By: Katherine Waters, Staff Writer
Saturday, Sept. 17 marked an occasion two years in the making for Wofford- the dedication and naming of the new Greek Village. Now known as the Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village, the area became a place of celebration as students, alumni and faculty gathered to see the new houses and honor the new era for Greek Life and all of Wofford.
Many students involved in Greek life felt the event was successful in uniting all parts of the Wofford community. Aubrey Cain, president of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, says the event helped Greek Life to become a larger, more essential part of the college.
“The event provided that open-door feel that I hope all students coming into Wofford feel, and that they understand that this is not a closed-off society,” she says. “We want to be an integral part of Wofford and also show the strength of Greek life and how important it is to the Wofford community.”
One of the biggest draws of the event was the opportunity for visitors to see the insides of each house, where the Greek students hold meetings and philanthropy events during the year. This was especially impressive for alumni to have the opportunity to see where current members of their chapters will now call home and for donors to see the results of their contributions.
“The alumni that were present were pleased,” says Wil Alderman, president of Sigma Nu fraternity. “I personally answered many questions about the functionality of the new houses. I think anyone who donates thousands of dollars, like the ones in attendance, already care a lot about the college. A smile on a terrier’s face is enough to justify their generous donation.”
In addition to alumni, non-Greek affiliated students attended the ceremony and toured the houses. In an area that is for students involved in Greek Life, their participation was vital to making the event feel open and inclusive.
Kass Johnson, president of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, says that the entire celebration was representative of the welcoming environment that Wofford wants all students to experience.
“I liked how it was in the middle so that anybody could come, and so Greek and non-Greek students could participate. Especially with the open houses and everything, it was good that [non-Greek students] could come be a part of it, so it wasn’t just a Greek event. They could have fun and it was like a big Wofford family event.”
The event also introduced a new tradition- the Wofford Walk. Each Greek organization walked from the Greek Village down to the football field with the rest of their chapter. Once there, the students stood behind the goalpost and watched the football team enter the stadium and begin the game before heading towards the stands.
President of Delta Delta Delta sorority Abby Umberger thought that the walk showed the unity between Greek Life and Wofford athletics:
“I think this event underscored the supportive, inclusive community that we have at Wofford College,” she says. “Having Greek members march to the field and support our football team through this action made me proud to be a Greek member and a Wofford Terrier. As a senior, I hope that when I graduate I’ll be able to come back and see that the Wofford Walk is still happening.”
Although the atmosphere of the day was fairly relaxed, in tune with typical pre-football celebrations, many of the organization members felt that it represented something much bigger for the purpose of the college. Wood Britton, president of Kappa Alpha fraternity, believes that Wofford can be an example for Greek Life nationally.
“Above all else, [Saturday’s event] shows that Wofford can be united, despite the fact that we tend to stick with the members of our organizations. It’s easy for people on the outside of any organization in the world to dislike something they don’t know. However, I think this event, and the events to come, will show that Greek Life is an incredibly positive institution when acting appropriately. My experience as a member of KA will influence my behavior for the entirety of my life.”
