More than 200 students, and at least eight from each fraternity, attended. In addition to the students already in chapters, 60 students currently considering joining Greek life participated. The men undertook different projects to improve the school, such as painting walls in classrooms, the cafeteria and the gym, packing boxes and fixing desks.

This is the only event during recruitment in which all the fraternities collaborate.

“The purpose of the event was to bring the Greek community together in a positive way and add service to the recruitment process—something that has been lacking in the past,” senior Dan Cate, president of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), said. “Fraternities take philanthropy and service extremely seriously. Almost everyone has their own signature philanthropy event, and it only makes sense that we would all come together during recruitment to help a school in need of work.”

According to Ryan Henne, director of Greek life, community service is a vital part of Greek life that adds to the more visible aspects of fratenities and sororities on campus.

“I think that the potential new members got to see a real side of Greek life and that they liked what they saw. Fraternity life is more than just a social outlet. Joining a fraternity connects you to something bigger than yourself. Serving our community is one aspect of that mission,” Henne said.

Cate added that the fraternities will be involved with community service programs throughout the year.

“I believe that Greek life and community service have always been linked together and will continue to be in the future,” Cate said.

The Service Recruitment Day was a successful program, from both the point of view of the fraternities and of Langston Middle School.

“The school was incredibly thankful for all of our help. They couldn’t thank us enough,” Henne said. “I think in the end, through a lot of hard work by the Interfraternity Council and each chapter, we were able to give back to the community and add something special to the entire recruitment process.”

In addition to this event, the Greek Life Office works with other campus groups on community service events throughout the year for the whole student body. Greek life is a part of Service First, Dance Marathon and Relay for Life, among other events.

Senior Andrew Kline, former president of Theta Xi, said he hopes that this event will occur again in the future.

“We’re hopefully going to try and do it every year,” Kline said.

Junior Jeff Lesser, president of Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT), agreed with Kline and hopes to see Greek life join together for more events like this because of the effect they have on the area surrounding the University.

As part of that desire to increase community service activity, the ZBT chapter at the University is partnering with United Way this year to tutor at schools and to help in old-age homes.

“Ideally, these service days should happen not only once a year but once every semester or a couple times every semester,” Lesser said. “It was really a terrific day, a great idea and an excellent way to make a positive difference in the St. Louis community.”