments  establish a new position on the IFC executive committee and the duties obligated to the undertaking of those respective offices.

The Assistant Director of Recruitment aids in maintaining recruitment rules and regulations, assists with advertising IFC’s “Be Something More” campaign, and helps oversee formal rush during both the spring and fall.  The Scholarship Chairman has a primary purpose of increasing the overall grade point average of members and organizations through council-wide study hours and tutoring sessions.  The third position created is the Assistant Public Relations Director.  This office will allow IFC to publish more of its newsworthy events as well as its upcoming affairs, both on and off campus. 

The remaining by-law improvements will allow IFC to further develop its relationships with NPC, NPHC, and Greek Life Programming Board by mandating a delegate from IFC to be present at each of the council’s respective weekly meetings.  These representatives will report to their assigned group what IFC is doing and planning, as well as communicate business from around the Greek community to IFC meetings. 

Through the institution of these six new positions, the Inter-Fraternity Council anticipates a more active role in expanding the relations of the diverse Greek community at MTSU.   

Greeks of the Week:

LaShan Mathews & Kelley Duggan

Josh McKenzie

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s annual Miss MTSU pageant was held on Saturday, January 27^th with great response. The titles of Miss MTSU and Miss MTSU Blue Raider were presented to the top women in the competition. After voting was finalized, it was announced that the 2007 Miss MTSU would be Kelley Duggan, while LaShan Mathews earned the title of Miss MTSU Blue Raider.

Kelley Duggan is a sister of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and originates from Brentwood, TN. Majoring in Recording Industry, with minors in Marketing and Spanish, Kelley also enjoys college outside of the classroom, staying involved with Greek life and multicultural groups on campus.

“Its an honor to win this title and to represent this university at the Miss Tennessee pageant,” says Kelley. “I am excited to take this opportunity to raise awareness about racism on campus and in the community.”

Miss MTSU Blue Raider was the title given to Alpha Kappa Alpha sister LaShan Mathews. LaShan is a senior from Nashville, TN, majoring in exercise science. Her involvement on campus spreads throughout many areas of MTSU, including Student Ambassador, MT Senior Dance Company, Founder of Savior Faire Productions, MTSU Dance Club, as well as interning at Campus Recreation.

LaShan has competed in a numerous amount of pageants prior to Miss MTSU. She claims pageantry has taught her valuable skills that she can apply through differing areas of life.

“MTSU is the greatest school in Tennessee. It is an incredible honor to serve as Miss MTSU Blue Raider 2007. This is an experience of a lifetime that will make my time at MT even more unforgettable!”

Thursday, Feb. 15th (7:00 pm) Florida International

• "Mardi Gras Part Deux" Night! Get in the Mardi Gras Spirit... costumes are encouraged!! So pack up your feathers, beads and masks and join us for Mardi Gras Night!
• MARDI GRAS PARADE ON COURT where beads and candy will be thrown into the crowd. Groups from different areas on campus will participate in the parade.
• Win New Orleans style King Cakes!!
• Compete in a banner competition!! Best banners will beplaced courtside!!
• Best dressed in Mardi Gras gear will participate in the parade on the court!

Women's Basketball

Thursday, February 15th (5 PM) Florida International (Doubleheader with Men)

"Mardi Gras Part Deux" theme night! Get in the Mardi Gras Spirit... costumes are encouraged! So pack up your feathers, beads and masks and join us for Mardi Gras Night!

Stick around for the MARDI GRAS PARADE ON COURT, where beads and candy will be thrown into the crowd during the Men's game at 7 PM

Win New Orleans style King Cakes!!