ASU Greek life students demonstrate Sun Devil spirit by giving back

This holiday season, hundreds of Valley children will benefit from the generosity of Arizona State University fraternity and sorority students. The students collected more than 4,300 of toys for Toys for Tots and MentorKids USA during Homecoming Week.

The Toy Drive was a philanthropic event centered on promoting ASU spirit, pride and tradition. The toys will be given to less fortunate children in the community as holiday gifts.

As a part of university President Michael Crow's larger vision of a New American University, ASU launched the New American Fraternity & Sorority community in fall 2013. The new model focuses on establishing the premier fraternity and sorority experience in the country, emphasizing values-based, impact-driven students and organizations.

"Under the new model structure, fraternity and sorority members are even more focused on giving back to the community and impacting the university in a positive way," said Monica McGee, associate director.

During the first year of implementation (the 2013-2014 academic year), fraternities and sororities collectively raised about $350,000 for charitable organizations, contributed nearly 60,000 hours of community service to local agencies, and achieved higher grade-point averages than their non-Greek peers – all of which is a testament to the renewed focus on the New American Fraternity & Sorority Community values: learn and grow; build relationships; give back; and do the right thing.

Other notable philanthropic and service projects since fall 2013 include fraternities and sororities collecting 10,000 school supplies to donate to various Phoenix elementary schools, raising nearly $60,000 in charitable contributions for the Valley of the Sun United Way, inspiring 1,300 students to volunteer 5,000 hours of service to local agencies through the Make a Difference Days of Service initiatives, and donating 4,500 canned goods as part of The Katie Couric Show’s Challenge for Change.

Looking forward to spring 2015, the Greek community is preparing for the largest philanthropic event of the year, Greek Sing, a series of short performances that showcase the talent, innovation, passion and creativity of the community. The event will be held April 12, 2015 at ASU Gammage and will benefit the Valley of the Sun United Way.

Through these initiatives, the students continue to positively impact the university community, first as Sun Devils, and second as members of the rich tradition of fraternity and sorority life at ASU.

For more information and upcoming events, visit https://eoss.asu.edu/fsl.