With the culmination of Greek Week —
a 10-day festivity aimed at raising money and awareness for
charitable organizations — the Greek community united
students and faculty with the praiseworthy goal of improving the
community. Such a united and charitable effort reminds the larger
University community of the Greeks’ merits. It reminds the
campus that the University administration should allow the Greek
community to manage its own affairs.
- Beth Dykstra
Inviting the Multicultural Greek Council and the
University’s chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council to
participate for the first time, this year’s Greek Week
included a blood drive, Greek Olympics and a service clean-up
day.
This year’s organized activities raised more than $45,000,
exceeding last year’s $38,000. This money — donated to
philanthropic organizations including Coach Carr’s Cancer
Foundation, Camp Heartland and the winning Greek team’s
adopted cause — was the result of an unwavering effort made
by the Greek Week executive board and its determined participants.
Together, the Greeks along with the City of Ann Arbor have donated
money to help those less fortunate.
It is refreshing to find the Greek community directing its
spirit and resources toward philanthropic efforts. After a year of
bad press — involving hazing incidents, rape allegations and
alcohol abuse — the Greek community has again united for the
good of the community. It has proven the worth of its causes, and
for that the Greeks have the right to remain an active part of
campus life.
The laudable results of this year’s Greek Week proves the
Greek community has the ability to accomplish remarkable
achievements. This year’s events serve as an act of
redemption for the community as it undergoes this turbulent
period.
The administration’s interference with the Greeks is
unnecessary, but more importantly, unsolicited. Although affiliated
with the University through the Office of Greek Life, the Greek
system often acts independently, pushing its own agenda. The sudden
interest shown by the University’s Division of Student
Affairs — including its top administrator, E. Royster Harper
— threatens the community’s autonomy, which has become
increasingly important to the Greeks.
As Harper and her cohorts consider limiting membership and
delaying rush, it is important to direct support toward the Greeks.
Greek Week shows that if united, the Greek system can achieve
admirable goals. If the University begins interfering with its
autonomy, which student group will be the next victim?