Langdon NPO Recognizes UW Greek Life Student Community Service
As I complete my third school year as the Langdon Neighborhood Officer, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the actions of a certain community that doesn't always get the recognitions that they deserve. Although national headlines on occasion will try to paint a negative picture about the actions of fraternity and sorority members in general across the country, I have been witness myself to numerous outstanding acts of selflessness from the Greek community members right here in Madison.
The UW-Madison Greek Life website states the following regarding community service and philanthropy goals and expectations from our own Greek Life community:
Community service and philanthropy are integral parts of the Greek Community at UW-Madison campus. Every Greek organization supports a national and/or local charitable organization or philanthropy and holds fundraising events throughout the year to raise money to support their causes. Greek students also participate in a wide variety of service projects and opportunities, including environmental initiatives, tutoring at local elementary schools, and volunteering at hospitals. Philanthropic events range from bake sales to hockey tournaments. Service and philanthropy remain two of the most important traditions in the UW-Madison Greek Community.
If you take a walk down Langdon Street or State Street on any given weekend day, you will likely see enthusiastic students sponsoring anything from baked goods sales to 5K walk/runs to blood drives. More specifically, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity last year raised over $12,000 for a football run between Madison and Iowa, with proceeds benefiting the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison. Also, the Delta Delta Delta sorority in Madison last year raised $50,000 benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital by hosting pancake breakfasts, silent auctions, and even a dodge ball tournament on campus.
These are just two outstanding examples of many that summarize the commitment that I have seen from the Greek students at UW-Madison that demonstrate their dedication to their core values of leadership, academic achievement, community service, and fellowship. It was recently announced as well that the grand total of funds raised from the hosted philanthropy events of the UW Greek students over this last school year totaled over $360,000! That is quite an impressive number!
And finally, as this school is coming to a close now, I look forward to a "relaxing" summer break! But I will also admit that I am excited for the return of the students in the fall again for the start of another great school year, as plans have already begun for the Homecoming parade, football Saturdays, and much more!
Officer Shawn Kelly, Langdon Neighborhood Officer