Next week is Greek Week

By Jessica Bouchards
Staff Writer

NYU’s Greek Week will kick off next week and feature Greek-themed events designed to unite the university’s small fraternity and sorority community.

“Greek Week is a chance for the entire Greek community to come together and show each other, as well as the rest of NYU, a good time,” Steinhardt junior and Greek Week co-chair Marc Burton said.

Greek Week activities will include a Greek god and goddess competition — a spoof on the Miss America pageant. A movie night will feature movies like “Animal House” or “Old School” to provoke discussion of the stereotypical portrayal of Greek life.

Burton — who is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, a fraternity dedicated to the cultivation of literature and social culture — said that though many of the events will be community-service oriented, fun will not be sacrificed.

“While many of the events involve philanthropy of some sort, Greek Week is nothing if it’s not a good time,” Burton said.

Greek Week co-chair and Steinhardt sophomore Josh Terrill said these events allow Greek organizations to demonstrate their value.

“Greek Week 2006 is our opportunity to offer the NYU community the side of fraternity and sorority life that can be fun and positive,” said Terrill, who is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, a fraternity dedicated to promoting leadership and the largest college fraternity in the country.

Events will also include luncheons and an improv show, and the groups will be involved in NYU’s annual spring carnival, Strawberry Fest.

“It is a time for reflection as well as a time for fun at NYU,” said Omri Levin, the public relations chairman for the Inter Greek Council and a Stern sophomore.

Levin, a member of the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi, also stressed the importance of eliminating the stereotypical image of fraternity and sorority members as beer-guzzling party animals.

“It is especially important that we come together ... because there is a pretty negative atmosphere out there about the Greek community, despite all of the great things we do,” Levin said.

All of the events are free, but a donation to a nonprofit organization supported by the groups is suggested.

“You have nothing to lose but a few hours each day to get some great food and entertainment,” Terrill said.

Greek week will run from April 18 to 23.