Editor’s Note: this article is part of a series of contributed pieces from Joe Fetherling, member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and vice president of philanthropy for the Interfraternity Council. This series will highlight different philanthropies taking place in Iowa State’s sorority and fraternity community, as well as what philanthropy means to members of the community. 

Why I decided to start Philanthropy of the Month:

Being involved in the greek community at Iowa State has taught me many values and created new interests for me including the concept of philanthropy. Throughout my experience here at Iowa State, I have come to realize how much of a positive impact the greek community has on the world. However, not everybody is aware of these events taking place each semester.

As a means to increase awareness of these events and impact, I have created this reoccurring segment to highlight an outstanding greek philanthropy each month. The philanthropy of the month can be an event from either of the four Greek councils at Iowa State. These councils include the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

What philanthropy means to me:

“Philanthropy to me is the generation of monetary funds for an organization or cause that betters the lives of a person, a community or even the world. This can be done in various ways.

The main form of philanthropic contribution that I see within our community is the creation of philanthropic events that raise awareness and fundraise for a specific charitable organization. Philanthropic events range from selling food, hosting competitions, dancing for hours on end and much more. No matter what these events entail, they always end up raising awareness for and monetarily benefiting a charitable cause.

Overall, philanthropy is a selfless act that betters the world around us by improving the lives of others.” –Joe Fetherling, vice president of philanthropy, Interfraternity Council

“Philanthropy has been an opportunity for myself to give back to nonprofit organizations that have positively affected my own life and the lives of my loved ones. I have been able to see the benefits of supporting these local and national philanthropic organizations. These benefits have helped many individuals and given me a sense of purpose in my roles during my collegiate career. Philanthropy is something that I will be able to carry on after college and continue to impact the lives of many for years to come. ” –Jennifer Sigmon, vice president of philanthropy & community service, Collegiate Panhellenic Council

“Philanthropy is an opportunity for our organizations to give back to the community. Many of our organizations have philanthropy or community service as a part of their foundational values.

Philanthropy is important because it gives us an opportunity to recognize that there are people who invest in us, and this is one way of being able to say thank you. It also is a chance for organizations to work towards a goal that they’re passionate about while spreading awareness to others.” –Micaela Choate, Multicultural Greek Council president

For more information on philanthropy, contact: 

Joe Fetherling: [email protected] 

Jasmine Scott: [email protected] 

Micaela Choate: [email protected]

Jennifer Sigmon: [email protected]