New Choir and Band Directors Named

I am pleased to share the appointment of two new music directors in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Erin Yanacek will be directing the Bethany College Choir this semester, and we hope that all interested singers will sign up for MUSI 105 in what promises to be a new and exciting adventure in singing. Erin is trumpet and vocalist for the acclaimed River City Brass Band and also teaches brass instruments, piano, and music history, while conducting in our music program here at Bethany.

Jason Birch is our new Band Director for the Stampede Marching Band and the Wind Ensemble. Jason comes with a rich knowledge of and familiarity with area band programs and also teaches percussion and band instruments here at Bethany. He performs with the Phoenix Jazz Project which has toured Europe, and other groups in the Pittsburgh-Wheeling area. We invite all instrumentalists to sign up for MUSI 106 as we look forward to a new era with the Stampede, Wind Ensemble, and other performing groups that Jason would like to develop.

I know you join me in welcoming them to the Bethany campus community.

Thursday Night Football - Steelers v. Carolina Panthers with Mort Gamble and Sven and Elizabeth deJong

Dr. Larry Grimes’ new book is available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hemingway-Cuban-Works-Larry-Grimes/dp/1606351818 Purchase it now and have him sign it at Homecoming!

On this warm summer day, the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta are serving lemonade to students of Bethany College (until1:30 p.m.) outside of Old Main or on the library side of Richardson Hall. Pictured: Alanna Bebech and Ashley Worst.

The Office of Student Employment hosted a campus job fair today in the Agostino Room of Benedum Commons. Thanks the pictured staff for taking part in today’s program. Bethany has two student employment programs for undergraduate students – the typical federal work study program found on most college campuses and the Bethany Education Employment Program (BEEP). In all, the College has over 900 campus jobs for students each year. The College also offers a limited employment program for graduate students.

Don and Tracey -- I saw your freshman son for the first time today. Classes and cross country are going well...he's been pretty busy...he really likes this place.

Bethany College is pleased to announce the creation of the Coordinator of Greek Life (Greek Life Intern) position. The position was underwritten by generous gifts from several Bethany Trustees. After reviewing the Coalition Assessment Report (Greek Life Report) and with support from the Trustees, the position of the Coordinator of Greek Life position was created.

Erika Clayton is the Coordinator of Greek Life. She comes to Bethany after working in the private sector for the last two years. Erika is a 2012 graduate of Westminster College and a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. Her primary responsibilities will be to support the overall visibility, recruitment strategies, and values of Greek life at Bethany College. Please welcome Erika to the Bethany College community.

Joining us for the picture in Benedum Commons is Sam Goodge, Director of Student Activities.

2014-15 National Panhellenic and Interfraternal Council Officers

Greek life is a major tradition of Bethany College. The Greek community generously gives time and service to philanthropy and volunteering, and is a great way to get involved on campus and become a part of something bigger than oneself. Bethany College has the National Panhellenic Council to preside over all sororities on campus. The National Panhellenic Council provides structure and guidelines for the Greek community. The Interfraternal Council presides over the fraternities at Bethany College, providing structure and guidance for members of fraternities.

I am pleased to share that the officers of the National Panhellenic Council are the following:

· President - Briana Breault

· Vice President - Kim Judy

· Treasurer - Rhianna Petrone

· Director of Recruitment - Mary Gardner

· Secretary - Kassie Reed

· Director of Public Relations - Hannah McNearny

· Director of Programming - Mariah Moore

· Interfraternal Council Representative - Taylor Lewis

I am also pleased to share that the officers of the Interfraternal Council are the following:

· President – Christopher White

· Treasurer - Frank Salopek

· Activities Chair - Brandon Martell

· Public Relations Chair - Ian Sheppard.

Congratulations to the new officers of both organizations.

Good to visit with long-time colleague and friend E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University, at his office in Morgantown. So good to have him back in West Virginia.

Greek Life at Bethany College

Joining Greek life can be a wonderful life-changing experience. The Greek system, a valued Bethany tradition dating back to the College’s earliest days, offers a sense of accomplishment through leadership, personal fulfillment through philanthropy and volunteer service, and opportunities to forge lifelong friendships. Greeks often perform well academically, scoring high GPA’s as well as developing valuable leadership skills. Involvement on campus through the Greek community is also a great way to network with others. After graduating, Greeks use their campus relationships to build career connections.

On Bethany’s campus, we have five different fraternities: Sigma Nu, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Kappa Tau, Alpha Sigma Phi, and Delta Tau Delta. There are three sororities: Zeta Tau Alpha, Phi Mu, and Alpha Xi Delta. Each house has its own unique style, personality, and set of values. Although they may be different in their history and membership, they all have a common goal—to improve the College and themselves. The community does its best to excel in all ways possible and, at the same time, to represent school spirit through academics, sports, social events, and leadership.

The students involved in Greek life on Bethany’s campus have formed great friendships not just with their Greek sisters and brothers in their own sororities and fraternities, but with members of the faculty as well. The Greek community as a whole has a Greek faculty mixer every year. This is an opportunity for members of Greek life and faculty to interact and form connections. By forming relationships with professors, members of Greek life have the resources and support to reach out to the community, host philanthropic events, and gain professional experience as well.

Greeks also host events with each other. Each year Greeks get together to have the All-Greek Cookout. It is a chance to interact with the other houses and socialize among friends of the Greek community. During the spring semester, Greek Week takes place, a time of fun and competitive spirit. The houses compete against each other in good sport for the title Greek Week Champions, as well as a trophy. The 2014 winners of Greek Week were Delta Tau Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Each fraternity and sorority has its own philanthropy and each house works for its cause, which they feel passionate about. In doing so, members of Greek life have opportunities for leadership and professional growth through service.

An important tradition at Bethany, Greek membership offers exceptional opportunities for enrichment that can last a lifetime.