The Junior Panhellenic Council (Junior Panhel) organized and hosted a Bowlathon, its first philanthropy event, last Thursday night. The event was held in Helen Newman and attracted 250 women in the Greek system.
Junior Panhel consists of two new members from each of the thirteen Panhellenic houses on campus.
“The purpose of the council is to integrate our new members of the Panhellenic system and specifically, freshman women into Greek life,” said Anar Rathod ’04, Panhellenic Association’s executive vice president.
Junior Panhel delegates, who meet weekly, act as liaisons between the organization and their own houses. They are also given the opportunity to discuss their concerns about the Greek system, increase interactions between the different chapters, and to plan a philanthropy event.
“My goal is primarily to encourage these women to be active in Greek life at both the chapter and community levels,” Rathod said.
Being on Junior Panhel is not a prerequisite for future positions on the Panhellenic board, but it can provide and generate interest in new members.
“[Junior Panhel] is really giving me experience and pointing out that being on the [Panhellenic Association] is really what I want to do next year. I really couldn’t be happier with the way things have worked out,” said Emily Jessee ’06, Junior Panhel delegate.
The Bowlathon was organized entirely by Junior Panhel with the help of Rathod. Strong and enthusiastic new member programming affects the Greek system and spirit, according to Rathod.
“These women have provided perfect examples of how effectively the Panhellenic system works together, whether it be for the purposes of social programming, education or, as in this case, philanthropy,” Rathod said.
This year’s Bowlathon had a ’50s theme with relevant music and costumes.
“Girls really got into it and had a great time,” said Melissa Costa ’06, Junior Panhel delegate. Each house participated by forming two to five teams with five members on each team; there were 49 teams. Awards were given for Best Costumes, Most Likely to be Pro-Bowlers, Least Likely to be Pro-Bowlers, and Most Sorority Spirit. The enthusiasm “made me feel like people really care about what we’re trying to do here,” Jessee said.
There were also raffles and Bowlathon t-shirts to help raise additional money. In addition to the raffles and prizes, root beer floats and pizza were served.
“The junior delegates did such a tremendous job at publicizing the event and rallying the support of their houses that we were able to accomplish such an unprecedented level of participation,” Rathod said.
The Bowlathon’s proceeds were donated to the Literacy Volunteers of Tompkins County. The non-profit educational agency was founded in 1976 and provides adult students with free training in English as a second language (ESL) and basic reading skills.
“I am so proud of these delegates for having put in so much time and effort … I look forward to see[ing] what future activities and leadership opportunities they undertake individually and as a group,” Rathod said.
Archived article by Diana Lo