Stetson Panhellenic and IFC go to AFLV!

Thursday, February 7^th through Sunday, February 10^th, Stetson Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council went to the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values Conference (AFLV) in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Stetson was represented by Panhellenic President, Cayman Calabro, Vice President Risk Management, Rebecca DeJesus, Vice President Recruitment, Liz Vickers, and Interfraternity Council Risk Management, Brett Hargaden, Vice President Recruitment, Brendan Beitler, and Secretary, Kyle Lindemann.  Nate Burke, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement as well as Chelsea Knott, Graduate Intern for Fraternity and Sorority Involvement were also in attendance.  There were over 2,800 Greeks spending the weekend together, sharing ideas, and growing together as leaders.  This conference had representatives from all over the eastern and central United States.

Our councils took away priceless lessons from the conference.  In particular, our council was reminded that Greek life is more than just awards and events; it is about the brotherhood and sisterhood we create; that is what we will remember 50+ years from now.  The council was also reminded that we all belong to one Greek family; therefore, what one person does can affect us all.  We are a sisterhood and brotherhood; we need to take care of one another as brothers and sisters do.  Panhellenic and IFC council also left with a new perspective of leadership.  President of the Panhellenic Council, Cayman Calabro, describes her new outlook as, “we need to remember that leaders are chosen because people believe in them and their ideas.  We, as leaders, owe those people; we are here to serve them, not to be on the top of the pyramid.  We need to flip the pyramid and realize that we are not here to make decisions for all those people, but to make actions that support their thoughts and needs.”  Calabro also said we will be applying for national awards and recognition for the first time ever next year! 

Officers that attended the conference are so excited to share with the Greek community all the amazing things they learned.  In fact, next Wednesday, February 20^th, at 6pm, the officers will be giving a presentation for collegiate chapter presidents and any other Greek member who wants to attend.  Come learn all the amazing things our officers took away from AFLV!