Media Mix

News affecting our members and the greater fraternity/sorority community

Maddie Marsh Helps Bono Save the World

Maddie Marsh (left), Gamma Delta–Auburn University with U2's Bono

When Maddie Marsh, Gamma Delta–Auburn University, started the One Campaign chapter on her campus, she had no idea she'd soon rub elbows with U2 frontman Bono. According to SEC Sports Online, Maddie was one of three students invited to share insights on global issues with the organization’s Board of Directors. Co-founded by Bono in 2004, One Campaign seeks to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030 through policy and activism.

Sharael Kolberg Goes 50/50

Sharael Feist Kolberg, Delta Sigma–University of Hawaii

Breast cancer survivor Sharael Feist Kolberg, Delta Sigma–University of Hawaii, gained the attention of several media outlets as she ran 50 miles in 50 days for breast cancer research and awareness. On September 29, the last day of her run, she shared her story with Drew Barrymore who surprised her with a $100,000 donation from Bank of America.

Amber McReynolds gets nod from Time Magazine

Amber McReynolds, Sigma–University of Illinois

Amber McReynolds, Sigma–University of Illinois, is "the country’s most outspoken evangelist for voting by mail," according to Time Magazine. As Executive Director for the National Vote At Home Institute, co-author of When Women Vote and former Director of Elections for Denver, Amber has been recently interviewed by ABCNews, MSNBC, Good Morning America and Elle Magazine.

Sara Rodriguez Named Finalist for National Award

Sara Rodriguez, Epsilon Upsilon–Tarleton State University

The Stephenville Empire-Tribute reports Sara Rodriguez, Epsilon Upsilon–Tarleton State University, is a finalist for the 2020 Oticon Focus on People Awards, an honor given to those showing hearing loss does not limit their ability to make a positive difference in the world. At just 19, Sara has already influenced policy changes at Tarleton and started an American Sign Language Club on campus.

Allyssa Kaiser Makes Ends Meet

Allyssa Kaiser, Alpha–Syracuse University

Allyssa Kaiser, Alpha–Syracuse University, was recently highlighted in the ® New York Post on her part of the growing trend of NYC professionals turning to freelance and contract work to fill employment gaps caused by pandemic-related layoffs and business closures.

Katie Magidi Turns a Hobby into a Side Hustle for Social Change

Katie Mello Magidi, Delta Iota–California State University, Chico

While searching for ways to entertain her toddler during quarantine, Katie Mello Magidi, Delta Iota–California State University, Chico, stumbled onto a business opportunity that allows her to help causes she is passionate about. Watch her segment at ® NBC Bay Area.

Stronger Connections Linked to Virtual Recruitment

NPR reports this fall recruitment season forced sororities to reconsider their pitch now that social activities are less of an option. Gentry McCreary, a consultant for Greek-letter organizations, says online recruitment puts focus on conversations. Julia Drozd, Vice President–Recruitment at Beta Xi, Purdue University, told The Exponent that, while different, it has given way to positive change this year. This has been felt as the chapter's 40 new members have acclimated well to virtual sorority life. According to The Plainsman, Auburn University sororities handed out more than 1,500 bids at its August Bid Day—an all-time high for the university, including 81 from Gamma Delta.

Epsilon Mu, FHC Win Environmental Landscaping Award

Epsilon Mu chapter house at Fort Hays State University

The Epsilon Mu chapter house at Fort Hays State University was awarded the WaterSmart Landscape Award for commitment to water conservation in landscape design. Criteria for the award included creative planning and design, irrigation, selection and placement of plants, soil prep and more. Chapter Advisor Liz Haury and Property Advisor Kathie Taylor accepted the award on behalf of the chapter and FHC. Learn more from ®Hays Daily News.

Valpo Alpha Gams Host First Philanthropic Event

Beta Phi, Alpha Gam's most recently installed chapter and the newest sorority at Valparaiso University, raised $210 to fight hunger insecurity at their inaugural Alpha Gam Bags Hunger event, reports the ®Valpo Torch.

Beta Phi–Valparaiso University

Alpha Epsilon Phi Mourns Loss of Iconic Member RBG

The New York Times offers coverage and reflection on the life Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, including comments from Bonnie Wunsch, executive director of Alpha Epsilon Phi. "We stand for leadership and empowerment and development of women in all areas," said Wunsch. "And what RBG stood for is exactly the values that all sororities, not just AEPhi, are founded upon." RBG was initiated at Cornell University in the 1950's and eventually served as President of her chapter. “She really made a difference," Wunsch said.

Piazza Center Releases National Survey Results

Penn State University's Daily Collegian reports the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform released the data of a national survey to collect anonymous data from 13 institutions, including 67 fraternities and 59 sororities. Respondents were asked questions regarding living situations and social interactions, the pandemic, chapter attitudes and their overall well-being. The Piazza Center was created in January 2019 after the hazing-related death of Timothy Piazza, former Penn State sophomore and new member of Beta Theta Pi.

The Abolish Greek Life Movement Gains Traction

As reported in the Summer issue of the Quarterly, a movement called Abolish Greek Life is on the rise on some college campuses, including Vanderbilt, Tufts and Duke. Teen Vogue offers the latest take and details numerous experiences and perspectives from college students. A recent piece from Vox.com focused on the financial interests tied to the presence of fraternity/ sorority life on a college campus and cites students who argue that internal solutions are possible. In a written statement, NPC CEO Dani Weatherford offered that the sorority community “must reckon with the legacy and manifestations of systemic racism and other forms of bias that impact the sorority experience,” while also emphasizing reform and engagement as the more effective path forward for those seeking change.

College Enrollment Continues to Drop

The National Student Clearinghouse reports undergraduate student enrollment in fall 2020 is down 4 percent compared to fall 2019. “Most strikingly, freshman students are by far the biggest decline of any group from last year, with a decrease of 16.1% nationally," said Executive Director Doug Shapiro.