In partnership with Holmes Murphy and other sponsors, Georgia Tech was pleased to host the very first Greek Talks event on our campus in 2018. Speakers from our industry, some of the top-rated ones in our field, were pulled together to provide this free resource for students, advisors, alumni, and staff members. The full-length recordings are now being made available for anyone to access. The hope is that the videos can even be used to supplement member education and start a meaningful conversation around important topics today.
The Safety Pillar
Just about any sorority or fraternity member has heard the term “The Pillars of Greek Life.” For the most part, we have communities and chapters excelling in these areas. But, in these same communities, we’re also excelling in hazing, drug use, assault, and high-risk drinking. If we truly want to be brothers and sisters, we need to focus on a pillar of “safety” to ensure that all members, new members, and guests are treated with dignity and respect.
Our Stories Need to be Told
The actions of some of our members, along with losing sight of what it means to be part of a family of brothers and sisters, have put the relevancy of fraternities and sororities in question. It’s not enough to sit around and wait for others to share our stories — it’s our responsibility. Let’s explore why telling our story impacts our relevancy both internally and externally.
A Call to Life
Today we witness the pervasive and increasing incidence of suicide on our college campuses — now the second leading cause of death. Michael shares his story through the prism of the devastating loss of his son, Michael Keller Zibilich, who died from suicide as a second semester freshman while attending Louisiana State University. His story powerfully illustrates that suicide can affect almost anyone under the confluence of stress, acute anxiety, and depression. Most importantly, he shares how knowledge, awareness, and decisive action can help save lives.
Conversations That Matter
Let’s face it — there are people and topics that are just off limits; even worse is when it’s a difficult topic that you have to bring up with a difficult person. What if you could engage in these conversations with more confidence, humor, and ease? No matter the person or topic, you are your best tool for conversations that matter. Understanding yourself and others gives you the tools to intentionally design teams, groups, and partnerships that can bring value to a single project or topic. Once you know who and how you are, you can reclaim responsibility for these behavior response patterns and leave room for others to do the same.
Behind Happy Faces
Ross was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16, was hospitalized for attempting to take his own life during his senior year of high school, and like so many other college students, just wanted to fit in. Ross’s story resonates with the millions of students who are putting on a happy face to hide their true emotions. During these difficult times, it’s imperative for young people to express what they’re going through, know that they’re not alone, and feel comfortable while seeking help. Ross teaches students about the complexities of mental health issues and empowers them to seek help or help their friends seek help.
You’re Always Wearing Your Letters
From the moment you say yes to your organization, you’re always wearing your letters. When you say yes to a lifetime membership in these organizations, you’re doing more than putting letters on a sweatshirt — you’re putting them in your heart. We live in a time when the actions of a single man or woman can kill an organization, so don’t say yes until you understand. If we’re doing this right, we’ll make you a better man or woman. If you’re doing it right, you’ll make us a stronger organization.
Hazing Makes You a Better Greek and Other Myths
There are many myths and misconceptions about the practice of hazing and how it adds value to a fraternity or sorority chapter. Michelle debunks what some may deem “traditions” of new member recruitment and education. She speaks from experience, not only as a sorority woman who has been hazed, but also as someone who actively took part in these harmful traditions, believing this behavior was an important part of her fraternity/sorority experience.