UC s Greek Organizations Hope To Survive A Big Fat Week Of Fun And Service

It’s a spring tradition that celebrates community in a week filled with competition and contribution. The University of Cincinnati’s Greek Week April 17-24 has some challenges ahead for UC’s 22 fraternities and 11 sororities. This year’s Greek Week is themed “Survivor.”

Organizations earn points for challenges like gummy-worm eating contests, talent shows and collecting donations. The top three organizations with the most points will be honored at the Greek Awards Banquet at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Great Hall.

During spring quarter 2003, Greek organizations raised $6,280 for their philanthropies and committed themselves to more than 8,000 hours of community service, according to UC program coordinator Vicki Marsala. This year, she says fraternities and sororities are working together on a letter-writing campaign to raise money to help grant a child his wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. There are approximately 11,000 students who belong to UC Greek organizations – about four percent of the UC undergraduate student population.

Here are some of the highlights ahead for Greek Week:

Sunday, April 18

11 a.m.-5 p.m. – Triangle Fraternity House, located at 2625 University Court, will host the Sand Aid Volleyball Tournament to raise money for Make-A-Wish and the Kappa Kidney Camp, a philanthropy sponsored by Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Monday, April 19

Noon-1:15 p.m. – Slam Dunk contest at the Alpha Tau Omega house, located at 319 Probasco St.

7-10 p.m. – Lip Sync contest in the Great Hall

Tuesday, April 20

Noon-2 p.m. -- Dunking booth for charity on McMicken Commons

Noon-2 p.m. – Greek organizations promote the vote for UC Student Government on McMicken Commons.

7-10 p.m. – Step Off at Zimmer Auditorium. Step Off is described as a traditional dance that evolved from Africa that now has a modern twist. Greek chapters who are members of UC’s Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council will compete against each other in a step competition after they are taught a routine by members of UC’s historically African American fraternities and sororities. 

Thursday, April 22

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Rock-climbing wall on McMicken Commons. Donations will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

7-10 p.m. – Greek God and Goddess competition, in the Great Hall of Tangeman University Center. Could there be an American Idol among the bunch? The acts in this talent show must be no longer than 10 minutes. Up to five chapter members can participate in the act. The judges of the competition represent the UC Women’s Center, Student Life, and UC faculty and administration.

Friday, April 23

4-6 p.m. – Belly flop contest at the Phi Delta Theta house, located at 2718 Digby Ave.

6 p.m. – “Take Back the Night,” a program presented by Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Women’s Center, and Friday Night Live in the TUC Theater with guest speaker Luo Luo Hong, advocate for rape awareness.

Saturday, April 24

8-11 a.m. – The Greek organizations join Make a Difference Day. The groups will meet behind Hughes High School and will assist in neighborhood cleanups.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Greek Games on Campus Green. Events feature the traditional chariot races, gummy worm and coney eating contests, a tug-of-war, human pyramid and an obstacle course.

7 p.m. – Greek Awards Banquet in the Great Hall. Greek organizations will present a check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Greek organization that scores the most points during Greek Week will be announced at the banquet. The Order of Omega chapter excellence awards will also be announced at the banquet, which has a beach party theme. After the dinner, students can take a try at riding the “mechanical surfboard.”