Roberta Hall Hauntings

I am sure many of you have heard stories about the haunting of Roberta Hall here on Northwest's campus. If you haven't... read on.... Roberta Hall now stands where an old dorm building once stood in the 1940's and early 50's. Railroad tracks ran right behind the brick building, then used to house any Northwest student. On April 28, 1951, a gas tank on the tracks exploded sending a steel beam crashing into the building and causing a fire. The building cleared out immediately with the exception of one student, Roberta Steele, who was in the shower on the 3rd floor. Others were injured in the explosion but Roberta was the only one that died a year later from injuries from that day. After the building was rebuilt and named, Roberta Hall, it is said that Roberta haunts the halls of the now sorority dorm building. Many girls have reported drawers flying out of dressers unexpectedly, brushes flying across the room, seeing wet foot prints and hearing foot steps when no one is around, door knobs turning and doors opening on their own. Is it all true? Does Roberta's presence still linger all these years later? These questions can only be answered based of your own experience and beliefs.

This is a video all about the crash, the building and the hauntings, done by the Northwest Missourian last year.

Remembering Our Sister

On behalf of Sigma Sigma Sigma I would like to thank everyone on Northwest's campus who came out last week and supported us during our local philanthropy week in honor of a fallen sister, Karen Hawkins. Karen was a sister from our chapter, Alpha Epsilon, back in the mid 90's. She was a typical college student here at Northwest. One day as she was leaving work, a male co-worker asked if he could get a ride home. Thinking this was nothing out of the shoordinary, Karen agreed to take him home. She never made it home that night and her body was found two weeks later, she had been raped and killed. Tragedy struck our chapter when this happened in 1995. In honor of Karen Hawkins, we as a chapter dedicate an entire week once a school year to spreading the word about how awful physical violence is and about how prevalent it is in today's society. During this week, Sigma has a different event everyday. This year, we participated in "free hug" day, "pie a Sigma" to raise money for the Karen Hawkins Foundation, a self defense class that was open to anyone wanting to attend, and a silent walk around campus in memory of Karen. We use this week not only to spread the word about physical violence but to honor Karen's life that was so tragically cut short.

G.D.I

Since I am a firm believer in the positive aspects of Greek life and don't see why anyone wouldn't want to join, I asked a non-Greek (sometimes referred to as a "GDI" or "god damn independent") why Greek life didn't interest them. Jordan Stevens, a sophomore here at Northwest, lives in a house full of Greeks. I asked her why Greek life wasn't for her and she said, "I have nothing against Greek life, I live with all Greeks but don't think I would ever join a Greek organization." When asked why, Jordan brought up most of the common stereotypes of Greek life. The first stereotype she discussed was "paying for friends". Jordan said that she would not want to spend her hard earned money just to be apart of a circle of friends. I explained to Jordan that paying to be a member of Greek life is paying to be part of more than just a "circle of friends". Being a member of Greek life is fairly costly but the money you put forth is well worth the experiences and opportunities you receive. Another reason Jordan did not want to be a member of Greek life is because "I don't like "catty-ness" and don't like dealing with rivals and wouldn't want to compete with other organizations". With this I explained to Jordan that Greek life, especially sororities, are as "catty" as you make them. Here at Northwest there are no "rivals" but there is friendly competition. The competition between organizations is in a friendly manner whether is is competing for highest chapter GPA or playing to win in intramurals. It's all a friendly competition and that competitiveness is a big reason why some people do join Greek life. After discussing all of this with Jordan, her views on Greek life changed. She said, "If I had the money, I would join!".

Many of you may not know this, but Carrie Underwood is a Sigma Sigma Sigma of the Alpha Iota chapter! If you don't know who Carrie is, she was on American Idol a few years ago and has turned into a country music sensation. In this video for her song, "All American Girl", she is wearing a Sigma sweatshirt!

Foundations of a Sisterhood

Since I briefly covered how Greek life began, I thought I would share how my sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma was founded since I know a bit more about it than Greek life in general. Sigma Sigma Sigma (also referred to as Tri-Sigma, or simply, Sigma) was founded in 1898 in Farmville, Virginia by 8 women seeking a special bond and journey. Throughout the 1900's Sigma Sigma Sigma was established at various colleges around the US. Sigma is moving ever forward establishing philanthrophy, sisterhood and leadership in each member. Here at Northwest, the Alpha Epsilon chapter is over 75 women strong and striving to achieve excellence through philanthropy, scholarship, leadership and sisterhood.

How It All Began...

Since I have been doing this blog I have been talking about how great Greek life is but I realize now I never explained how Greek life began. Greek life was founded at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1776. The first organization of Greek life was named Phi Beta Kappa Society founded by John Heath because of rejection from Latin-letter fraternities at his school. Greek life later stemmed from Virginia and other chapters based on philantrophy and brotherhood. Different chapters were given different letters of the Greek alphabet to identify themselves and each organization was founded on various virtues but mainly on the cornerstone of philantrophy and brotherhood.

I had a hard time finding just the right video I wanted to put on my blog.. there were alot of recruitment videos out there for different organizations but I like this one because it is short, sweet and to the point!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsOn_VMIWlc&feature=related

Founders & Symbols!

One heck of a motto there!

Want me to name 'em for ya?

As I was looking for quotes about Greek life, I came across two that I feel really describe my life in the Greek community and why I love it so much.

"People ask why I am in a sorority and I try to explain all the things a sorority is that they cannot see. A sorority is more than letters on a sweatshirt, I say. More than traditional songs, a gold pin, rituals, and obligation, or a way of life. A sorority is learning about people, a sorority is giving without expecting a return. A sorority is earning respect from others, as well as for yourself. A sorority will not solve all your problems. But I have made good friends and found confidence there to help me take life one step at a time." (It doesn't say who said this but it is from www.angelfire.com/greekquotes) I love this quote because it clearly explains that sororities aren't all about image and material things like many people think they are. Sorority life is based on love for others, willingness and wanting to help those less fortunate, and a life long bond with your sisters.

"From the outside looking in you can never understand it. From the inside looking out you can never explain it."(www.angelfire.come/greekquotes) If I could pick one phrase to describe Greek life it would be this one. My bond with my sorority sisters is indescribable to others that are unaware of the Greek system. When you pledge a fraternity or a sorority, you're not just joining for 4 years, you are joining for life. No one will truly understand that unless you join a Greek organization. Being in Sigma is like having 75 of my best friends around me all the time to love, support and encourage me. Who wouldn't want that?