Dressed in ties and sequined dresses, the University greek community gathered Monday night to recognize its members’ achievements in an awards ceremony held by the Panhellenic and Interfraternity councils.
More than 600 greek members clustered in the Gateway alumni center lobby to cheer for their respective chapters and members receiving the glass-carved trophies.
“It’s a pride thing,” said Amy Barker, the executive vice president of the Panhellenic Council and a Pi Beta Phi member. “People like to be recognized.”
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, the councils sent the 10 sororities and 21 fraternities on campus questionnaires seeking information about their houses and membership. With that information, members of faculty, alumni and the Panhellenic and Interfraternity councils judged each group.
Among the categories awarded were outstanding alumni relations, scholarship programming, financial and housing management, outstanding community service and outstanding philanthropy.
“It’s important to recognize our members,” said Delta Delta Delta member Megan Carollo, a sociology junior. “It keeps everybody motivated and keeps them doing well.”
Cheers and loud clapping were heard throughout the hour-long event, as names of chapters and individuals were announced.
“You get a sense of community here,” said Lynn Swon, the chairwoman of the Greek Action Council, a group appointed by President Mark Yudof to discuss overarching greek issues at the University. “It’s a wonderful way for them to gather.”
Swon, an alumna of Delta Gamma, also said the awards night allows the councils to set expectations for the greek chapters.
A special recognition was given to Jessica Bushman, the previous Panhellenic and Interfraternity councils’ adviser.
The energized night came to a climactic end as the “Greek Man and Woman,” and the outstanding sorority and fraternity chapters were announced.
With 15 finalists competing for the award, Alpha Gamma Delta member Amy Hopfensperger won “Greek Woman” and Beta Theta Pi member Nathan Deno became “Greek Man.”
“I feel very honored,” said Hopfensperger, an elementary education senior. “The night is a wonderful way for others to see that we are striving to get involved in the University community.”
Alpha Omicron Pi and Alpha Chi Omega tied for outstanding sorority and Beta Theta Pi won among the fraternities.

Raiza Beltran covers student life and student government and welcomes comments at [email protected].