In a year that has brought much bad publicity to Dartmouth's fraternities and sororities, the College's Greek societies are sponsoring a series of events designed to show how their organizations can benefit the community.
The first annual "Greek Week" is an event intended "to provide incoming students with a look at the College's Greek organizations outside of a basement context, and also to show that we have a vested interest in all facets of student life," according to Eric Powers '02, president of the Inter-Fraternity Council and a member of The Dartmouth's Sport Staff.
Greek Week organizer Kate Reibel '03 said she hopes this year's events will help "shed positive light on Greek life," especially among administrators and students critical of the Greek system.
The events that make up Greek Week have historically been scattered throughout the year. "What Kate [Reibel] has done has been [to] align the week with the various themes of the Greek system established last year," Powers said.
Working with the Dean of the Tucker Foundation Stuart Lord, Greek Week kicked off over the weekend with the "Random Acts of Kindness" community service project.
Reibel estimates that 70 Greek members from seven houses participated, doing everything from decorating pumpkins for children in the hospital to helping out at an animal shelter.
It was followed on Sunday by open houses for the whole College community at the Sigma Nu and Kappa Kappa Kappa fraternities and the Epsilon Kappa Theta sorority.
The Greeks are also trying to put their best face forward with two awards ceremonies. Yesterday, the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society initiated Greek members who have achieved exemplary academic standing.
The annual Dartmouth College Greek Awards will honor both houses and individuals for their contributions to the Dartmouth community today.
Featured speakers will also address issues of diversity and interpersonal relations tomorrow and Thursday.
Greek Week concludes on Friday with "Wear Your Letters Day." Affiliated students are being requested by organizers to show their spirit by displaying their organization's letters on their clothing.
Many events, including the Dartmouth Greek Awards, were previously held in the winter or spring. Powers said that the switch "is just a matter of convenience. There was just so much going on last spring, and the people who normally plan the event were essentially too busy."
"It would be better to put in the effort, instead of rushing it and not having as good an event."