Greek organizations are a great way to meet new people and build connections, but what often gets forgotten, is their dedication to service. All Greek organizations at the University of Miami participate in philanthropy through community service, partnerships with non-profits, and fundraisers.
“Sometimes our groups are really good at philanthropy and raising money, but the service part gets lost. There is value in learning, storytelling, and genuine connection to whom you are helping,” says Dean Christina Luna, the associate dean of students and director of Greek life.
This semester alone, Greek organizations across campus have gone above and beyond in their philanthropic efforts, pushing for more awareness in their values as student groups.
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) hosted their first ever Philanthropy Week recently. The IFC is made up of 13 nationally recognized fraternities at UM, creating a cohesive alliance to maintain their values and connections with university affairs.
“It was one of my main initiatives as IFC president to create a bigger sense of unity and community within IFC chapters. My board and I thought a common philanthropy would be the best way to go about that.” says Bartu Sevil, current IFC President.
The organization that brought the brothers together was the B+ Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to pediatric cancer. Throughout the week, they hosted activities on the Foote green; from football throwing competitions to basketball shoot outs, students could engage in friendly competition while donating to their cause.
The IFC are not the only ones making their mark in their local community, Alpha Delta Pi – Gamma Delta Chapter have been working closely with the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida. The Ronald McDonald house provides housing, food, and support for families of children receiving medical care. As the only sorority in the Panhellenic Council to work directly with their partner organization, the Gamma Dela chapter has taken full advantage to experience hands on service.
“Almost every Sunday during the semester, a group of our members visits the South Florida RMHC location to prepare and serve meals for the families staying there,” says chapter president, Haley Salta.
In addition to volunteering on site every Sunday, additional fundraising during the chapter’s philanthropy week back in September raised almost $30,000 dollars for Ronald McDonald house.
“Our contributions this year helped support the start of construction on a new RMHC facility at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, which will allow even more families to stay close to their children during treatment. Our Vice President of Philanthropy, Sadie Jarboe, was honored to represent our chapter at the event celebrating this exciting expansion,” adds Salta.
Members of the Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, at the site of the Lincoln Memorial Beautification Project
The Sororities and Fraternities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council center their organizations around hands on service. The Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, have partnered with the Lincoln Memorial Beautification Project to help preserve the Historic Lincoln Park, an important site for Miami-Dade's Black Heritage.
“For the Ladies of the Tau Rho Chapter, the Lincoln Memorial Beautification Service Project is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment—a continuous act of love and stewardship. Through this project, we honor the legacy of those who came before us by caring for the sacred grounds of Lincoln Memorial Park, a historic site that holds the stories of Black Miami’s pioneers, leaders, and everyday heroes,” says Summer Nelson, the President of the Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
The park was established in 1923 and contains a cemetery where many influential Black individuals in Miami’s history have been laid to rest.
With over 3,800 students involved in Greek life on campus, these organizations are constantly giving back and growing a deep love for community. These examples are just a glimpse into the powerful impact they make. It’s truly inspiring to see how much good can come from coming together.
