ON CAMPUS
Widener Invests in Fraternity and Sorority Life on Campus by Emily Barrett ’21 Widener’s energetic campus community has been a central component of the university’s 200-year-long history. Today, students are invited to participate in more than 80 clubs and organizations whose membership gives them opportunities to not only engage in their interests, but also to forge friendships, build skills, and develop professional networks. As the university has transitioned through the years, clubs and organizations have evolved to reflect student needs and interests. Changes made in organizations like Fraternity
and Sorority Life have demonstrated Widener’s dedication to student growth and success, both in and out of the classroom. “We’re committed to having a vibrant full-bodied, out-of-class experience for our students, and that includes fraternities and sororities,” said John Downey, dean of students. Under the leadership of Downey; Phil Gatling, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL); and Austin Duckett from the Office of Student
Willie Mathis III stands in front of Kappa Sigma located on 13th Street.
2000—PMC Museum opens and is housed in the Alumni Auditorium building. 24
Engagement, the university has kickstarted renewed investments in Greek letter organizations. Since its establishment after the end of the Second World War, Widener’s FSL program has grown to represent nearly 500 students, or approximately 19 percent of the undergraduate population. Led by four councils— the Interfraternity Council, College Panhellenic Council, the recently renamed National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the newly established
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2004—Widener is invited to join Project Pericles, which encourages colleges to incorporate social responsibility and participatory citizenship in their academic programs.
2006— The Widener Partnership Charter School opens.
