NIC Press Release
Washington & Lee's Interfraternity Council Awarded Certificate of Merit
The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) has recognized W&L's Fraternity System with a certificate of merit for its contributions and efforts to advance the fraternal movement, promote a safer social climate on campus, more fully develop fraternity leaders and involvement in community service activities.
The award marks the first time W&L's Interfraternity Council (IFC) has been cited for outstanding efforts by the NIC, which has 66 international members and 400 members, including W&L, in the U.S.
Last fall, W&L was selected as one of six national winners of NIC grants, which the University used to sponsor two Alcohol Summits. The summit brought together Greek campus leaders together and NIC representatives to find better ways of promoting low risk drinking choices on campus.
"The major merit in September was the opening of dialogue for Greek leaders on substance abuse issues and the use of alcohol in relation to new University policies," said Jan Kaufman, W&L's director of health promotions. "Once they did that, they began thinking about solutions to positively impact campus culture."
As a direct result of the fall summit, another campus group, Generals Advocating Safe Driving, organized a plan to combine two sober driving programs on campus into Traveller. It provides safe rides for students each night of the week.
W&L's Greek system also is active in the wider community, sponsoring events including: a winterization project in Rockbridge County and Buena Vista in November; a holiday decorations contest for Montessori School in December; the Students Against Rockbridge Area Hunger lip synch contest in January; participation in the Rockbridge Area Conservation Cleanup in March; and a golf tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society in May.
"I'm excited for our Greek leaders," said Burr Datz, the University's fraternity advisor. "They have generally been working hard to make positive contributions both on and off campus, and it's reassuring to be recognized by such a prestigious organization such as the NIC."
Added IFC President Chris Pickens, a junior from Great Falls, "It's an honor to receive this, but it's really a reflection on how hard our predecessors have worked to lead our system in the right direction."