[067] MTSU's Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Omicron Pi earn national awards at conventions

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Two MTSU Greek organizations are strolling into the fall semester with several national awards under their belts.

The Rho Omicron chapter of the Alpha Omicron Pi and the Iota Tau chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sororities each received several awards at their national conventions held in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas, Nevada, respectively this year.

Delta Sigma Theta Chapter President Jordan Gustus and Vice President Alexia Thompson attended its 53^rd annual convention in early August on behalf of the Iota Tau chapter, bringing back six awards, including Chapter of the Year.

MTSU senior and Delta Sigma Theta member Courtney Brandon is excited about the recognition her chapter received, especially the top chapter award.

"That's the one we were all really excited about because being recognized nationally is impressive," said Brandon, who is also serving as MTSU's Student Government Association president this year.

"We were all really emotional about that one because if only people knew about the work we put in the programs and events we produce … we were up a lot of nights."

When considering chapter of the year, judges reviewed programs, chapter service and other aspects, she said.

Delta Sigma Theta awards included:

• Chapter of the Year
• Advisor of the Year
• Award of Merit
• Collegiate Delta Week Honors
• Newsletter of the Year
• Physical and Mental Health

When asked what made the Delta’s Iota Tau chapter standout, Brandon couldn't stress enough the importance of teamwork.

"There's so many leaders within the organization … learning to listen to each other only perfected the program," Brandon said.

Meanwhile, Alpha Omicron Pi also captured several awards at its International Convention 2017 held in Washington, D.C., in late June ranging from recognition for community service efforts to membership recruitment.

MTSU senior Anna Flora serves, chapter president, said much work goes into winning such accolades.

"It's a very intensive process,” she said. “You don't want to leave anything out because you want to give yourself the best opportunity to be awarded and recognized.”

The process required applying online along with having a letter of recommendation from organization adviser Alicia White.

Flora believes her role as an active member of MTSU's Fraternity and Sorority Life isn't to be ordinary but extraordinary.

"I remember coming in my freshman year and learning an expectation is to not just do enough or to slide by but do more and be better every year," Flora said.

Alpha Omicron Pi received eight awards:

• Excellence in Campus Involvement
• Excellence in Community Service
• Excellence in Fraternity/Sorority Relations
• Excellence in Membership Recruitment
• Excellence in Outstanding Leaders Counsel
• Excellence in Panhellenic
• Excellence in Ritual
• Excellence in Risk Management

MTSU Student Life administrator Danny Kelley was proud to hear that both Greek organizations represented the university very well at their conventions.

“Receiving one award on the national level is a big deal, but the fact that they received multiple awards is very exciting … I was very impressed,” he said.

MTSU has 22 fraternities and sororities associated with National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Panhellenic Council and North American Interfraternity Conference. 

MTSU Fraternity and Sorority Life is part of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. To learn more about FSL, contact Director Leslie Merritt at 615-898-5812, leslie.merritt@mtsu.edu or visit www.mtsu.edu/fsl.