From: Eric Pope
Date: April 14, 2025
Subject: Fraternity & Sorority Affairs - Weekly Update - April 14, 2025


Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Weekly Newsletter on a blue and yellow gradient background

Fraternity & Sorority Affairs
2025 Leadership Reception 


Congratulations to this year's award winners! 

  • Order of Omega Rising Leader Award - Philip Kim, Sigma Phi Epsilon
  • Award for Outstanding Advisor or Advocate - Joshua Hill, Sigma Phi Epsilon 
  • Excellence in Leadership Award - Delta Gamma
  • Excellence in  Accountability & Harm Reduction - Alpha Delta Phi 
  • Excellence in Equity - Sigma Phi Epsilon
  • Excellence in Belonging - Alpha Phi 
  • Overall Excellence for MGC - Sigma Psi Zeta
  • Overall Excellence for Panhellenic - Delta Gamma
  • Overall Excellence for IFC - Sigma Phi Epsilon 

Meliora Weekend 2025

The deadline to submit for this year's Meliora Weekend is fast approaching! As a reminder, event proposals are due by Tuesday, April 15th. The Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement are also offering a lot of great activities for chapters to participate in this year, including: 

  • Volunteer opportunities - All student organizations that volunteer will be entered for a chance to win funds to support organization bonding (value up to $50)
  • Meliora Village Performances - Showcase your group's talents by performing on the Meliora Village stage
  • UR Late Night Co-Sponsorship - Co-sponsor a late night program with WCSA on the Saturday of Meliora Weekend
  • Golf Cart Spirit Contest - Show your Yellowjacket pride by decorating a golf cart for a chance to win $500! Each organization will receive a budget for decorations, and Meliora Weekend attendees will vote for their favorite. The organization with the most votes wins!
  • Student Organization Reunion Fair - Engage with alumni and showcase your organization in a fun and interactive setting. We’ll provide the space, food, drinks, and a table for each participating group — you bring the connections! 
  • Non-Milestone Reunion Event - Host a reception or networking event to build connections with your alumni! 
  • Milestone Reunion Event - If your organization is celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2025, why not host it during Meliora Weekend! Host a reception or networking event to celebrate your organization. 

April Founders' Days

  • 4/19: Sigma Phi Epsilon, New York Xi Chapter - celebrating 39 years at UR
  • 4/20: Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. DeiConsentes Chapter - celebrating 5 years at UR
  • 4/21: Kappa Delta, Epsilon Rho Chapter - celebrating 46 years at UR

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

  • 5/2 - Deadline: All new members must complete all components of the New Member Orientation Modules on Blackboard
  • 5/2 - Advanced Reservations for fall 2025 and spring 2026 will close at noon. More information can be found on the advance reservation website

Senior Exit Survey
 

Fraternity & Sorority Affairs wants to learn about your experience as a fraternity and sorority community member.

All graduating seniors will be sent a link to complete an exit survey to share information about their experience. Your feedback is valuable and will help us improve the fraternity and sorority experience for future members.

As a thank you, all individuals who complete the survey in its entirety will receive graduation cords from Fraternity & Sorority Affairs. They will be available for pick up at the CIC during Senior Week. 

Did you know....

Gamma Phi Beta was the first Greek Letter Organization to call itself a "sorority".

Dr. Frank Smalley, a professor at Syracuse University, developed the word after the installation of the Beta Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Michigan in 1882. 

Becque, F., PhD. (2015, February 20). Women’s Fraternities, Sororities, and Dr. Frank Smalley. Fraternity History & More. https://www.franbecque.com/womens-fraternities-sororities-and-dr-frank-smalley/