Members of the University of Rochester's fraternity and sorority community were recognized last month with three awards at the Northeast Greek Leadership Association Conference in Stamford, CONN. The NGLA provides opportunities for learning and leadership to members of fraternities and sororities throughout the northeast region.
University of Rochester award recipients included Lucas Piazza '12 of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and Anna Richlin '12 of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, who received the Student Greek Leaders of Distinction Award. This award recognizes students who exemplify the ideals of their fraternity or sorority within their daily lives. The individuals were judged on several criteria, including leadership, scholastic and academic achievement, character as displayed through fraternity or sorority membership, and service to the University, to the individual's organization, and to the fraternity and sorority community at large.
The Rochester fraternity and sorority community was also recognized with the Amy Vojta Impact Award; which was presented to groups that created an original program with an impact on the community. The Rochester community received the award in the area of multicultural initiatives and programming for the Greek-or-Treat event.
The community collaborated with a nearby city elementary school, bringing more than to the University campus to trick or treat on Halloween. Every fraternity/sorority (31 in total) purchased two bags of candy for the children and worked with the fraternities on the Fraternity Quad to provide the children with an opportunity to go trick-or-treating, engage in fun activities, and enjoy snacks and beverages.
According to Neftali Morales '12, president of the Multicultural Greek Council, planning the Greek-or-Treat had several benefits, including building relationships with the elementary school. "This was key because of our interest to repeat this event for years to come," Morales explained in a letter nominating Rochester for the award.
Morales also noted that the event created an opportunity for collaboration and conversation among the fraternities and sororities on campus. "The organizations were able to share what they offered on campus and these conversations led to a number of different co-sponsorships on the chapter-to-chapter level," he said.