Chapter members support USD and the community during Greek Week 2008
Lauren Barulich / Staff Writer / The USD Vista
“Greek and non-Greek alike cleared their hectic school schedules to participate in letter writing, tug-o-war, skits, the homecoming tailgate and community service activities in order to raise money and awareness for Rady Children’s Hospital during Greek Week 2008.
Greek Week takes places every semester and each time incorporates a new theme and supports a different organization. In the past, the Greeks have raised money for the American Red Cross, the YMCA Community Connections Program, Operation Homefront and the Bayside Community Center. This semester Greek Week focused on the Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego’s only designated pediatric trauma center and the only area hospital dedicated solely to pediatric care.
The Greek community chose the Olympics as their theme because the summer Olympics just wrapped up. Along with a new theme, Greek Week 2008 also had three new main objectives that were emphasized throughout the week to guarantee success. These objectives included hands on community service, incorporating more non-Greeks and getting more alumni involved in the activities.
The week began with students gathering in the UC where they watched a video about St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The video featured Claire, an infant, who suffered from a large brain tumor, but with the help of St. Jude’s was able to overcome what other doctors had called a fatal disease. The video was brought to life when Claire, along with her mother and father, came to the front of the crowd and spoke about their journey with St. Jude’s and the power behind such simple words as “hope” and “believe.” Following the speaker, students congregated in UC dining area for free pizza, music, raffle prizes and letter writing to friends and family asking them to help donate to St. Jude’s.
Sticking with the Olympic theme students gathered on the lawn outside of Aromas for tug-o-war on Thursday. The sweltering heat was just one of the obstacles the “tuggers” had to overcome as the teams of 10 faced off and pulled their way to victory. Cheered on by their fellow students, Alpha Phi, used their Olympic strength to beat out Gamma Phi Beta for the prestigious title of Greek Week tug-o-war champions.
Thursday night showcased the well-anticipated skits. Every year skits improve, and this year was no exception. Sororities, with help of a few fraternity males, danced and tumbled away to a compilation of Olympic themed songs that had the audience in the packed Sports Center entertained. In the end, after being judged on categories including backdrop, choreography, costumes and spirit Alpha Delta Phi placed first with Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Alpha Theta following respectively.
On Friday, the Greek community dressed up for the Omega Banquet to honor individual members as well as entire chapters who had gone above and beyond in their commitment and service to their community. Some noteworthy awards of the night were the Greek Women of the Year Award given to Casey Moss of Gamma Phi Beta, and the Greek Man of the Year Award given to Andrew Camera of Lambda Chi Alpha.
The fun continued into the weekend with even more food, prizes and opportunities for students and alumni to come together to support both their community and the USD Toreros. On Saturday early risers started the day at 8, by participating in a walk through Sea World to support Rady Children’s Hospital. After the walk students flocked to the football field to watch their Toreros take on Valparaiso. Greek Week hosted a Wii Competition Tent at the Pre-Game Tailgate where students swung away to beat competitors at tennis and bowling.
The week ended with basket making in the UC Forum on Sunday. Students brought coloring and puzzle books, crayons and stickers to put in baskets for the children at Rady Children’s Hospital. The exact amount of money raised has not yet been totaled but if spirit and participation are any indication the Greek’s should expect great success.”