Well, fellow greeks, this is my last opportunity to utilize this space to give advice, promote change and create awareness. For some of you, this may bring a sigh of relief. Others may hate to see me go, and some may feel indifference to the whole thing.
I will leave this year happy with our greek system. We are still a very good example of how to do things right. We are a model for co-existence with an administration that is cordial to us at best. We have seen great change, great leadership and great seeds planted in new members to further the ideals we espouse on a semi-regular basis.
I challenge all of you one last time. Let's try to make a statement next year. Interfraternity Council President Tony Billoto has assured me he will institute great change within the IFC structure through policy changes and new bylaws that will foster a better sense of community. He has assured me that IFC will pick a rallying point and promote unity within our respective houses. He has promised us a voice.
I, for one, know Tony can do it. We are starved for leadership in high places in our greek system. IFC has lost credibility through past councils that Tony must work diligently to regain. They looked to leaders in the past because of their position. They were led to an oasis and forced to drink the sand of rhetoric, empty promises and fear to stand up to the established structure. I hope Tony will change this. He has changed even the most cynical ---áme.
I wish for all of the houses scattered nearby our campus to understand we have all taken a vow to live our lives cleaner, better and more balanced than our non-affiliated counterparts.
It is not about our letters, folks. It is about our actions. A true fraternity man should be recognized by his actions and deeds and not simply a sweatshirt emblazoned with funny-looking letters.
I have always heard you should leave an endeavor better than you found it. In four years of greek life at Ball State I believe we are stronger as a community now than four years ago.
Granted, we are not as strong in some negative areas: partying, drinking, vandalism, and theft. But I believe the recent Greek Week events showed how much stronger our community is.
The smaller fraternities are pulling closer to the huge chapters. Gone are the days of large houses dominating the scene. For the larger houses, it is a challenge against apathy and complacency. For the smaller chapters, it is an opportunity to reclaim a piece of the pie.
A good friend told me, "Whenever possible, be in the place that is no place you would rather be."
And for the first time in a long time, the greek system at Ball State is what I want to be associated with. Thank you all for a great year, and my best wishes to all of you in the future.
Write to Alan at bsugreek@hotmail.com
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