Thursday, September 15, 2011

27th Year

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TAU LAMBDA!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Living the Ritual

Time to stop blaming the media and start living the ritual
By Leadership Consultant
In such a short history, fraternities have evolved immensely and have experienced a vast shift in cultural identity. Many would suggest the only constant among all this change has been the values we say we represent, but are we sure about that?

Over the past few months, I have questioned what fraternities actually represent; not by what we say, but what we do. This question demanded that I take a closer and more detailed look, so I decided to follow “fraternity” via Google’s alert system for the past month and see what was being reported on the Greek life I love so much. To say the least, I was beyond disappointed.

Turns out, there has been a lot of negative coverage on fraternities lately. It seems as though the media is relentless in their pursuit to find any and all negative byproducts of this system. I can hardly blame them; no more than I can blame the media for those actions being made in the first place.

Too often, we jump to the same tired defense, arguing that the media fails to report all the good we do. But is the good we do good enough? Have we reached a point where we truly believe that six community service hours justifies the mental distress of an 18 year old? Do we think raising 6,000 dollars can replace a life?

Like it or not, these horrible acts are committed. And yes, they will always be the only aspect of fraternity reported by the media. But is pointing out the good we do even an appropriate response? It’s like we just accept this behavior as a necessary evil to all the good we do. I just can’t bring myself to believe that.

Instead of fighting against what is reported, let’s give the media nothing to report. We say we hold ourselves to a “higher standard” yet too often there is a report of alleged hazing or sexual assault by a fraternity member. Look, we will never be able to control what is reported, but the one thing we can control is our actions. Let’s stop playing into the stereotypes that we created.

I guess what I’m asking is at what point will we truly do what we say we do, without exception. Reaching that point includes everyone in the community. Regardless what you think your level of guilt is in all of this, if you’re not doing something to actively stop those who are, you’re not doing anything to help our cause either. Remember, the next time you turn your eye to what you think is minor hazing, it was that same bystander behavior that led to the death of an 18 year old being the top story on CNN.com.

Are we so far off the beaten path that we can’t come back to the pure state that we once were? Are we so concerned with fulfilling social norms that we dismiss the very reason we exist as an organization? Is the type of man that our fraternities originally sought even relevant anymore?

If you are looking for an answer, I don’t have them. Sorry. What I do know is that I took a vow to my organization, promising to be a better man and to make a difference. I’m committed to this vow. I commit to never giving up on our high ideals. I truly believe in Fraternity.

I’d like to challenge the fraternity men who continue to dismiss the values by which they vowed to live: I challenge you to start living to our high standards and stop making those men doing the right thing defend your actions with their own. I challenge you to stop giving the media stories to report. I challenge you to earn your place in this Greek life I love so much.

Monday, September 12, 2011

AOII & Alums: BET ON US!


As you know, there have been some recent challenges facing Tau Lambda. We are pleased to say that we are on the right path and are making strides toward many improvements. We couldn't have done it without our alumnae! This year our Chapter has chosen to pair up with an organization that is responsible for helping us, always supporting us, and a group that we truly appreciate: our ALUMS! We invite ...you to join us September 30th - October 2nd for Shippensburg University's Homecoming Weekend (Theme: What happens in Ship...). AOII & Alums: Bet on Us!

Thursday 9/29- Sisterhood at 26 Richard Ave. @ 7:00 p.m.
-making banners and signs for the weekend!

Friday 9/30- University Grille @ 7:00 p.m.
-we will be meeting in our room we always reserve to hang out and kick off the weekend!

Saturday 10/1-tailgating begins at 10:30 at Seth Grove Stadium
-we will have a tent like we did last year behind the field, so look for us! -the football game starts at 2! -bring your spirit!
-6:30-- Pizza & Potluck! @ Shippensburg Township Park on Britton Road -we will be ordering pizza, and we ask everyone bring a yummy side dish!

We are so excited to spend time with our Alumni and to have a 'fabulous' weekend!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Thursday, September 8, 2011

SU Update: Homecoming


Shippensburg University Alumni Association
Homecoming Weekend is early this year – just around the corner at the end of this month! Below are highlights of activities during the weekend. Hope you’ll consider joining us in SHIP.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2011 – September 30 and October 1

Join us this fall when the campus comes alive with activity! All members of the SU Alumni Association are welcome to participate in the Homecoming festivities. Bring the family. Hope to see you!

Tailgate Information
Tailgating may begin at 10:30 AM Saturday morning behind Seth Grove Stadium. We encourage you to tailgate with us or bring your own. For $5 you may purchase a wristband for access to the Red & Blue Alumni Tent where we will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, chips, and soft beverages. Individuals may also tailgate behind the stadium from their vehicles or with the various organizations and groups set-up behind the stadium. Please review the Tailgate Policy for Homecoming Game Day Tailgating as well as RV tailgating.

AccommodationsOn-campus lodging is not available during Homecoming. We provide this list of area lodging as a resource to campus visitors.

Campus MapHas it been awhile since you've been back to campus? Hopefully, you'll find this campus map useful.

What Happened in SHIP...Stayed in SHIP

An exhibit of SU Artifacts from the 1870's to the Present. Take a trip down memory lane and educate yourself on our historic past! An exhibit of old photos, sports/athletic equipment and historical items will be on display in the CUB Raider Lounge on Friday, Sept. 30 from 10am - 8pm and on Saturday, October 1 from 10am - 5pm. Stop by and take a look at our great University's past.

Volunteer Service & PhilanthropyOn Friday, members of the SU Alumni Association board of directors will be volunteering at the King's Kettle food bank in Shippensburg. All are welcome to join them. Additionally, each year the SU Student Homecoming Committee chooses a philanthropy to receive a donation consisting of the proceeds from homecoming events and various fundraising activities. This year’s committee has selected the Shippensburg Public Library Capital Campaign to be the 2011 SU Homecoming Philanthropy project. They have recognized the Shippensburg Public Library as an essential component of the Shippensburg Community and would like to help improve the services offered to the entire Shippensburg Community.

Friday, September 30 Highlights
SU Alumni Association Annual Service Project
10th Anniversary of the Applied History Graduate Program ($)
SU Artifacts Exhibit, 10am - 8pm
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner ($)
SU Alumni Association SHIP Party, 8:00 - 11::00 PM, Shipwreck Pub
Spirit Rally, Heiges Field House, 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 1 Highlights 32nd Annual SU Army ROTC 10K Run, 9:00 AM ($)
2nd Annual Grove College of Business Reunion, Grove Forum, 9:30 AM
Five Decades of Champions Reception, ShipRec, 10:00 AM

SU Artifacts Exhibit, 10am - 5pm
Tailgate Lunch, behind Set Grove Stadium, 10:30 AM - 1:45 PM ($5)
Marching Band Reunion, Student Rec Pavilion, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ($8)
Red Raiders Football Game vs. Kutztown, 2:00 PM ($)
President's Post-Game Supper, Martin House Lawn, 5:00 PM ($10)
Gordon Lightfoot, Luhrs Performing Arts Center, 8:00 PM ($)
**($) indicates a charge for this event.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

SU Alum Events

Georgetown Food Tour Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Tour Begins @ 4:00 pm (please allow approximately 3 hours)
Location: Departs from 28th & M ST. NW, Georgetown
Cost: $65.00/person (Seated for all dishes, 2 wine tastings, & beer/iced tea at 1st two restaurants. Ages 21 and older)

The Georgetown Food Tour will guide us thru the historic yet chic charm of Georgetown, an area that pre-dated Washington D.C. Experience 250+ years of history and enjoy flavors closely connected to the Northwest D.C. neighborhood. The Food Tour will bring together progressive, high-end cuisine, with long-standing D.C. favorites. From restaurants and shops dating before prohibition to swanky hotspots, this tour brings together some of the best the area has to offer. We’ll finish our journey by crossing the C&O Canal and enjoy a sweet ending at a bakery that originated as a printing house.

Eating a light brunch before the tour rather than lunch is recommended. The dishes you'll try throughout the tour are both small meals and traditional tastings. Dinner will not be needed after the tour. Tour departs from 28th & M St. NW at 4pm and lasts approximately 3 hours.


SHIP Alumni Volunteer Night @ Caitlin's Smiles, Harrisburg Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Time: 6 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Caitlin's Smiles, 3303 N 6th St., Harrisburg, PA (across from Channel 21 bldg)
Your Alumni Hosts: Carmen Morales '86-'89M and Jolene Goodman Leisure '02
Please provide your time and join fellow Ship Alumni along with your friends and family (ages elementary school and up) at this volunteer service project. Ship Alumni are volunteering at Caitlin's Smiles from 6pm - 8pm.

What we will do: No craftiness required. We will be putting together arts and crafts kits so they may be delivered to children in area hospitals. Volunteers are encouraged to bring coloring books and/or crayons (8 - 24 count) and sandwich or snack-size ziplock bags.

About Caitlin's Smiles: They provide patients with "Bag of Smiles" packages. They package and deliver arts and crafts kits to children facing chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Caitlin's Smiles reaches children in hospitals throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio and Washington D.C. For more information, you may visit their website at: www.caitlins-smiles.org

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Homecoming Countdown

Ship Homecoming

September 30 and October 1
Join us this fall when the campus comes alive with activity! All members of the SU Alumni Association are welcome to participate in the Homecoming festivities. Bring the family. Hope to see you!

Tailgate Information Tailgating may begin at 10:30 AM Saturday morning behind Seth Grove Stadium. We encourage you to tailgate with us or bring your own. For $5 you may purchase a wristband for acccess to the Red & Blue Alumni Tent where we will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, chips, and soft beverages. Individuals may also tailgate behind the stadium from their vehicles or with the various organizations and groups set-up behind the stadium.

Friday, September 30 Highlights
SU Alumni Association Annual Service Project
10th Anniversary of the Applied History Gradaute Program ($)
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner ($)
SU Alumni Association SHIP Party, 8:00 - 11::00 PM, Shipwreck Pub
Spirit Rally, Heiges Field House, 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 1 Highlights 32nd Annual SU Army ROTC 10K Run, 9:00 AM ($)
2nd Annual Grove College of Business Reunion, Grove Forum, 9:30 AM
Five Decades of Champions Reception, ShipRec, 10:00 AM
Tailgate Lunch, behind Set Grove Stadium, 10:30 AM - 1:45 PM ($5)
Marching Band Reunion, Student Rec Pavilion, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ($8)
Red Raiders Football Game vs. Kutztown, 2:00 PM ($)
President's Post-Game Supper, Martin House Lawn, 5:00 PM ($10)
Gordon Lightfoot, Luhrs Performing Arts Center, 8:00 PM ($)