As the new president of the Interfraternity Council, Spiros Maliagros '98 has his work cut out for him, but he is optimistic he can unify the fraternity system and increase its visibility as a positive force on campus.
On paper, the IFC president's responsibilities include running events organized by Greek houses, making sure fraternities meet minimum standards in academics and community service and enforcing regulations limiting the number of kegs at fraternity parties.
But Maliagros, a member of Chi Gamma Epsilon fraternity wants to do more than just go through the motions. He has several ideas on how to bring fraternities closer together -- and he is not afraid to share them.
Unifying ideas
First and foremost, Maliagros said Greek houses have to learn to live within the system imposed by the College administration.
"We see the administration as our enemy," Maliagros said. "But that's their job and we have to adapt."
One way of adapting, according to the native of Bayside, N.Y., is to break the barriers between Greek houses -- something he hopes to do by organizing events that will appeal to Greek men, such as fraternity olympics and athletic road trips.
"I think we just have to learn to coexist together," Maliagros said. He said he could accept the fact that a lot of fraternities always seem to be on probation, but added he was dismayed by the fact that the fraternities do not communicate as well as they could.
"Why haven't we found a system? Because we don't talk," he said.
Maliagros cited the abuse of alcohol as a major problem at the College and said he plans for the IFC to continue to sponsor alcohol education and sexual abuse awareness programs.
Maliagros was confident he is up for the challenge of unifying the fraternity system and said he is no stranger to the responsibilities of leadership.
In high school, he was president of the student government, editor of the school paper and captain of the swim team.
Maliagros continued to excel when he came to Dartmouth, founding his own investment group, becoming a leader in the fraternity system soon after joining Chi Gam.
Maliagros' interest in finances extends to his academic life as well -- the new IFC president is an economics-government double major.
Greek experiences
Maliagros said although he was initially drawn to Chi Gam because many of its members shared his interest in baseball, he came to appreciate the fraternity's "rainbow of members."
"Academically there is a balance," Maliagros said. "Some members push really hard, others don't ... There are bumps in life, but Chi Gam puts a smile on your face."
Maliagros attributed running for IFC president to a desire to assist his fraternity brothers.
"I couldn't do anything within the fraternity and I wanted to do something to help Chi Gam," he said.
Maliagros' seeking office with the IFC over the summer actually came about by accident. Since his parents forbade him to live at Chi Gam over the summer, he could not hold an office with the house, as he had wanted.
Therefore, he decided to get involved in fraternity leadership through the IFC -- and the on-the-job-experience he gained proved valuable.
"I had a really good time," Maliagros said. "I could see how frat guys can come together ... I was surprised at how much we can do if we want to coexist within the system."
Maliagros said one of his proudest accomplishments as acting president was the reconciliation of Psi Upsilon and Theta Delta Chi fraternities after Psi U accused Theta Delt of slashing their pool.
"There were no fights, no broken windows, nothing," he said.
People who know Maliagros have been impressed with his leadership thus far and were confident he could get the job done with the IFC.
Punk Gupta '98, Chi Gam's current president, said Maliagros' efforts over the summer inspired men in fraternities to get "more involved and interested.
"He's a very motivated and diligent person who has carefully set goals and definitely will accomplish everything he sets out to do," Gupta said.
Hereen Oh '98, a friend who has known Maliagros since their freshman year, said Maliagros "has perspective and a global view.
He is willing to listen and is open to new ideas. He has friends from a lot of different groups and knows people in different contexts."
Mike Armstrong '97, the former IFC president, said Maliagros "has a lot of charisma, a lot of energy and some unique ideas. With that charisma and energy I think he can unify the Greek system."
