Greek organizations have been around Gustavus for over 100 years. To go Greek, is to join a sorority or fraternity bound together by brotherhood or sisterhood, common values, and aspirations.These students participate in social events, develop leadership skills, and make lifelong friends as members of sororities and fraternities. There are six sororities and five fraternities on campus, and almost one-fifth of the student body is Greek.
Since Greeks are such a large part of the Gustavus community, the leadership positions must be filled by individuals capable of taking on responsibilities necessary for the group. Recently, two new members joined the Inter-Greek Senate, the governing body of Greek life on campus.. Brittney Salsman will be taking place of Megan Ruble as a Greek Advisor on campus, and Katelyn Spooner will be taking Blair Whitney’s position as graduate assistant.
“The change in advisors is something that the Greek community is very excited for. I can’t think of a better situation in which a turnover in position can benefit a community more,” Co-President of IGS Torey Asao said.
Salsman worked at Gustavus four years ago with the orientation program and was looking for a new opportunity when she found out about the interim Assistant Director of Campus Activities position.
“I knew very quickly that it was an opportunity I could not pass up. It will provide me with new experiences and knowledge within my field, and I feel I have a lot to offer to the Campus Activities Office in general,” Salsman said.
Salsman says that she was not a sorority member, but had many close friends that were Greek. Greek life was a large part of her undergraduate experience, and she attended many events and participated in community service with Greek members.
“I don’t feel it is necessary to have been part of a Greek organization to understand the intricacies of Greek Life here. I think it actually plays to my benefit and the benefit of the chapters that I do not have other direct experience to compare this to. This allows me to work with the chapters here to provide the support necessary for the unique needs of the Gustavus chapters,” Salsman said.
Similar to Salsman, Spooner came to Gustavus without having been in a sorority. Spooner claims that she does not think it will hinder her abilities.
“You need to be willing to learn new things and I hope my experience with different cultures in other positions I have held will give me the motivation to get out there and learn and be willing to help students at Gustavus within the role of an advisor to Greeks,” Spooner said.
Spooner came to Gustavus as a graduate assistant in the Campus Activities Office after graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato in the Counseling and Student Personnel emphasis on Student Affairs Program.
“I wanted to come to Gustavus to try something new in student affairs. I previously worked within the housing department and wanted to expand my horizons,” Spooner said.
Salsman and Spooner both have high hopes for the future of the Greeks here at Gustavus, and hope to have a positive impact on the students and the community with their new leadership positions.
“We are excited to be working exclusively with Brittany and Katelyn and have high hopes for them restoring a relationship between the Greeks and the administration,” Asao said.
Spooner and Salsman are both pleased with their new positions and have expressed how they hope to benefit IGS and the Greeks.
“I want to be able to work with IGS to help them accomplish their goals for the year within the Greek community and to help them grow as individuals and a cohesive group,” Spooner said.
“My plan with IGS, and with all chapters, is to promote their success. Each chapter, as well as IGS, has their own goals respective to their values and history. I think it’s important to acknowledge the history here at Gustavus, but also to take the next steps in building a strong Greek community that will be sustainable [many years] from now.” Salsman said.