Greek week focuses on soldiers in Iraq, community service
The focus of AU's "Greek Week" is to collect materials for soldiers stationed in Iraq and to promote greek leadership in community service. "Greek Week" lasts from March 29 to April 2.
The theme of this year's event is "Be All That You Can Be," and throughout the week, the greek community has been holding a drive for materials that include toothpaste, soap and canned foods to send overseas. A list of requested items and bins are in resident halls, according to event spokeswoman Samantha N. Thomas. She mentioned that this was not a "war statement for or against," but a way to support the troops.
"The point of 'Greek Week' is to unite greeks in different activities that promote community service in addition to acknowledging some of the causes that we all hold dear to us, like standing against domestic violence and supporting our troops," Thomas said.
The week kicked off Monday with keynote speaker General Ronald Griffith, the former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army. Friday's events will include the annual "Greek Barbeque." Meanwhile, greeks will go head-to-head at "Basic Training" on Saturday on the Quad from noon to 4 p.m., where there will also be a carnival.
Students will have the opportunity to enjoy a caricature artist and pie-tossing at administrators. Proceeds go to the week's philanthropy.
"We want to show the campus community that greeks are leaders, passionate that we can make a difference," Thomas said. "[This week] is to help get rid of the misconception that all greeks do is party, [and instead emphasizing] what we do year-round but what many people don't necessary see. We're basically breaking the stereotype."
AU's greek community, which has existed since 1933, now consists of 23 chapters including the Panhellenic Association and the Interfraternity Council.
"'Greek Week' is a time to say 'Look, we're just not about partying but we're about community service and uplifting our community,'" Thomas said. "That's what 'Greek Week' is all about."
- STOKELY BAKSH
AU professor predicts Bush win in presidential election
History professor Allan Lichtman predicted that President Bush will win the 2004 presidential election at an alumni event sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Chapter in the Battelle-Tompkins Atrium Monday evening.
Lichtman has been predicting who will win the office of the presidency since 1988. In 1996, Lichtman released his book, entitled "The 13 Keys to the White House." According to Lichtman, the system is effective in predicting the president-elect.
"If you're wrong about your prediction, it's always that idiot Professor Lichtman," said Lichtman, who specializes in looking at mathematical trends in history. "If you're right, it's said to be such an easy task."
The rules for Lichtman's 13 keys are that they favor the re-election of the incumbent party. When five or fewer statements are false, the incumbent party wins. When six or more are false, the challenging party wins.
- KATE OCZYPOK
