Hues of blue illuminated houses all over Greekland on Wednesday night in efforts to raise awareness as part of Autism Awareness Month.

Wednesday, April 2 was the official World Autism Awareness Day. Landmarks all over the world switched out their lights for blue bulbs in efforts raise awareness about autism.

Megan Girard, senior in supply chain management is the president of Autism Speaks U, a student organization of around 130 members, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for autism.

“By lighting up places around campus this week, I hope we can shed a light on autism and make people more aware of the rising issue,” Girard said.

The fraternity Delta Theta Chi’s philanthropy is a partnership with the national Autism Speaks organization.

Chad Allmann, junior in civil engineering said starting on Monday, March 31, members of Theta Delta Chi distributed blue light bulbs to greek houses and various places on campus and explained what they were for and encouraged them to put the lights up.  Allmann is the vice president of Theta Delta Chi and treasurer of Autusim Speaks U.

Light It Up Blue for Autism is a non-fundraising element of Theta Delta Chi’s philanthropic efforts.

“A lot of philanthropies deal with money, this is all about awareness. By us doing this, I think this will change the approach to greek philanthropies big time,” Allmann said.

Joseph Strub, senior in supply chain management is the president of Theta Delta Chi said he saw a lot of participation this year.

“Not a lot of philanthropies get recognition from the whole greek community, but I think since this is strictly to raise awareness it’s been pretty successful,” Stub said.

Along with over 30 greek houses lighting up blue, various buildings around campus are being lit up blue.

“Especially with the Campanile lit, we hope people will notice the lights and start to wonder why they’re blue, and that’s when we can step in and tell them about Autism Speaks and help spread the word,” Girard said.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

“With these new statistics, now more than ever it is important to raise awareness,” Allmann said. 

Girard said that families affected by autism have over an additional $60,000 in expenses a year, by raising awareness people will be more likely to help out these families in need.

“It’s just as simple as changing out a light bulb in front of your house and it’s definitely been affecting everyone, we’re getting a lot of involvement from it,” Strub said.

Almost every greek house has gotten involved with the event so far, said Strub.

“I think this will show those affected with autism that people here are aware and we are trying to do something about it,” Allmann said.

Throughout the year, Theta Delta Chi works to raise money and awareness to their philanthropic organization, Autism Speaks.

“We’re here, we care, and we’re definitely talking about it, thinking about it and starting conversations about it just to strengthen the awareness,” Strub said.