Texas A&M Greeks giving back during spring break

Source

More than 100 Aggie Greeks – representing about 20 fraternities and sororities at Texas A&M University – will take part in the Second Annual Greek Life Mission Trip during their spring break. The group will be one of 30 national teams challenged with rebuilding hurricane-damaged homes and businesses in Lake Charles, La.

For the second year, Texas A&M University Greek student leaders Logan Campbell and Brian Smith have teamed up with the United Methodist Church Disaster Response Team to help those in need.

“‘Selfless service’ isn’t only a core value of Texas A&M University, but also a core value of Aggie Greeks,” said Campbell, a senior finance major who serves as president of the Interfraternity Council, the governing body for the nationally affiliated fraternities. “We had an extremely successful group travel to Galveston Island last spring, and this year we have doubled our attendance and have high hopes for success in Lake Charles.”

In 2009, the group partnered with South Texas United Methodist Disaster Response and provided service to homes and churches that included painting, carpeting, house framing and other light construction work.

Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Louisiana United Methodist Disaster Response has tackled relief and recovery efforts in South Louisiana that includes the involvement of more than 70,220 volunteers who provided 2.9 million hours of labor for a combined value of more than $54.6 million in relief.

“I’ve spent many summers and spring breaks giving back to those in need, and each year I learn more about myself,” said Brian Smith, a senior and member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. “It is amazing to see so many of my fellow Aggie Greeks want to give back in the same manner as me, especially during their time off from classes.”

The mission trip is advised by Department of Greek Life Assistant Director Nick Zuniga, who also attended the trip in 2009. Though not part of his job description, Zuniga embodies the same sentiment as his students in giving back his time to help others.

“For me, it’s rewarding to see my students in action outside of their Greek leadership experience,” said Zuniga. “This trip allows me to get to know students on a higher level and I’m able to interact with students who I might not otherwise meet in my daily life. In the end, we’ve completed some life-changing work for families.”

Since November, Campbell and Smith have advocated to all 56 Greek organizations their intentions to gather a large body to attend the mission trip. Students attending the trip have paid $225 each to cover all their expenses for the mission trip.

The team leaves on Friday (March 12) and returns on March 17.

About the Department of Greek Life

The goal of the Department of Greek Life at Texas A&M University is to build an inclusive Greek community and enhance the collegiate experience by supporting opportunities for leadership, academic success, civic engagement and the creation of fraternal bonds. The Department’s 56 Greek organizations are classified into the four governing councils: Interfraternity Council, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council.

Contact: Tura King, News & Information Services, at (979) 856-4670 or Nick Zuniga, Department of Greek Life, at (979) 862-5636.

Popularity: 1% [?]