Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate Greek Week 2019 April 6-14 with a series of events expected to unite the Greek community as it focuses on mutual respect, spirit, character and sportsmanship while making a difference on campus and in the community.
Greek Week is about the lasting impact left, said Zack Koeller, director of Greek Week. One chapter alone has the potential to make an impact, but a community brought together by common ideals has the potential to move mountains. This week is devoted to helping our community in a fun and enjoyable way.
This years theme is Reality TV and will be highlighted in many of the weeks events that focus on friendly competition as chapters compete for points, all in the spirit of philanthropy. Funds raised this year will help support One City, Hope for One More, the Honorable Young Mens Club, SEMO Network Against Sexual Violence, Voice for Children/CASA, Community Caring Council and Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Missouri.
The weeks events will include Greek Week support of Special Olympics Missouri, Greek Games, canned food and clothing drives, the Walk-A-Mile In Her Shoes sexual violence awareness initiative, community service, God and Goddess Penny Races, a lip sync battle, Greek Sing and an All-Greek Chapter meeting.
Events begin on Saturday, April 6, with fraternity and sorority members volunteering at the Special Olympics from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center. The Greek Games are scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at Houck Field House and will feature a blanket race, bizarre foods contest, a sponge relay and other spirited games.
Canned and dry goods will be collected from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. April 8 at the Redhawk Food Pantry in Kent Library Room 123 in the Textbook Rental area on the lower level of the library. A clothing drive also is planned for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 11 at the Womens Safe House and the Teen Challenge Thrift Store.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes raises awareness about sexual assault and abuse victims, with participants wearing purple and walking a mile in high-heeled shoes. It is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. April 9 in front of Academic Hall.
A lip sync event is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 11 in Academic Hall, and the Greek Sing is planned for 5 p.m. April 13 in Academic Hall Auditorium.
A Greek God and Goddess Competition also is planned with chapter goddesses riding in chariots in the annual Chariot Races at 3 p.m. April 15 at Parker Field. Chapters compete to have the fastest chariot.
The All-Greek Chapter Meeting is scheduled for April 14 when awards will be presented for Greek Man and Greek Woman of the Year, Greek Junior of the Year, Greek Sophomore of the Year, New Member of the Year, Unsung Hero/Heroine, Individual Community Service Award, Chapter President of the Year, Advisor of the Year, Professor of the Year and the Order of Omega Greek Heart Award.
This years events follow a Greek Week Blood Drive held March 24-27 in the Student Recreation Center in which 1,244 units of blood were collected, up 50 from last years collection. A Dance-a-Thon fundraiser also was held on March 23.