Throughout the week of April 10-13, Prairie View’s Pan- Hellenic Council hosted several events on campus to showcase each Greek organization. There are nine historically black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan- Hellenic Council. Collectively, these organizations are referred to as “The Divine Nine,” which are composed of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. Each of these fraternities and sororities is rich in history; ties to one or more of these organizations may be found in many college-educated black families in the United States. Prairie View’s Pan- Hellenic Council serves as the coordinating agent, unifying and policy implementing body for affiliate organizations. They also maintain their autonomy in the establishment of policies and procedures concerning their respective organizations. An important task of the council is to set guidelines in areas of mutual interest and coordinate joint activities.On Monday April 10, the Pan-Hellenic Council hosted a seminar called, “True Life, I’m Greek” in the Animal Science Building for all freshmen on campus who are interested in learning more about each Greek organization. Each fraternity and sorority of “The Divine Nine” sent several representatives from their association. Anyone who had a question for a particular organization wrote the question down on a piece of paper and it was answered. Sigma Gamma Rho member Kalani Briggs said, “The seminar gave a more in-depth look at each Greek organization on campus and the way we carry ourselves. I felt that it was a very informative seminar and I think that each student who attended got a lot out of it.”
On the night of Wednesday, April 12, PAN threw a party where each Greek organization gathered at the water fountain to strut and show off their stepping skills. Zeta Phi Beta member Courtney Walker described the event as “hump day at night.” Courtney said, “We all got together and had a good time strutting, showing Greek unity, and proving that we can all get along. Everything went really well during PAN week.
Thursday, April 13, the PAN Give-Back event, where members were going to hand out treats and snacks to fellow students outside the MSC was rescheduled for this week.
On Sunday, PAN members gathered together to have a block party in the Phase I basketball court. There was music, dancing, and an opportunity for all members to socialize.
Looking back, Delta Sigma Theta member Jereme Gant stated, “Pan Week brought Greek unity to the campus and showed that we can all be a positive influence on fellow students.” Adding to Jereme’s comment, president of PAN Toren Watson said, “It was a big step for this campus because we have done some things we have never done. We’ve always been seen as individuals but not as a whole. However, we all represent the same thing, which is service even though we were all founded at different times. One Yard, One Love.