Greek Unity Social highlights fellowship of National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations at OHIO

To create a sense of unity and togetherness on campus, Ohio University’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion hosted the inaugural National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Unity Social on Oct. 23 on the Baker University Center fifth floor.

The NPHC is a governing body for nine historically black greek letter organizations (aka Divine Nine) that began on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington D.C.

OHIO Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Gigi Secuban said the idea was to bring together the black greek community – students, faculty and staff – for a chance to mingle and network.

Senior Jewel Henderson, Ohio University president of NPHC and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, said the Greek Unity Social was important to have in today’s greek climate because it highlighted the positive impact of true fellowship within NPHC.

“It was a great time to focus on the good in our community, while showcasing pride in our respective organizations,” Henderson said. “Watching undergraduate students connect and bond with faculty and staff members from different NPHC organizations was a personal highlight that was heartwarming and refreshing to witness.” 

Henderson said she would love to see more greek unity events held in the future.

“This was a great break for us all from our busy schedules and provided us the opportunity to share recent accomplishments, discuss ways to better serve our community, and just relax and enjoy good food,” she said.

Tyrone Carr, special assistant to the vice president for University Advancement, executive director of the Interlink Alliance and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, said he enjoyed seeing the students, faculty and staff fraternizing with each other.

“I met the new members of sorority Sigma Gamma Rho for the first time and also members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,” Carr said. “Each organization that is active on campus was present and engaging in conversations with each other. It was well attended.”

Dr. Tanisha King-Taylor, interim chief inclusion officer in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, said that as a new member to the Bobcat family (less than eight months on the job), it was important to her to connect with her greek family on campus.

“I wanted to meet my sorors and other members of the “Divine Nine,” both students and staff,” Dr. King-Taylor said. “The connection to these groups is important to me because it enhances my sense of belonging, especially at a predominantly white institution. Being new, I can’t speak to the climate of greek life on campus, but without this event I would not have met nearly as many other greek community members.”

Caryn Bailey, assistant director of development for diversity and inclusion and university initiatives, said she also enjoyed the first-time event.

“As an administrator and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., it was wonderful connecting with other greek administrators and the undergraduate greek members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council,” Bailey said. “Many kudos to my soror Dr. Gigi Secuban for all of her diligent work in creating this inaugural Greek Unity Social. It was a great time had by all.”

Dr. Secuban said her division plans on hosting another Greek Unity Social in the spring that will celebrate the graduating seniors.