Thoughts from the College Panhellenic Academy 2016 Facilitators

College Panhellenic Academy provides the opportunity for hands-on training with NPC representatives, allowing attendees to refocus their commitment to NPC values and in turn, shape their fraternity and sorority communities. A team of experts in sorority is ready to facilitate and guide our attendees to be the best sorority women they can be. We asked these facilitators a few questions about their own sorority experience and what they are most looking forward to at #Academy16.

Krystal Clark
Director for the Office of Student Leadership Development, Vanderbilt University

What do you think is the most important thing for a Panhellenic Officer to keep in mind at the beginning of her term?

Operate from a place of grace and not perfection. Perfection is not a thing to pursue. The goal is to always do YOUR best and to understand that your best changes from day to day and even moment to moment. You will make mistakes. Ask for help.




Patty Gesell
NPC College Panhellenics Committee chairman

What do you think is most important for a Panhellenic officer to keep in mind at the beginning of her term?

This can be a wonderful experience if you are willing to embrace the NPC philosophy, establish relationships and trust with other CPH officers and delegates, work for the common good and lead by example.







Julie Johnson
NPC delegate, former NPC Panhellenics chairman and former national president of Kappa Delta Sorority

How has NPC/Panhellenic been a part of your life/profession?

Being an advocate, positive role model and resource for the sorority experience has been a part of me since college.  I had an incredible undergraduate experience, and I greatly appreciated the opportunities and skills my membership gave me.  I knew that I wanted to "give back," so I began volunteering in grad school at the local level on a house corporation and then served as a chapter advisor.  From there I was asked to serve as a national officer/volunteer, and I am now in my 30th year of serving on the national level. 


Carole Jones
NPC vice chairman

"Why sorority?" If someone asked you that, what would be your answer?

As an undergraduate member, I learned that being a member of a sorority extended beyond my college days, and as an alumna, I have been committed to continuing my fraternal journey. While I continue to enjoy the special bond that exists between my Alpha Omicron Pi sisters, I have also developed special relationships with sisters who span several generations and come from sister sororities. We are all dedicated to the ideals of character, integrity and loyalty.



Kyle Pendleton
Senior director of harm reduction and education, Zeta Tau Alpha

What is your favorite moment or a highlight from your own fraternal experience thus far? 

My chapter at Ohio State was closed several years after I graduated. When the chapter was recolonized in 2011, I served as the chapter advisor and oversaw the first initiation of the new chapter members and advised the group through the chartering.  Last year, the chapter was one of five that received the Pyramid of Excellence, the highest collegiate chapter award in Delta Sigma Phi. This is the first Pyramid in the chapter’s history. I am so lucky to have gotten to work with them.


Justine Rosenberg
Gift officer, Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation
 

"Why sorority?" If someone asked you that, what would be your answer?

I am genuinely a better version of myself because of my sorority experience–because I am a Panhellenic woman. I am proud to be in outstanding company of leading women in their fields, who I wholeheartedly believe will inspire me throughout my life. The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega says it best, “to see and appreciate all that is noble in another, be her badge what it may,” as Panhellenic women are the ones, in many ways, changing the world for the better.


Corre Stegall

Vice president emerita, Louisiana Tech University
 

What most excites you about this College Panhellenic Academy?

The most exciting thing about the CPA is the opportunity to interact with so many outstanding young leaders who are dedicated to the excellence of sorority.  These young women have made a wonderful decision to work for the betterment of not only their own sorority, but for the success and growth of all the sororities on their campus.  That takes a great deal of insight, and it’s inspiring and energizing for me to have a part in working with them…they’re such fun!



Corin Wallace
Director of Experience Design, Mavenly + Co.
Speaker and Communications Consultant, Red Frame Communications

What is your favorite moment or a highlight from your own fraternal experience thus far?

I've had many magical moments, from watching my cousin select my organization to seeing the creeds of many organizations expressed at programs like UIFI. Most of my favorites involve an "a-ha moment" for a member: the clear realization that this experience is rooted in personal development and support. I love seeing young men and women realize that because of their fraternal experience, they are a little less alone.

The Impact of College Panhellenic Academy on My Campus – Advisor

College Panhellenic Academy is a National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) program designed to equip College Panhellenic officers and advisors with the most up-to-date Panhellenic knowledge through hands-on training with NPC representatives.

The 2016 Academy is designed for four College Panhellenic officers: Panhellenic president, Panhellenic officer responsible for recruitment, Panhellenic officer responsible for implementation of the judicial process and Panhellenic officer responsible for communications and public relations, and it includes a jointly created track for fraternity/sorority advisors. This year, College Panhellenic Academy will be held Jan. 22-23 at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station. 

Rebekah Druetzler, Alpha Xi Delta, has served as Butler University’s director of Greek life for 13 years. She had the opportunity to attend College Panhellenic Academy in 2015 with Butler's College Panhellenic officers.

How did College Panhellenic Academy impact the way you fulfill your role as an advisor? 
Attending Academy helped our Panhellenic officers work from baseline NPC knowledge sooner, which allowed us to have deeper conversations early during their tenure.

How did Academy impact the leaders of your College Panhellenic?
Attending College Panhellenic Academy provided my officers with confidence in understanding Panhellenic matters and ensuring that their council is advocating for chapters and their members.

What has the Butler College Panhellenic achieved of the goals that were set at academy?
We have encouraged casual attire for potential new members and chapters during the first two rounds of recruitment, and we have created a new fall event for sorority women. 

What do you think is most important for a Panhellenic officer to keep in mind at the beginning of her term?
Through your Panhellenic, you will facilitate some great collaboration between the chapters on your campus, but you will also have the opportunity to make amazing friendships with the other women serving as officers with you.  Be prepared to invest in Panhellenic, but also to invest in the lives of others.

What was the most helpful part of Academy for you as a fraternity/sorority advisor?
I found the session for FSAs on single-sex status and transgender students really helpful.

Why would you encourage others to attend Academy?
There’s a lot of information to cover and process with each new council.  Members have a greater awareness of their own organizations through national conventions and regional programming, but they don’t get to experience NPC in the same way.  College Panhellenic Academy provides an opportunity to make the information sharing more manageable while prompting council leaders to consider new possibilities on their own campuses.

Message From the Chairman: Wide and Wise Human Service

Philanthropic service is a cornerstone of sorority life. By volunteering community service hours, raising awareness and through purposeful fundraising, sorority women positively impact their communities. The 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) inter/national organizations touch lives from aged to young, from hospitals to schools, from local communities to the world.

Collectively, sorority members representing their chapters, associations and inter/national organizations participated in over 2.9 million hours of service and donated more than $34.8 million to a variety of charitable causes during the 2014-15 year. Equally as commendable, the cooperative organizations of Alumnae and College Panhellenics volunteered for over 1.3 million hours of community service, and donated in excess of $7.9 million to admirable causes in the same year.

Statistics speak volumes, but more important is the effect that philanthropic service has on a sorority woman throughout her life.

"Service is putting people before yourself and admitting that you can be the change in the world. My sorority service gives me the opportunity to impact college women in a way that will allow them to impact others in a very real way. I am grateful for the opportunity," says Lindsey Medenwalt, Sigma Kappa alumna.

"For me, doing service is a highlight of being a sorority woman. I love being able to use my talents and knowledge to make the world a better place for others," says Emily Hoffman, Kappa Kappa Gamma collegian, Butler University.

"Service to others is being unselfish, fulfilling the needs of others and expecting nothing in return. My volunteer service to Alpha Gamma Delta International Fraternity and NPC has afforded me the opportunity to better my own character and to positively impact the lives of collegians," says Julie Karstetter, Alpha Gamma Delta alumna.

During this holiday season, I say thank you to each and every sorority woman for her gift of "wide and wise human service" to the world.

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17

Message From the Chairman: With Courage and Conviction

The gavel passed from one National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organization to another with mutual respect and friendship on Oct. 24, 2015, in Irving, Texas. It is now my distinct honor to join the ranks of women who have preserved our freedom to form, expand and protect the sorority experience, which is the true essence of NPC.

Sororities have come under the increasing scrutiny of the media, universities, colleges and communities where they are hosted. We are at a crossroads in terms of our future reputation, and some believe, perhaps, even the existence of the fraternal membership experience. With courage and conviction, my platform for the next two years, we will confront our current challenges together and build for the future.

As your NPC chairman, I will focus on:

• Creating leadership training opportunities that strengthen character and skills to empower our young women. 
• Promoting sorority role models who have displayed courage and conviction.
• Recognizing the notable acts of our collegiate members.
• Partnering with the North-American Interfraternity Conference and other umbrella organizations to promote respect and appropriate behavior embraced by all sororities and fraternities.
• Exploring new ways to make our partnerships with university administrations even stronger.
• Defending the sorority experience when attacked.
• Making the positive case for sorority membership, whenever and wherever possible.

It will take courage and conviction on my part and that of the entire NPC family to reestablish, but also reinforce, the positive relevance of sorority life. The issues we face cannot be resolved in a short period of time. We must continue to build on the foundation for change. In partnership with members of the NPC family, I will work collectively and collaboratively to ensure the preservation of the membership experience for generations of young women to follow. I am passionate about NPC, and together we will move from being successful toward being truly significant as the premier advocacy and support organization for the sorority experience. 

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17

The Impact of College Panhellenic Academy on My Campus - Collegian

College Panhellenic Academy is a National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) program designed to equip College Panhellenic officers and advisors with the most up-to-date Panhellenic knowledge through hands-on training with NPC representatives.

This program is designed for four College Panhellenic officers: Panhellenic president, Panhellenic officer responsible for recruitment, Panhellenic officer responsible for implementation of the judicial process and Panhellenic officer responsible for communications and public relations. College Panhellenic Academy takes place in conjunction with the North-American Interfraternity Conference’s IFC Academy and includes a jointly created curriculum track for fraternity/sorority advisors. This year, College Panhellenic Academy will be held Jan. 22-23, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station. 

Jennifer Piascik, an Alpha Gamma Delta at Westminster College, serves as her College Panhellenic's recruitment director. She had the opportunity to attend College Panhellenic Academy in January 2015. 

Why did you attend Academy?

I attended with my Panhellenic Council President because of the huge recruitment shift that we had decided we wanted to make here at Westminster. We wanted to be able to talk to other College Panhellenics, advisors and presenters to get their opinions and input about how best to implement this change. 

How did attending academy empower you to use your voice to advance your sorority community?

One speaker talked about the ‘squeaky wheel.’ At a school of about 1,300 undergraduates, those squeaky wheels are often loud. Being conscious of this concept, when we returned to campus we were prepared to address the squeaky wheels. We didn’t allow those that were set in their ways to stop us from getting out our message and making the necessary changes. Academy also instilled the idea of Panhellenic spirit within me. Being more panhellenically-minded is helping us to encourage and better each other as sorority women. 

What was your favorite part of College Panhellenic Academy?

My favorite part of attending Academy was meeting all of the other attendees. In the recruitment-based workshops, it was fascinating to meet women who were doing the same types of things I am doing. I also got to ask them questions and get their advice. 

Why would you encourage others to attend Academy?

Academy really reminded me why I joined a sorority in the first place. It was amazing to see how fraternity and sorority life has affected the amazing women I met. I learned so much about not only my job as recruitment director, but about fraternity and sorority life as a whole, including the ways being a member of a Greek-letter organization can enrich my life.

Meet the Executive Committee: Lynnda Hoefler, Finance chairman 2015-17

Lynnda Hoefler is the 2015-17 Finance chairman. The Finance chairman works with the executive director, NPC’s accountant and the Finance Committee. Together they prepare the annual budget and review the financials each month. They also work to plan for the future and maintain the financial integrity of NPC.

About Lynnda: Lynnda is a member of Delta Zeta and resides in Stow, Ohio, with her husband and their two cats. Her father and two younger brothers and their families live in upstate New York. Lynnda earned her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University, where she studied speech and hearing disabilities. She served on the Delta Zeta National Council for a total of 23 years as the National Director of Chapter Finances, National Vice President of Membership and most recently is completed her 12-year tenure as the NPC Delegate.

What do you enjoy most about working for NPC? I am totally energized and privileged to work with really outstanding Panhellenic women on challenging issues. We have common goals to advance sorority together and to empower young women today. We work with our interfraternal partners to make fraternity/sorority life the best it can be.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Working with our new investment firm to secure a stronger financial position for the future of the National Panhellenic Conference.

What are you most passionate about? I am most passionate about my family and friends, followed by my sorority work.

What have you gained by being a member of a sorority? It has been a great opportunity to grow, give, lead and succeed while making the best friends ever working on common causes together. My membership has challenged me to be a better person and role model for others.

How would your friends and family describe you in three words? Outgoing, dedicated and caring

Fun fact: I work on occasion as an actor/standardized patient at the Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio. I “pretend” to be a patient with various illnesses.

Meet the Executive Committee: Donna Chereck, Advocacy chairman 2015-17

Donna Chereck is the 2015-17 Advocacy chairman. The Advocacy chairman is responsible for discerning and assessing issues on which an NPC stance is needed. As chairman she will prepare and recommend appropriate statements and strategies as well as courses of actions for consideration by the NPC Board of Directors.

About Donna: Donna is from Dallas and is a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus in speech education and history. Donna has served as the national president of Alpha Chi Omega and on its foundation board of trustees. She has also served as the chairman of the ForNow/Forever Campaign, which raised $10.7 million to support Alpha Chi Omega education and leadership initiatives. Donna is an only child but does have three children and a small dog named Scarlett Rose.

What do you enjoy most about working for NPC? The relationships ¾ the building of relationships with Panhellenic sisters, collegians, alumnae and university officials as we strive to promote the work of sororities to empower women

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? I would complete the development and implementation of a sustainable plan of communication and assessment that will educate and help ensure support of the national leadership of each of NPC’s 26 member organizations for the advocacy objectives that promote the sorority experience for women of all ages.

What is something you do every day? I enjoy a quiet time with coffee and the newspaper and purposely thinking about all the people and things for which I am grateful.

What are you most passionate about? Promoting domestic violence awareness ¾ supporting victims of domestic/relationship abuse and putting an end to the abuse of women

Favorite book, show or artist? My favorite book is “The Shell Seekers” by Rosamunde Pilcher.

What's your biggest pet peeve? Loud cell phone conversations in public, closely followed by texting and driving

What have you gained by being a member of a sorority? My membership in Alpha Chi Omega has shaped the woman I am today through the ongoing opportunities I have been provided in the areas of leadership, academic excellence, philanthropy and lifelong friendships with outstanding women.

How would your friends and family describe you in three words? Determined, enthusiastic and trustworthy

Fun fact: I lived in England for two years, which was the catalyst for my love of travel and adventure.

Meet the Executive Committee: Frances Mitchelson, Panhellenics chairman 2015-17

Frances Mitchelson is the 2015-17 Panhellenics chairman. The Panhellenics chairman works with a team of volunteers to oversee College Panhellenics and Alumnae Panhellenics. Frances will serve as liaison to the Extension, RFM, Recruitment, Judicial Appeals and New College Panhellenics committees.

About Frances: Frances is from Natchitoches, La., but now lives in Pittsburg, Kan. She earned a bachelor of science degree in pre-medicine from Northeast Louisiana University, because she wanted to be a pediatrician. Frances has an older brother, John, and a younger sister, Maria. She is a member of Phi Mu and traveled as a chapter consultant after graduating from college. Frances earned her master’s degree at the University of Idaho while serving as its fraternity/sorority advisor, and she later became the director of student life at Pittsburg State University. She has also served as Phi Mu national president, public relations and editorial director, sesquicentennial chairman and academic excellence chairman, among other volunteer positions.

What do you enjoy most about working for NPC? I enjoy the leadership development for College Panhellenic officers and the friendships made with women from all NPC sororities. I want chapters to choose their “best and brightest” to be a part of Panhellenic.

What is something you do every day? I look at the Phi Mu creed that I keep on the mirror of my vanity and remind myself each day to live by the ideals of love, honor and truth.

What are you most passionate about? I am passionate about programs that positively impact the well-being of women and children. My community volunteer work and national sorority work align perfectly with this passion.

What's your biggest pet peeve? When someone says, “I was an  ‘XYZ’”... sorority and fraternity membership is for a lifetime, and every person should be proud to say, “I am an ‘XYZ!’”

What have you gained by being a member of a sorority? I’m a better person. My favorite anonymous quote is “My letters don’t make me better than you, they make me better than I used to be.”

How would your friends and family describe you? She’s a hard worker!

Fun fact: My husband and son are members of Phi Gamma Delta. My husband, Kevin, serves on its archon board and my son, William, is a senior at New York University.

Meet the Executive Committee: Carole Jones, Vice Chairman 2015-17

Carole Jones is the 2015-17 NPC Executive Committee vice chairman.

About Carole: Carole is from Madison, Ala., and grew up with her sister Janet. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Alabama, where she majored in journalism with the goal of becoming a writer for a newspaper. Carole is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and has served as its international president, international rush chairman and on the executive board. She has also served as the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild president and Huntsville Museum of Art Foundation Board president.

What do you enjoy most about working for NPC? The special relationships I have developed with interfraternal sisters who span several generations and geographical locations. Some of my dearest friendships are with those I have worked with in NPC.

What is something you do every day? Every day I lift, tone and burn at Pure Barre. This is an exercise program that gets me away from my desk, or I would sit there all day, every day.

What's your biggest pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is people who don’t listen. You have to listen to learn. Sometimes it is difficult to listen to people who don’t agree with you or share your viewpoint, but if we are open to suggestions, we can all benefit.

What have you gained by being a member of a sorority? My sorority membership feeds me with challenges, opportunities and dear friends. It greatly broadens my world. As AOIIs we are taught that the mainspring of our fraternity is service, the greatest opportunity is to serve and as we are serviceable we shall be useful to the world.

How would your friends and family describe you? Servant leader

Fun fact: My two favorite sports are water skiing and snow skiing.

Meet the Executive Committee: Donna King, Chairman 2015-17

Donna King serves as the 2015-17 NPC chairman.

About Donna: Donna is a member of Sigma Kappa and is from Lake Oswego, Ore. She studied arts administration and history at Whitworth University with the hope of pursuing a career in museum curatorial work. She has three siblings, one who is also a member of Sigma Kappa. Donna serves as Sigma Kappa’s NPC delegate, an NPC director and an NPC Foundation trustee. She has worked in student development for a university and owned her own business as a freelance graphic designer. Donna has been a Sigma Kappa volunteer for over 36 years.

What do you enjoy most about working for NPC? I enjoy the lifetime friendships I have developed over two decades; working collaboratively with a group of the brightest and most talented women assembled in one place; watching the evolution of NPC as the premier voice and advocate for the sorority experience; and engaging with amazing staff members who are passionate about NPC.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Possibly cleaning off my desk and organizing my piles of paperwork. It’s interesting how in a paperless world, one can still have so much paper.

What is something you do every day? I try to Facetime with my grand-baby Ashton every day. He changes daily, and it is important I see those changes, and he sees his grandmother. “Grandma in a box” (iPad screen), that’s me!

What are you most passionate about? I am passionate about the work I do for NPC and Sigma Kappa. I believe so strongly in what the sorority experience affords women for a lifetime. Over the years, I have seen the value, power and beauty of the lifetime membership experience through my mother, also a Sigma Kappa. At age 89, her membership continues to be central to who she is. How could I not want this for all the young women to come?

What have you gained by being a member of a sorority? My membership has afforded me opportunities possibly no other membership experience could have. I have met, engaged, led, mentored and become friends with outstanding women in all walks of life. My greatest joy has been being a part of the lives of women from their collegiate years through careers, marriage and motherhood.

Favorite book?  My favorite book is “The Damnable Legacy of a Minister’s Wife” by G. Elizabeth Kretchmer.

Favorite artist? My favorite artist is Claude Monet.

How would your friends and family describe you in three words? Caring, considerate and selfless

Fun fact: I became an alumnae initiate of Sigma Kappa at age 19.

Feature Friday: Georgia Institute of Technology College Panhellenic

Georgia Tech College Panhellenic executive board

The National Panhellenic Conference is the umbrella organization for more than 575 College Panhellenic Associations. These associations, comprised of all the sorority women on campus who are members of an NPC member chapter, develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment on campus. NPC is proud of the work that College Panhellenics do throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the work of the Georgia Institute of Technology College Panhellenic.

• College Panhellenic Excellence Award recipient in 2014 and 2015
• Located in Atlanta, Ga.
• Seven NPC organizations on campus
• Total campus sorority membership is 1,390
• Added 379 women to the Panhellenic community in 2014-15
• For the past two terms the all sorority GPA has been higher than the all women’s average.
• During the 2014-15 academic year the College Panhellenic hosted its 11th annual Safe Sister program, a sexual assault prevention and support program, and its 8th annual new member peer education alcohol and drug program.
• The College Panhellenic makes many efforts to build a united community with the other councils on campus. The Panhellenic Council partnered with the Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Greek Council to sponsor a volunteer event at a Habitat for Humanity build. In addition, the Panhellenic Council teamed up with the Interfraternity Council to teach campus social policy through presentations and speakers. 
• In 2014, the College Panhellenic began a tradition to bring their community together by encouraging Panhellenic women to post pictures to social media using the hashtag #gtpanlove. This movement has shown inwardly and outwardly how connected the Panhellenic community can be outside of individual chapters.

Feature Friday: College of William and Mary College Panhellenic

The National Panhellenic Conference is the umbrella organization for more than 575 College Panhellenic Associations. These associations, comprised of all the sorority women on campus who are members of an NPC member chapter, develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment on campus. NPC is proud of the work that College Panhellenics do throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the work of the College of William and Mary
College Panhellenic.

• College Panhellenic Excellence Award recipient in 2014 and 2015
• Located in Williamsburg, Va.
• Nine NPC organizations on campus
• Total campus sorority membership is 1,105
• Added 383 women to their Panhellenic community in 2014-15
• For the past two terms the all sorority GPA has been higher than the all women’s average.
• During the 2014-15 academic year 1,200 community service hours were donated by the College Panhellenic.
• The College Panhellenic Association hosts a new member education seminar each year called "PanLove101."
• To promote academic excellence the College Panhellenic provides the fraternity/sorority community with tutors who are members of the fraternal community and volunteer to help others. 
• To build community with other councils on campus, W&M Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council work together to plan events throughout the year. Members of both communities frequently volunteer together for Arc of Greater Williamsburg. They help with events such as Arc Arts & Crafts, Arc Bingo and Arc Carnival. 

Feature Friday: University of Kentucky College Panhellenic

University of Kentucky's college Panhellenic council

The National Panhellenic Conference is the umbrella organization for more than 575 College Panhellenic Associations. These associations, comprised of all the sorority women on campus who are members of an NPC member chapter, develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment on campus. NPC is proud of the work that College Panhellenics do throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the work of the University of Kentucky College Panhellenic.

• College Panhellenic Excellence Award winner in 2014 and Achievement Award recipient in 2015
• Located in Lexington, Ky.
• 13 NPC organizations on campus
• Total campus sorority membership is 3,279
• Added 1,294 women to their Panhellenic community in 2014-15
• For the past two semesters the all sorority GPA has been higher than the all women’s average
• To encourage academic excellence, the College Panhellenic hosts Apple Polishing, an event where the chapters send five scholarly members each to mingle with professors and faculty to create a positive environment for scholarship and sorority life.
• The College Panhellenic strives to build and foster unity among sororities on campus. One of their recent efforts is the “Sister Sorority” program. Each NPC chapter on campus is paired with another, and they become sister sororities. The pairings change each semester. Having a sister sorority means having a group of women that may not wear the same letters, but will still support you and participate in your events plus the chapters get to learn about other NPC member organizations. 
• This College Panhellenic offers a variety of programming, including sponsoring the Novak Hazing Prevention Workshop, using NPC resources such as the “Building Panhellenic Spirit” PowerPoint and inviting Panhellenics Chairman Julie Johnson to campus to speak to their Panhellenic council and chapter presidents. 

Feature Friday: UCLA College Panhellenic

UCLA Panhellenic Executive Board at its 2015 awards.

The National Panhellenic Conference is the umbrella organization for more than 575 College Panhellenic Associations. These associations, comprised of all the sorority women on campus who are members of an NPC member chapter, develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment on campus. NPC is proud of the work that College Panhellenics do throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the work of the UCLA College Panhellenic.

• College Panhellenic Excellence Award recipient in 2014 and 2015
• Located in Los Angeles
• 12 NPC organizations on campus
• Total campus sorority membership is 2,287
• Added 758 women to their Panhellenic community in 2014-15
• For the past two semesters the all sorority GPA has been higher than the all women’s average.
• The College Panhellenic donated 41,500 community service hours in 2014-15. 
• In the last year the College Panhellenic raised $185,000 for philanthropic causes.
• UCLA’s College Panhellenic encourages academic excellence by hosting a career night and initiations into Greek Honors societies, as well as hosting “Letters in the Library," which promotes wearing your letters while studying at the UCLA libraries. Individual chapters on campus encourage academic excellence by hosting scholarship dinners and inviting professors to attend.
• To promote Panhellenic unity, this Panhellenic hosts a program called Panhellenic Props, where the women can write encouraging notes to women in other chapters. They also host dessert swaps between different chapters and different grade levels.

Feature Friday: University of Illinois College Panhellenic

The National Panhellenic Conference is the umbrella organization for more than 575 College Panhellenic Associations. These associations, comprised of all the sorority women on campus who are members of an NPC member chapter, develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment on campus. NPC is proud of the work that College Panhellenics do throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the work of the University of Illinois College Panhellenic.

• 2014 College Panhellenic Excellence Award recipient
• Located in Champaign, Ill.
• 19 NPC organizations on campus
• Total campus sorority membership is 3,973.
• Added 1,108 women to their Panhellenic community in 2014-15 
• For the past two semesters the all sorority GPA has been higher than the all women’s average.
• The University of Illinois ensures their recruitment counselors are thoroughly trained to assist potential new members (PNMs) to the best of their ability. Once they are selected to be part of the program, recruitment counselors must enroll in a spring semester class provided by the Educational Psychology Department. Women receive two credits from the University for this Class that is specifically geared toward preparing recruitment counselors, informing them on the policies and procedures of primary recruitment at the university and enhancing understanding of the National Panhellenic Conference. During the semester, the women participate in class discussions, group projects, expert lectures and interactive role-plays to prepare them for their leadership role. Course objectives include developing basic listening skills, taking an empathetic perspective and counseling micro-skills to assist in future interactions with PNMs and concerned parents as well as enhancing professionalism and ethical decision-making. The women must receive a grade of 80 percent or higher in the course in order to continue on with the recruitment counselor program. After the summer, recruitment counselors are required to return to campus a week early to continue preparing for recruitment.
• To promote academic excellence and a unified fraternity and sorority community, the College Panhellenic collaborates with the other three fraternity/sorority councils on campus to plan and host the Greek Oscars Ceremony each spring. This event is a formal event that recognizes high achievement in Panhellenic chapters, as well as chapters from the other councils. The 2014-15 College Panhellenic president said, “We are very proud of this event, as it not only demonstrates the academic excellence in our community, but it is a great display of fraternity and sorority unity, as the councils have the opportunity to celebrate their own achievements, as well as the achievements of the other councils, all together.”

To learn more about the University of Illinois College Panhellenic visit: http://illinoisphc.com/.

Feature Friday: Mississippi State College Panhellenic

The National Panhellenic Conference is the umbrella organization for more than 575 College Panhellenic Associations. These associations, comprised of all the sorority women on campus who are members of an NPC member chapter, develop and maintain sorority life and interfraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment on campus. NPC is proud of the work that College Panhellenics do throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the work of the Mississippi State College Panhellenic.

• 2014 College Panhellenic Excellence Award recipient
• Located in Mississippi State, Miss.
• Eight NPC organizations on campus
• Total campus sorority membership is 1,977 women.
• Added 714 women to their Panhellenic community in 2014-15
• For the past two terms the all sorority GPA has been higher than all women’s average.
• To promote academic excellence, the College Panhellenic hosted a joint 4.0 banquet with IFC and NPHC, where they treated the men and women from all three councils to dinner and gift cards for a local smoothie shop.
• During the 2014-15 academic year the College Panhellenic raised $45,000 for philanthropic causes.
• To promote the primary recruitment process, the College Panhellenic hosts a sorority spring preview day every April. The purpose of this event is to introduce potential new members to sorority life and to offer a glimpse into what the actual recruitment week could look like for them. This event helps spread the word about when registration for recruitment will open and where to register.
• When describing the efforts the College Panhellenic coordinates to build and foster unity among sororities on campus, 2014 College Panhellenic president Anna Langford said, “We do not have to work very hard to promote unity because our Panhellenic women have worked themselves to create a friendly Panhellenic environment for each other. When Alpha Delta Pi colonized in 2013, our chapters jumped at the opportunity to help promote and develop the new chapter. They each had representatives that served as Alpha Delta Pi ambassadors. These sort of activities help create one of the most unified, friendly communities possible.”

To learn more about the Mississippi State College Panhellenic visit www.panhellenicmsstate.com. 

Feature Friday Staff Profile: Leesa Jing, Marketing and Communications Intern

The National Panhellenic Conference has five full-time staff members and interns who work daily to advance the sorority experience. Here we will introduce each staff member and let them tell you who they are and what they do in the office.

Leesa Jing is the marketing and communications intern for summer and fall 2015. She manages the advocacy efforts of TheSororityLife.com initiative, including writing newsletters, updating the website and posting to social media. 

About Leesa: Leesa is from Evansville, Ind. and is a junior at Butler University, where she’s majoring in arts administration and mathematics. She has an older sister, 23, and has two small dogs she loves taking for walks. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega and the university dance team. She also serves as a campus tour guide.

Interesting fact: I almost died from a bowling ball. I was on stage at a magic show and the ball accidentally fell from the ceiling. It landed less than a foot away from me!

Q & A: 

1. What do you most enjoy about working at NPC? I love having the opportunity to learn new things. As an arts administration major, I take only a few communications classes, so this internship is a learning experience. I also love that everything I’m learning at NPC is interesting to me. 
2. What is something you do every day? I try to work out. My day doesn’t feel complete without going to the gym. 
3. How would your friends and family describe you? Family-oriented, hard-working and organized
4. What is your favorite book? My favorite book is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett.
5. What have you gained by being a member of a sorority? Being a member of a sorority has affected me in so many positive ways, but I think the two main things I have gained from Alpha Chi Omega are lifelong friendships and leadership experience. Some of my closest friends are from my sorority, and I never would have met them otherwise. My sorority has also a helped me grow as a leader by presenting me with many opportunities. I’m currently Alpha Chi’s recording secretary and sustainability coordinator, and I’m a Panhellenic recruitment counselor. These experiences would not have been available to me if I weren’t a sorority member. 

Five Key Principles of Eating Healthy

By Abby Hall, Kappa Delta

Today “eating healthy” can have a multitude of meanings, and it can be hard to navigate through them. Everyone from celebrities to stay-at-home moms claims to know the best and most healthful way to eat and wants you to consume accordingly. Fad diets have been around for centuries and, unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Instead of trying to beat them -- and you definitely shouldn’t join them -- why not outsmart them?

There are a few key principles to making wise choices: portion size, filling up on fruits and vegetables, eating a rainbow, moving frequently and moderation.

Portion size. One of the most challenging aspects about today's food culture is portion control. Portions are large no matter where you go, and without knowing it, you can double not only your caloric intake, but your pants size. Check out www.choosemyplate.gov/ for suggested portion sizes to follow.

Fill up on fruits and veggies. Filling up on fruits and veggies can help you cut down on other, less nutritious items. Fruits and vegetables are not only packed with nutrients that your body needs, but are also low in calories. This makes them perfect for snacks and meals. Watch out for sauces/dips that might accompany them, as these can be high in calories.

Eat a rainbow. Why are fruits and veggies all different colors? To provide us with many different nutrients. Mother Nature is pretty clever and made each color represent a different group of vitamins and minerals. Love carrots? Great, but we only need so much beta-carotene. Mix orange carrots with purple grapes, green peppers and even white veggies like onions for your very own natural multivitamin.

Move frequently. Yes, movement is part of a healthy diet. Eating well is about 70 percent of the equation, which leaves 30 percent to exercise. Doing only one or the other leaves your health unbalanced. Not a marathon runner or CrossFit champion? No problem! Get about 30-60 minutes a day of moderate exercise outside of normal activity; walking the stairs is fabulous, but consider that a health bonus. Extra motion will make you feel good and boost all your healthful eating.

Everything in moderation. Treats are important, but it is also important not to overindulge every day. Find your balance. For some, it is the juicy hamburger; for others, the occasional chocolate cake. The key is the 80:20 rule. If you make good choices 80 percent of the time, that leaves 20 percent for indulgences.

Remember to make food and health fun. Food is the body’s fuel, so give it the best fuel you can! 

 

About Abby Hall

Abby Hall, R.D., C.D., works as a metabolic dietitian at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on both national and state levels. She received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Indiana University in Bloomington and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Buffalo – SUNY.