10/14/97 MAC
Contact: Carole Cox, assistant director of Greek and Student
Activities, 614/593-4065
ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's almost 3,000 fraternity and sorority members have been playing bingo with senior citizens, walking dogs at the local animal shelter and repairing children's bikes as part of their observance of Homecoming 1997.
The 10 sororities and 15 fraternities on campus paired up to form 10 teams, each choosing a project that helps the community. Among the efforts leading up to this weekend's Homecoming celebration: Students repaired bikes and worked with local schoolchildren on banners they'll take together to a women's field hockey game; poured a new basketball court for Grace Academy in Athens; staffed the office and raised funds for Careline, a local crisis hotline service; worked on a Habitat for Humanity house; and helped with a National Federation for the Blind raffle and bake sale.
"We really stressed being creative and putting time and not money into the projects," said Carey Johnston, president of the Women's Panhellenic Association. "I think it'll mean more this year because they actually put time into it."
In past years, the Greek organizations collected thousands of pounds of food at Homecoming for the Southeastern Ohio Foodbank. And while the students are expanding their focus this year to help more causes, the foodbank will benefit as well. Members of sororities and fraternities are asked to donate two cans of food as they enter Saturday's football game against Bowling Green State University at 2 p.m. at Peden Stadium.
"This gives them a little bit more to set themselves apart and contribute to the community," Damon Gilliland, vice president of programming for Ohio University's Interfraternity Council, said of this year's approach.
The team of volunteers whose project is determined to be the most creative and beneficial to the community will be recognized at Saturday's football game.
While community service is a big part of the Greeks' focus throughout the year, Johnston said Homecoming offers a special opportunity to contribute.
"It's a tradition and one that we want to continue," she said. "It's just a great week to go ahead and get involved."
Joel Rudy, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, applauds the students' efforts.
"I think it's simply another example of what the Greek organizations do on a regular basis to serve the community," Rudy said. "I think their sensitivity to the growing list of needs throughout the community is to be commended."