LETTERS
FEBRUARY 2021
LETTERS A STUDENT PUBLICATION FOR THE SORORITY AND FRATERNITY COMMUNITY
LETTERS
FEBRUARY 2021
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
GET TO KNOW DANCE MARATHON EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBER, GRACE FANGMAN
by SYDNEY RIPPIN and GRACE FANGMAN
The Sorority and Fraternity Community has many members involved in the hundreds of Iowa State clubs and organizations. Our community is dedicated to serving others through individual philanthropies and well as involvement in University community service organizations. One organization that has a strong presence among the community is Dance Marathon. Many members are involved in a variety of ways, from general members to Executive Team leaders. Grace Fangman, a member of Chi Omega, is a second-year student who is serving on the Executive Team for Dance Marathon. She discusses the purpose of the organization, why she wanted to get involved, and how others can be involved and make a difference.
For those who do not know, what is Dance Marathon and what is the main goal of this organization?
Dance Marathon is the largest student run organization at Iowa State University. The main goal of this organization is to raise money that is donated to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This year our money will be going towards many different programs that take place at the hospital, such as birthday parties for sick kiddos and the music program at the hospital. We do many events throughout the year to raise as much money as we can, including our big event that will be April 17. During this event we will stand for 12 hours with no break to represent the families that get no breaks.
What made you want to become involved in Dance Marathon at Iowa State?
Dance Marathon is a very big organization within my sorority. I remember within the first week of being at Iowa State I was getting texts from the older girls that I should go to the first miracle maker meeting (a special name for the Dance Marathon Meetings). I, as well as 15 others in my pledge class, attended the meeting and it was so fun. I was able to see the hundreds of other students who came together and cared about this amazing cause. They got me fired up to join and raise money for the kiddos, and from there I was never able to stop. After my first big event, I decided that I wanted to be a bigger part of the organization, so I applied to be the events codirector. Though most our events did not end up going the way we had hoped this past year we are now planning for the big event this April. I also decided that becoming the assistant director of events was not enough for me. The position for treasurer of Dance Marathon became available due to a senior graduating early, so I decided this was my next place in Dance Marathon. I will now hold the position of event assistant director and Treasure of dance marathon for the rest of this year and will carry my treasure position into the next year.
What events do you have planned for the upcoming semester? We have a Miracle Maker Meeting on April 14, just before the Big Event. The Big Event is also scheduled to take place on April 17 at Lied Recreational Center. Even if you are not sure you want to be a part of Dance Marathon, please reach out and come to the miracle maker meeting, you may find a new passion like I did.
How could someone interested in Dance Marathon get involved? If you are interested in joining Dance Marathon there a few ways you can contact us. You can reach out to us on any of our social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) or you can email the general co- directors at isudm.codirectors@gmail.com
LETTERS
FEBRUARY 2021
NPHC WEEK AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH NPHC WEEK, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND SO MUCH MORE.
by BRIANNA HARDEN, NPHC Vice President of Public Outreach
The National Pan-Hellenic Council took over the entire month of February by posting amazing Black quotes on instagram everyday, celebrating their NPHC Week and sporadically having events from individuals chapters. The National Pan-Hellenic Week (aka NPHC Week) was held Feb. 15 - Feb. 19th. Starting it off with NPHC 101 individuals got the chance to come out and learn more about the organizations that are also referred to as the “Divine Nine”. They lead a Virtual Educational Workshop hosted by Jarrod Benjamin who is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and educated the audience of what it means to be Black. They had a great game night playing Jeopardy and hosted a Real-Life Among Us game at the Black Cultural Center.
The Eta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held an event on Feb. 5 “Pink Goes Red: Klass is Back in Session” promoting Heart Health with Meditation and Self-Care tips. The Upsilon Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. helped people turn their Black History Month Icons into Pop Art called “Pop Artizt” on Feb. 10th with the help of Jordan Brooks who is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. held two events “The PHInal Escape Room” (Feb 20th) and “Letters to those in Isolation” (Feb 25th). They prepared letters for the elderly who have been isolated due to Covid-19 and had pick up locations for participants on both Iowa State & Drakes Campus. The Theta Psi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc also held two events, the first being a “Watch Party” where they watched and discussed the Netflix movie “American Son” on Feb. 22nd directed by Kenny Leon and written by Christoper Demos-Brown. They also allowed people to become a part of a movement with their event “A Letter to my Oppressor '' Feb. 26th sending heartfelt letters to Iowa State Police Station, Ames Police Station, and the Dean of Students Office. A lot of events took place this month but just like Black History this will never be forgotten.
LETTERS
FEBRUARY 2021
LEADERSHIP
WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN TO YOU? by: LYDIA YOUNGQUIST
At Iowa State, the Sorority and Fraternity Community values the important of leadership and working to reach your full potential. Because leadership is one of our core values, there are so many opportunities to get involved and grow as a leader. To get more insight on what leadership looks like in the Sorority and Fraternity Community at Iowa State, we asked 11 students what leadership means to them and how the sorority and fraternity community has allowed them to practice leadership. Here’s what they had to say: Tyler Naughtrip / Beta Theta Pi (@beta_iastate) “My name is Tyler Naughtrip and I am the Interfraternity Council President and a member of Beta Theta Pi. To me, leadership is the opportunity to help develop and grow individuals in the community around me. It also allows me to serve people in so many different ways and connect with so many people that create incredible relationships. Leadership is the best way to meet new people and have a deeper connection with them while also helping yourself grow in the skills that will help you throughout your life. The Iowa State Sorority and Fraternity community has allowed me to practice leadership through multiple different executive team positions in my own chapter as well as in the entire community. In my chapter I had the opportunity to serve as Chapter President and Vice President of Philanthropy and Community service, and now I serve as the Council President. These positions have allowed me to develop my relational skills, public speaking skills, and skills that allow me to feel comfortable in some tough and uncomfortable discussions. The SFE community has also allowed me to practice leadership through providing countless opportunities to build relationships all over Iowa state and Ames that have helped me in different areas of focus to become a better leader!” Ethan Tarantino / Theta Chi (@isu_thetachi) “Leadership means taking control of a situation. You find ways to optimize your teams efficiently by making sure people find the roles that fit them best. A good leader should be like-able and have the respect of their team. My fraternity has given me the resources to become a better leader. I’ve been able run for and receive two executive positions in my time here. I’ve learned what it means to care for others and how to make hard decisions to keep people as safe and preferably as happy as possible. I’ve learned to go out of my way to get to know everyone and their opinions of our chapter to do what I can to help lead it.” Mychyl Brown / Alpha Kappa Alpha (@etatauakas) “My name is Mychyl Brown and I am the Vice President for the Eta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leadership means setting an example while also being relatable so others don’t feel intimidated. Leadership is about being inclusive of all people. I’ve been able to practice leadership by learning new ways of engagement and trying them out within my chapter. Recognizing what works best for my sisters and I is most important.” Bree Balke / Pi Beta Phi (@isu_piphi) “Being a leader means that you commit to a responsibility, and you are working to serve others. Leadership is not necessarily defined by a position, but rather a way you live your life and how you treat others. Leadership opportunities have help me grow so much by pushing me out of my comfort zone and take on challenges. The SFC has given me so many opportunities for leadership both inside my chapter and outside my chapter. In my chapter I am the Director of Fraternity Heritage, which as allowed me to play a role in chapter history and traditions. I am also SFC ambassador, which allows me to connect with other members of the community and share my experiences with prospective students. The community also lead me to Dance Marathon, where I have been involved as both a miracle maker and a committee member! Without the SFC I wouldn't have sought these leadership opportunities!” John Whitehead / Triangle (@isutriangle) “To me, leadership means stepping up to help improve the chapter. The SFC has allowed me to practice leadership by giving many opportunities for everyone in our chapters to be involved as a leader in some way.” Laney Pulliam / Delta Delta Delta (@isutridelta) “Leadership to me is someone who makes an effort to hear and work with the group. It is someone who leads us in a positive way, making others feel heard and included. They make things fun for everyone, however, know how to take control of a situation if need be. The sorority and fraternity community has allowed me to practice leadership in many different ways. The people involved with this community have shown leadership in every possible scenario. My chapter went through a tragedy at the beginning of the semester, and our leaders in our chapter led us through the dark and helped pick up our broken pieces. Not only were the leaders in my chapter influential, but many other leaders from other chapters also reached out to us and offered their support. These leaders have set such great examples in our community, and I am proud to say that I am apart of such a great community.” More leadersip quotes coming next month (-:
WOMENS WEEK 2021
Hear from the CPC Public Relations Chair by EMMA PLUM
Next month, Iowa State Student Government is hosting a Women’s Week conference! In describing the week, Anna Olson, the Senior Communications Director for Student Government says, “The 2021 Women’s Week is a celebration of all women everywhere! This conference is during Women’s History Month with the goal of empowering and highlighting strong women. Throughout this week we will have keynote speakers and panels discussing many different topics pertaining to women!" The last day of the conference features an all-female ISU leadership panel, which will include prominent women within the ISU community who are leaders in their clubs, organizations or departments. These women will discuss their experience as leaders, obstacles they have overcome, how to empower future leaders and more. Among the women who will serve as panelists, you may recognize Collegiate Panhellenic Council President, Kay McClelland, and Ames City Council Ward 4 Representative Rachel Junck, who is also a member of Alpha Gamma Delta! Both of these women have demonstrated impressive leadership and service to our communities, and are excited to speak on their experiences in leadership roles as women. While the panel may be nearly a month away, Kay and Rachel shared with us why leadership is important in their lives and what empowers them as female leaders!
5 Ways to Show You Care About Someone During A Pandemic
Kay said, “Leadership is important to me because it allows me to leave a positive impact and immerse myself in things that I’m passionate about. My Sorority & Fraternity Community leadership positions have offered many new connections and unique experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. As a female leader on campus, I am inspired and empowered by many of my female peers, SFE/Chapter advisers, professors, sorority sisters, members both within and outside of my council, and of course my loving mother (shoutout mom). Through Iowa State, I have learned a lot about women empowerment: supporting and celebrating the women around me. I am excited to see Iowa State continue to celebrate the incredible and talented women on campus and in our community.”
Rachel, similarly, said, “Being a leader takes passion, perseverance, integrity, and empathy, but ultimately is about making a difference in other peoples’ lives. Leadership is important to me because it is how I am able to use these skills to positively impact others and my community. It’s empowering to be a young, female leader because I enjoy helping others achieve their goals and breaking boundaries along the way. While being a leader can sometimes be difficult, what drives me forward is the passion I have for the work I do and the ability to envision a better future and work towards that.” To hear more from these amazing women, catch them on the Student Government Women’s Week ISU Leadership Panel on March 12, 2021, in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union!
MGC SOCIAL by Breanna Diaz MGC Vice President of Community Outreach
by JULIA HEJKAL 1. Send a friend a text message letting them know you are thinking about them. It can just be as simple as saying hey how are you, or have an awesome day! 2. Venmo a friend 5 dollars so they can get coffee! 3. Send a card to a friend that lives far away. 4. Facetime a friend to check in/ catch up with them. 5. Schedule a zoom hangout and play Houseparty, or do a Netflix party night with friends.
"It was important to me that we were able to come together to just have fun and enjoy each other's company. MGC is a council that is rich in diversity and that was evident at the social as we played games tied to certain cultures. This event was just one of the many events that we have had/will have that bring our eight chapters together. We also look forward to future collaborations with other councils such as NPHC." - Breanna Diaz
TRIVIA TIME by HOLLY BETHEL
Last Months Trivia Answers! When did the first sorority come to Iowa State? b. 1877 Which fraternity's philanthropy is the Jade Ribbon Campaign? c. Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. How many total fraternities are at Iowa State University? a. 31 How many councils are there at Iowa State? b.4
1. The average GPA for the sorority and fraternity community at ISU is lower than the all-university average. a. True b. False 2. How many undergraduate colleges are at Iowa State? a. 7 b. 8 c. 5 d. 10 3. The Greek academic honor society on campus is called ______. a. Order of Omega b. Gamma Sigma Alpha c. Rho Lambda d. all of the above 4. How many majors does Iowa State offer? a. 102 b. 76 c. 93 d. 84 5. What is the average GPA for the sorority and fraternity community? a. 3.11 b. 3.19 c. 3.01 d. 3.33
Be sure to read next month's LETTERS edition to find the answers!
EDITOR'S ROOM FROM THE DESK OF HOLLY BETHEL FEBRUARY
2021
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HMBETHEL@IASTATE.EDU
This month, we hear about Dance Marathon, what leadership means to many members of our community, women week that will take place in March, and of course our monthly trivia! Be sure to check out our March edition of LETTTERS as it will contain more leadership quotes from members of our communities, Greek Week trivia, and the answers to this editions trivia questions! I Hello! My name is Holly Bethel and I am would love to showcase all the LETTERS director this year. I would the great things going on in love to hear from you if you believe you our community for our have a story that should be published March edition of LETTERS! within LETTERS! Feel free to reach out to Thanks everyone! me with any questions or concerns!
HAVE A STORY? PLEASE EMAIL SFELETTERS@IASTATE.EDU
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EMAIL ME AT HMBETHEL@IASTATE.EDU