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Greek Week Totaled Major Funds and Major Fun

Last Saturday, the annual Greek Week fundraising event raised $132,618.89 for the Mercy Full Project, a local animal rescue organization. 

From Feb. 15-21, students in fraternities and sororities threw pies at each other, decorated the sidewalks with elaborate chalk art, played classic games like tug of war and relay racing, and donned giant bubble suits for a sumo-style soccer game, all in the name of philanthropy. 

Junior Luke Kelley, president of the Interfraternity council, said the week is a highlight of the Greek community that participants look forward to every year. Kelley was the host of the Greek Variety Show, the final event of the week that is often the most popular. Held in Falk Theatre in front of a sold-out crowd, teams performed original numbers complete with choreography and matching outfits. 

Participants in the week’s activities included members from all three Greek councils on campus, the IFC, the Panhellenic Association, which oversees the sororities, and the Unified Greek Council, which consists of historically Black and multicultural houses but is inclusive to all. 

Phi Kappa Phi Inducts New Class

On Sunday, 61 students were inducted into the University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. 

To be eligible for membership, seniors must rank in the top 10% of their class within their college, and juniors are drawn from the top 7.5%. Graduate and professional students who have completed at least one year of study and rank in the top 10% of their cohort are also eligible. Faculty, administrators, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction may also be invited to membership.

Provost Mike Stephenson presented each inductee with a medal.

Members have access to extensive national resources through Phi Kappa Phi, including scholarships, grants and professional development opportunities, said chapter President, Kathryn Branch, associate dean for the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education and professor of criminology and criminal justice.

“Our goal is to foster interdisciplinary relationships across colleges and create a network of scholars who support one another long after graduation,” Branch said, also noting that this year marks the UTampa Phi Kappa Phi chapter’s 15th anniversary.