PULLMAN — As a precursor to celebrating its Greek community’s 100th birthday next year, Washington State University is holding its first-ever Greek Reunion in Seattle this month.
The reunion will take place Friday, Aug. 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom of Downtown Seattle’s Sheraton Hotel.
“This reunion is going to be one of the highlights of Cougar Pride Week in Seattle,” said Milton Lang, senior associate vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity. “We want people to know that being Greek at WSU is value-added in regards to how it helps students gain leadership skills, develop strong networks, and advances their careers after graduation.”
Alumni of fraternities and sororities are known for keeping in close contact with one another after graduation, but Elson S. Floyd, WSU president, said this doesn’t always translate to keeping in contact with the university itself.
“The Greek community is a valuable asset to our university and Pullman,” said Floyd. “This reunion is one way we are inviting Greek alumni to engage with us as we work to further strengthen the positive impact Greek students have in our community.”
Jami Harrison, alumna of WSU’s Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, believes the reunion will be a great opportunity to connect the past and present chapter members to celebrate WSU’s Greek community, and to reignite relationships, network and brainstorm. “While the event itself might be one evening, the existing effect of such a reunion will last for many years and will bring about some positive alumni involvement,” she said.
Alumna of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority and Kraft Foods manager Yvonne Rodriguez agrees the reunion has the potential to become a significant annual event for WSU. “While fraternity and sorority members form tight bonds within their chapters, there are not a lot of formal opportunities for cross-mingling between the different chapters,” Rodriguez said. “This reunion can really help build a strong sense of community among all chapters.”
The cost to attend the Reunion is $30.00 per person. Registration is handled online at www.alumni.wsu.edu/greekreunion or by phone contact Melanie Lange at 509-335-9120.
