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Pictured are members of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, which was recently recognized by the WIU School of Agriculture for its exemplary philanthropic work. Pictured, from left, are Kevin Bacon, chapter adviser; AGR members Kyle Schone, Andy Bulfer and Jeremy Wolf (Noble Ruler); and Nick Katz, assistant director, Student Activities at Western. This year, of the nearly $19,000 of philanthropic support provided by Greek institutions at Western, more than 70 percent of that total was given by the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.
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WIU Fraternities, Sororities Complete 3,500 Hours of Community Service During Fall Semester

March 20, 2012

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MACOMB, IL – During the Fall 2011 semester at Western Illinois University, members of the school's 28 Greek organizations performed 3,530 hours of community service and contributed nearly $18,875 in chapter philanthropy.

According to Nicholas Katz, assistant director of Student Activities – Greek life, the fall semester community service total surpassed the total hours of service for the entire 2010-2011 year of 2,985 hours. The cash raised by the Greek chapters during the Fall 2011 semester, $10,698, also exceeded the 2010-2011 annual total of $9,857.

"Often overlooked in the Greek stereotype is the commitment to others and the community," Katz added. "As a complement to the University value of social responsibility, each fraternity and sorority has a commitment to service as one of its core principles. Greeks contribute community service hours and philanthropy dollars to both local and national entities, and take great pride in contributing to the larger good of society."

The Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity led the fundraising category, raising $13,300, while Alpha Sigma Tau group performed the most community service with 739 hours. Among the AGR fraternity's largest fundraisers was the annual "Smokin' Hog" barbeque, which brought in $9,000 for the McDonough County Volunteers Interested in Benefitting Everyone (VIBE) organization. VIBE is a committee of 25 community members who hold an annual fundraising dinner and auction to raise money for local charities; benefitting Project H.O.P.E., Youth for Christ and Catholic Charities in 2011.

Other WIU Greek organizations spending the most hours in community service and raising the most money were the Alpha Sigma Tau and Delta Zeta sororities.

Alpha Sigma Tau raised $1,200 through chapter philanthropy and $370 in donations, while performing 739 hours of community service. Delta Zeta completed 439 hours of community service, while raising $374 in chapter philanthropy and $355 in cash donations.

For more information on Greek life at WIU, visit www.wiu.edu/student_services/greek_life/index.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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