Greek News
Acacia’s Patterson Named AP Coach of the Year
After leading Texas Christian University to a 12-0 record and berth in the Fiesta Bowl, Gary Patterson has been named Associated Press Coach of the Year. A member of Acacia Fraternity at Kansas State, he is the first coach outside the six conferences with automatic BCS bids to win the honor. Previously, he was named Coach of the Year by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and The Sporting News, in addition to winning the Woody Hayes and George Munger Awards.
Greeks Honored at NFF Awards Dinner
Over 1,500 guests were at Tuesday night's National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel as college football's past, present and future was celebrated. NFF Chairman Archie Manning (Sigma Nu) said "The National Football Foundation represents everything right about our great sport, and this night simply features the best and brightest of college football. The accomplishments of our 2009 honorees make us all proud and provide us the ultimate vehicle for coming together to celebrate a sport that has given so much to so many." The true highlight was the induction of the 2009 College Football Hall of Fame Class which included receiver Ken Margerum (Delta Upsilon) of Stanford, former Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta (Pi Kappa Alpha) of Miami and longtime USC coach John Robinson (Sigma Chi at Oregon). Former Georgia coach Vince Dooley (Phi Kappa Theta) formally inducted the class with the annual ring ceremony. The NFF's Gold Medal was presented to Nike Co-Founder and Chairman Phil Knight (Phi Gamma Delta). Honored as a member of the 2009 National Scholar-Athlete Class and Campbell Trophy finalist was Brown offensive tackle Paul Jasinowski (Theta Delta Chi).
Sigma Chi’s Urban Meyer Featured in Sports Illustrated
The December 7th issue of Sports Illustrated features a 10-page story on Florida head coach Urban Meyer, a member of Sigma Chi at the University of Cincinnati, who has led the Gators to two previous national championships and the number one ranking in this season's polls. The article mentions one of Urban's early mentors, Chi Phi alumnus Earle Bruce, who hired him as a graduate assistant at Ohio State for two years and later added him to the coaching staff at Colorado State. This weekend, the Gators clash with number-three ranked Alabama, led by quarterback Greg McElroy, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Sigma Kappa Foundation Names Executive Director
Sigma Kappa Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director
The Sigma Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Lisa Fedler Swiontek will assume the role of Executive Director of the Sigma Kappa Foundation effective December 1, 2009. Previously the position was held by Allison Lewis for nearly five years prior to her departure in June, when she joined Pursuant, a fundraising agency for nonprofits, as Vice President of Strategic Development.
Swiontek joins the Foundation staff with more than 15 years of experience in higher education and fundraising. Her professional career began as a campus-based Greek life professional, working in various capacities at Eastern Illinois University, Southeast Missouri State University and Bowling Green State University. After leaving the campus setting, Lisa maintained her focus on Greek life through a position as Director of Member Services with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). She then expanded her skills in association management and fundraising while employed by the Indianapolis Bar Association and Indianapolis Bar Foundation. Most recently, Lisa served as the Associate Director of Corporate Relations at the Indiana University Foundation.
"I am excited about the opportunity to return to a professional role in Greek life, especially this position within the Sigma Kappa Foundation where I'll have the opportunity to utilize both my fundraising and Greek life backgrounds. I have a strong personal belief in the mission and vision of Sigma Kappa and look forward to engaging myself fully in fundraising and philanthropic efforts devoted to strengthening our sisterhood for years to come," says Swiontek.
Swiontek was initiated into Theta Omicron chapter at Arizona State University. Since graduation, she has maintained her connection to Sigma Kappa as a dedicated volunteer serving as chapter advisor for Gamma Mu, member of the Extension Team, Collegiate Province Officer and member of the Foundation's Development Committee.
"Having been acquainted with Lisa for several years through her volunteer service to our Sorority, I feel confident that she'll bring great passion and energy, in addition to a breadth of professional experience in Greek life and fundraising, to the role of Executive Director for the Foundation. Please join me in welcoming her to the staff," says Foundation President Madalyn Brand Teal, Ph.D.
In addition to Swiontek's professional career and volunteer service to Sigma Kappa, Lisa is active in the Indianapolis community, serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Jameson Camp, a United Way agency, and serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Foundation. Swiontek holds a master's degree in college student personnel from Eastern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in organizational communication with a minor in leadership development from Arizona State University.
