Continuing the Tradition

Can you name the student life area that has involved approximately one-third of the campus for decades?  Do you know which group of organizations where 40 percent of the members have attained Dean’s List status?  Do you know who has consistently raised funds for national philanthropic causes?  By now, you know the answer—Wesleyan’s Greek organizations.

The College’s nine national fraternities and sororities continue to excel and make significant contributions to the campus community.  During the recent Homecoming weekend Food Village, Greek organizations led the way toward collecting 4,629 non-perishable food items.  Alpha Delta Pi co-sponsored the event and led all campus organizations and volunteer groups, collecting 681 items.  Zeta Tau Alpha has led the campus effort to raise awareness and money in the fight against breast cancer and both Zeta and Chi Phi were the leading campus organizations in the Mini Relay for Life at the last home football game. 

Other campus activities sponsored by Greek organizations include the National Issues Forum on Alcohol and the Alcohol Awareness Assembly, school clean-up projects, and Upshur Children’s Festival Events.

Recent Greek award winners include: 

• IFC President’s Cup-Theta Chi
• Panhellenic Council Cup-Zeta Tau Alpha
• National Greek Award winners:  Alpha Delta Pi and Zeta Tau Alpha
• Spring Sing Men’s Champion:  Kappa Alpha
• Spring Sing Women’s Champion: Alpha Delta Pi
• Greek Week Fraternity Champion: Theta Chi
• Greek Week Sorority Champion: Alpha Xi Delta
• Homecoming Parade Champion:  Alpha Gamma Delta
• Homecoming Parade Runner-up:  Alpha Sigma Phi

Sorority Raises $1,100 for Breast Cancer Awareness

The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) at Wesleyan raised $1,100 for Breast Cancer Awareness in October and November.  The 47-member group completed 11 different service projects during the six-week period.

Awareness projects included:  "Save Lids to Save Lives," a homecoming weekend bounce-a-thon, the sale of pink ribbons, spreading pink ribbons on campus, pink out days, a candle light vigil, shower cards, raffle, alumnae tea auction, and Think Pink activities at Wesleyan volleyball and football games.

“This has been one of our most successful years,” said ZTA president Ashlee Gaydac, a senior from Parkersburg, WV.  “We are grateful to the Wesleyan campus community for their tremendous support.”

Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the world and the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States.  One in eight women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

During the summer, Wesleyan’s ZTA chapter was recognized for the fourth consecutive year at the sorority’s national convention.  The group was awarded the prestigious “Crown Chapter” for their contributions to ZTA Foundation, which supports breast cancer education and awareness.  The Wesleyan ZTA chapter also holds the highest grade point average for all campus sororities with a 3.385 GPA.

Arts Alive!

The West Virginia Wesleyan Arts Alive! Series will close out the 2007 with a flurry of concerts and performances.

Concert Band/Wind Ensemble
November 27 @ 7:30 p.m. in Wesley Chapel
TwoWesleyan instrumental groups present their annual fall concert. Admission is free.

King Lear
November 29 – December 1 @ 8 p.m., December 2 @ 2 p.m. in Atkinson Auditorium
King Lear, directed by Thomas Schoffler, will feature the William Shakespeare tragedy centered on the themes of justice, authority versus chaos, reconciliation, love and forgiveness, and redemption. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students, $2 for senior citizens and Wesleyan ID.

Jazz Ensemble Concert
December 7 @ 7:30 p.m. in Wesley Chapel
Wesleyan’s regionally renowned jazz ensemble presents its annual winter concert. Admission is free.

Danceworks XV December 8 @ 8 p.m.
December 9 at 2 p.m. in Atkinson Auditorium
A delightful performance will feature the best of the technique classes, repertory, company classes, and guest artists.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens and free with Wesleyan ID.

Festival of Lessons and Carols
December 9 @ 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel
Wesleyan’s most popular and highly acclaimed event, the Festival of Lessons and Carols under the direction of Dr. Parsons, will feature the Concert Chorale. Admission is free.