By: Abby Fricke, Staff Writer
In addition to celebrating Furman’s homecoming, The Panhellenic Council, made up of six of the seven sororities on campus, celebrated their 20th anniversary of sororities at Furman. Panhellenic hosted a drop-in breakfast for alumnae this past Saturday in the Garden Room of Daniel Chapel. Alumnae were greeted by current sorority women and presented with a slideshow highlighting the traditions and special events over the past 20 years.
Panhellenic has made some major feats over the past two decades. The founding of #beBOLD month, an April campaign that addresses sorority women on campus and the issues they face, is just one example. Last April one part of the campaign focused on sexual assault and dating violence, seeking to build confidence and promote strength in sorority members on campus.
The organization won a $5,000 “Confidence U” grant from Kappa Delta’s Confidence Coalition to plan and implement women’s programming for Furman’s campus. In addition, the Confidence Coalition recognized Furman as an outstanding campus, regionally and nationally, for leadership development programs and opportunities to sorority women. The Panhellenic chapters at Furman collectively raise on average, over $10,000 each year for their philanthropies.
Panhellenic’s goal for the next 20 years is “to remain the premier leadership and advocacy organization for women at Furman, regardless of whether any sorority affiliation exists,” according to Cameron Smith, Greek Life Advisor.
Panhellenic will continue to spread their positive influence on women through the addition of Zeta Tau Alpha, an additional sorority, this coming spring. This is a reflection of the increasing size of not only Furman but interest in Greek life as well. According to 2013-2014 statistics from U.S. News and World Report, approximately 54 percent of undergraduate women at Furman participate in Greek life.
Panhellenic on campus has proven not only their importance but their influence through recognition from the Southeastern Panhellenic Conference as exemplary fundraisers for Panhellenic’s national philanthropy, Circle of Sisterhood, a charity that promotes global women’s education. Furman sorority women are demonstrating their leadership capabilities and earning the rightful recognition in response.
