Baylor's National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Baylor University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council unites seven of the Divine Nine African-American fraternities and sororities on campus. 

Chapters of the NPHC include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. 

Members of Zeta Phi Beta

Each NPHC Chapter has its own selection process.  Informational sessions take place every semester and are a great way for students to meet members of the different organizations.  Initiation into the Chapter usually takes place 5 weeks after a member joins.

If a student is interested in joining an NPHC Chapter, he or she should attend the Chapter's events, attend interest meetings, become acquainted with the members of the organization, research information about the Chapter, and get involved on campus.

Members of these Chapters are involved in community service projects, tutoring programs, step shows, and educational programming.  They experience a sense of growth and accomplishment that prepares them for a bright, successful future.

To learn more about these organizations, contact Jessica_Obeahon@baylor.edu.

The Benefits of Greek Life.

As a freshman in college, a popular thing for both young men and women to do is to consider rushing a fraternity or a sorority.  Although the majority of Baylor students chose to refrain from Greek life, involvement in this community proves to be extremely beneficial to one’s overall college experience.

As an active member of the Greek community, individuals are given a number of opportunities to become involved in leadership, academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service.

The Baylor University Greek Community strives to provide members with the necessary assistance to grow into future leaders of America.  A few Greek leadership positions include president, vice president, recruitment chair, and secretary.  These positions allow young adults to assume responsibilities and develop deeper relationships with those around them.

Member also highly value academic excellence.  Studies show that students involved in Greek life feel closer to their university and are more willing to learn and succeed.  Over half of Baylor’s Greek organizations maintained a cumulative GPA higher that 3.0.  In 2009, Alpha Tau Omega had the highest GPA among the fraternities, while Delta Delta Delta had the highest GPA among the sororities.  Tri Delta has held this title for the past 16 years.

All of Baylor’s Greek organizations provide a number of opportunities for members to grow spiritually.  Those involved in the Greek community are encouraged to deepen their faith on a daily basis.  Chaplains are chosen in each organization to aid members in further developing their bond with Jesus.  Also, many service opportunities are provided through chapter activities.  These are a great way to grow closer to one’s brothers/sisters, community, and self.

Being a member of a Greek organization has a lasting influence.  It has the ability to shape a young adult into a promising leader ready to conquer the world.

Chi Omega Chili Cookoff Results.

The Theta Kappa Chapter of Chi Omega established the Make-A-Wish Foundation as the Chapter’s philanthropy in 2000.  Every year, Chi Omega presents its annual Chili Cookoff in order to raise money to help grant a wish of a child living with a life-threatening medical condition.

The Cookoff this year occurred on November 12 in the Bill Danielson Student Center. 

On Monday, during Chi O’s weekly Meeting, President Kelsey Riley revealed the total amount collected from the event.  The Cookoff itself raised more than $11,000.

Due to the rain, ATO Bed Races were not able to occur.  Although this would have collected a large amount of money, $11,000 is still incredible for making a simple batch of chili.  Just imagine how much could have been donated with Bed Races included.

With this money, not only will a wish will be granted, but a heart-warming smile will be put on a child’s face who truly deserves it.

Christmas on 5th Street: KΩT Christmas Tree Lighting.

W.T. Ellis once said, "it is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air."  Recognizing the meaning in this quote, the Kappa Omega Tau Fraternity presents Baylor Christmas on 5^th Street from 6-10pm tonight, December 2, in honor of celebrating our Savior.

The main activities include The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Marketplace, Cocoa, Cookies, and Carols, and Baylor on Ice. 

The 45^th Annual KΩT Christmas Tree Lighting will begin with a concert at 7pm, and the tree in the Burleson Quadrangle will be lit around 8:15pm.  The artists performing are Matt Wertz and Phil Wickham. Proceeds will directly benefit the Mocha Club’s education project in Africa.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will be hosting Christmas Marketplace at the Bill Daniel Student Center.  It is a great place to purchase a few Christmas gifts and view handmade crafts from retailers all throughout Texas.

Cocoa, Cookies, and Carols will begin promptly at 6:30pm in the Barfield Drawing Room of the Bill Danielson Student Center.  The Baylor Religious Hour Choir will be performing popular Christmas carols, accompanied by the vocals of American Idol’s Mandisa.  This will be Mandisa’s kickoff concert for her 2010 Christmas Tour.  (Fun fact: Mandisa was a Chi O!)

Lastly, Baylor Interfraternity Council is hosting Baylor on Ice at Fountain Mall until 11pm tonight.  This ice skating rink will support Santa’s Workshop, which provides toys to underprivileged children in the Waco area.  Admission is free with the donation of an unwrapped toy, or skaters may donate $5 to Santa’s Workshop.

Other activities include carriage rides, a petting zoo, a live nativity scene, and pictures with Santa.

So come out tonight and share some Christmas spirit with Baylor students, faculty, and alumni.  It will fill you with Holiday cheer and get you ready to celebrate the birth of Christ.