ASU sororities and fraternities earn national awards for service, philanthropy
Arizona State University’s fraternity and sorority community is centered around four aspirations to impact our communities: leadership, scholarship, service and philanthropy. Many of the more than 70 Greek-lettered organizations at ASU are being recognized nationally for excellence.
At their 2019 national convention, the Kappa Delta sorority at ASU earned awards for new chapter excellence and most improved recruitment program.
Haley Hummel, a finance major heading into her senior year at ASU, joined the Kappa Delta sorority at ASU because her mom had a meaningful experience in Kappa Delta at the University of Kansas.
Hummel was initiated into Kappa Delta in November 2016, and she is the chapter president. Although it has been challenging at times, Hummel has had an incredibly rewarding experience with Greek Life at ASU.
“There are so many things that I have gained from my sorority experience, including lifelong friendships, a network of sisters across the country I can rely on, mentors to look up to, leadership, teamwork and communication skills, confidence and unforgettable memories!”
Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. was also recognized nationally. The chapter earned a "distinct" level in their national standards of distinction.
Maria Priscilla Martinez is a psychology and justice studies major currently in her fourth year. Martinez has been a part of Greek life at ASU since the fall of 2018, and she is the president of the Pi Delta chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma. In the future, Martinez plans to attend law school and hopes to work for a nonprofit organization that specializes in civil rights or criminal justice reform. Martinez said she’s grown in her skills and as a leader through her experience with the chapter.
From left: Alpha Kappa Alpha members Lauren Rowe and Deborah Amuli
“My sisters have trusted me to hold positions within the chapter that have allowed me to not only learn and benefit from them but to do my part to help the chapter succeed. I have gained a network of support and a whole chapter of strong and empowered women to keep each other accountable and strive for the best,” she said.
To Martinez, making a difference in the community with her position is a big goal for her in Greek life at ASU.
“Seeing my peers and the work of so many other people in positions close to mine inspires me. As a first-generation Latina student, I see the needs of my community grow, and it inspires my passion for change and empowering others to do the same,” she said.
Other nationally recognized chapters or individuals in 2019 include:
Flavio Beas of Omega Delta Phi was recognized as a member of The Knights of the Round Table, the most prestigious award an individual member can receive.
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority earned the “distinct” level on the standards of distinction at the organization’s National Sisterhood Retreat.
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity received recognition for academics, money raised for philanthropy and most improved chapter.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. earned several awards: highest GPA in the Far West Region, Imani Stephens; Outstanding Soror Award, Current President Deborah Amuli; Regional Director's Leadership Award, Former President Alise Townsend; runner-up for impactful events for both the arts and global impact; and runner-up for outstanding events Overall Scrapbook Award.
Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. members were recognized with the Exceptional Leadership Award (Kimberly Osuna), Alumna Philanthropist (Marisa Camarillo), Undergraduate Philanthropist (Elizabeth Rodriguez Vilarreal), Undergraduate of the Year and Spirit Award (Eneida Lopez) and chapter recognition for alumna outreach.
Pi Beta Phi received recognition for being one of the Top 5 chapters in fundraising and the gold standard for recruitment excellence.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity received a colony of the year award for the second year in a row.
Theta Chi fraternity had brothers recognized nationally as the Undergraduate Brother of the Year (Sam Teplitz), Chapter Advisor of the Year (Tim Leyson) and received the President’s cup, which recognizes the top 5% of chapters.
Delta Tau Delta was recognized as the most improved chapter for the Western-Pacific Region and the Chapter Advisor of the Year (Richard Schmidt).
Acacia was recognized as the Fastest Growing Chapter of the Year.
Sigma Nu advisor Scott Rutledge was named Chapter Advisor of the Year.
During the 2018–19 school year, each member of a sorority or fraternity at ASU averaged around 13.23 hours of community service, and 63,550 hours were completed in total.
More than $363,000 in donations were also given to charities last year from ASU fraternities and sororities. This averages to around $75.63 per person.
At the end of the school year last year, more than 4,000 school supplies and books were given to the under-funded Murphy School District from Greek Life at ASU and Valley of the Sun United Way during the Greek Week School Supply and Book Donations Drive.