Unity and rivalry

Greek Week at UTRGV

Greek Week, hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Center for Student Involvement begins today with its opening ceremony from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Quad on the Edinburg campus.

Ramiro Gonzalez, a management senior and a CSI student assistant, said the center underwent two months of planning to make events that would follow university standards.

“We wanted to feel very comfortable with what we had prepared for the students,” Gonzalez said.

He said his favorite part of the week is being there to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“The ultimate goal is not to declare a champion; it is to make sure the students are empowered to be involved in the university community,” Gonzalez added.

Fraternity and Sorority Life will host informative health workshops to help students make safe and responsible decisions from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in the University Center Bronc Room on the Edinburg campus.

Maxwell Douglass Walters, an integrated health science junior and a Phi Iota Alpha member, said “it is an essential thing here on campus to go out and show who we are, representing our values.”

Douglass Walters explained how these events help build unity within the community.

“Gathering many people in unity brings out different parts in people and, in that sense, new bonds can be made,” he said. “Having many come together to experience college life—people from different backgrounds at the same event—builds a deeper connection.”

The Rider asked Douglass Walters what he would say to students uncertain about joining a fraternity or sorority.

“Honestly, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, being a part of a family of people holding shared values and respecting those values,” he replied.

The Greek Week: Trivia Showdown will be held as a night of fun, challenge and friendly rivalry from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus.

“I think Greek Week is a great way to connect with everybody, socialize and, for new members, to get to know Greek life,” said Jennifer Duarte Triana, a biomedical science senior and an Alpha Sigma Tau member.

Duarte Triana said she thinks these events provide unity.

“I think the week showcases Greek life in a positive way and, because we are a smaller campus, it is easier to talk and get to know one another,” she said. “These events expose us to the community as well as the rest of the student body.

“… People will be encouraged to come up to us and, hopefully, want to get more involved, not just in Greek life but in other organizations on campus. These groups and organizations are here to help students enhance and bridge their overall college experience.”

To end the week, Fraternity and Sorority Life will host a gala to celebrate its members’ accomplishments from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in the UTRGV Community Engagement & Student Success Building, located at 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive in Edinburg.

For more information, visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life V Link page.