WATCH: Superheroes Celebrated at UC s Greek Week 2010

It’s a spectacle that’s a spring tradition on college campuses across the country, as sororities and fraternities compete in contests such as tug-o-wars, belly-flops, human pyramids and costumed talent competitions.

But service is at the heart of Greek Week at the University of Cincinnati April 12-17, as UC’s 11 sororities and 23 fraternities strive to achieve their goal of raising $40,000 to support the wishes of five children sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Greek social organizations at UC represent about 4.6 percent of the undergraduate UC student population, with 1,400 members. Vicki Marsala Calonge, UC assistant director of Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD), says each year, UC’s sororities and fraternities contribute more than 20,000 hours of service to the community and to their individual Greek philanthropies.

Students have worked throughout the year to raise money for Make-A-Wish.

Greek Week President Kyle Franz – a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and a 21-year-old double major in middle childhood education and history – says those fundraising efforts included letter-writing campaigns and the $7,400 pledged at UC’s Homecoming 5K fundraiser last October.

Greek Week also includes a student-sponsored blood drive for Hoxworth Blood Center at UC – a gift of life to the Cincinnati USA community.

Events are scheduled to take place, rain or shine. Here’s the lineup.

Greek Week 2010 Highlights

Monday, April 12

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Order of Omega Blood Drive
Location: Tangeman University Center (TUC), Rooms 400-A, 400-B and 400-C
Students will take part in the blood drive, plus CPR training will be available at the event.

11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Greek Cookout
Location: McMicken Commons
All members of the UC community are invited to take part in the free cookout and formal kickoff to Greek Week.

7-9:30 p.m.
Trivia Night
Location: TUC Great Hall
A trivia competition reflects the superheroes theme of UC’s Greek Week. The winner will be determined by the highest point total.

Tuesday, April 13

Noon-3 p.m.
Dodgeball
Location: Stratford Heights

As many as 100 people will be competing in this single elimination tournament team competition. The first team to eliminate all opposing players, or the team with the greatest number of players remaining at the end of regulation time will be declared the winner.

7-10 p.m.
Step Show
Location: Zimmer Auditorium
This is one of the most popular events during Greek Week and is expected to draw 700 people. The chapters prepare a Step presentation with a minimum of four members. First-place earns a Greek sorority or fraternity 50 points toward winning Greek Week.

Wednesday, April 14

Noon-4 p.m.
Sand Volleyball
Location: Stratford Heights

As many as 100 people are expected to turn out for the three-on-three, round-robin volleyball tournament.

7-10 p.m.
God and Goddess Competition
Location: Great Hall
A Greek talent show featuring bands, dance performances and singing. The event is expected to attract 600 people. First-place scores 50 points toward their Greek Week total.

Thursday, April 15

11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pie-in-the-Face
Location: McMicken Commons
Each chapter will select a member who’s willing to take a pie in the face to benefit Make-A-Wish. Prizes will be awarded to chapters who raise the most money during the contest.

7-10 p.m.
Lip Sync Competition
Location: TUC Great Hall
With the Superhero theme of Greek Week in mind, chapters will perform a lip sync skit.

Friday, April 16

Noon-1 p.m.
Belly Flop Contest
Location: Campus Recreation Center
We’ve seen a Superman flyover at this event in the past, so we’ll see which superheroes turn out for this year’s event that’s sure to end with a splash.

6:30-8:30 p.m.
UC Baseball Greek Night – UC vs. St. John’s
Location: UC Marge Schott Stadium
The Greek-sponsored Make-A-Wish children will throw out the opening pitch. Chapters will also compete in coney and pie-eating contests. Greeks will solicit donations for the Make-A-Wish campaign, and a member of Greek organizations will sing the national anthem.

Saturday, April 17

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Greek Games
Location: McMicken Commons
The games include a human pyramid competition, egg toss, tug-o-war, human chariot races and a dizzy bat course.

Fraternity and sorority life have been a part of UC since 1840 and emphasize scholarship, leadership and personal development.

UC Greek Week Executive Board

• Kyle Franz, Bridgetown, Ohio, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon – Greek Week President
• Holly Barth, Sandusky, Ohio, member of Chi Omega – Greek Week Vice President, External Affairs
• Britteny Kimbro, Lorain, Ohio, member of Zeta Phi Beta – Greek Week Vice President, Internal Affairs
• Savannah Bell, Toledo, Ohio, member of Chi Omega – Greek Week Treasurer 
•  Emily Vehr, White Oak, Ohio, member of Kappa Alpha Theta – Greek Week Public Relations 
• Alan Haggerty, Centerville, Ohio, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Greek Week Secretary 

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