MSSU fraternity, sorority members honored during Greek Awards Ceremony

(From Southern News Service)

The fraternities and sororities at Missouri Southern State University recently celebrated their accomplishments both on and off campus during the annual Greek Awards Ceremony.

During 2017, the organizations raised more than $102,500 for philanthropic causes, and put in more than 7,630 community service hours. The all-Greek GPA for Fall 2017 was 2.88, and they had a retention rate of 87.5 percent from the previous year.

Awards announced during the event included:

Highest GPA: Zeta Tau Alpha, with 3.24

Most Improved GPA: Zeta Tau Alpha

Greek Laurel Award: Zeta Tau Alpha (for attending the most events sponsored by the Campus Activities Board)

Unique Project Award: Kappa Alpha Order, for the Color Run benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Outstanding Philanthropy Award: Kappa Sigma, for raising more than $5,500 in 48 hours to donate to the Military Heroes Campaign.

Outstanding Community Service Award: Kappa Alpha Order, for volunteering at the Joplin Police Department, Ronald McDonald House, Joplin School District, and sending members to Houston, Texas, to help with recovery relief after Hurricane Harvey.

Top Chapter Award: Zeta Tau Alpha.

The Order of Omega, the Greek honor society, was recognized for purchasing and donating more than 45 children’s books to the Lion Cub Adacdemy.

A number of individual awards were also announced.

Emerging Sorority Leader: Kaylea Fergerson, junior communications major, Seneca, with Zeta Tau Alpha

Emerging Fraternity Leader: Robert Yang, senior psychology major, Fairview, Mo., with Sigma Pi.

New Member of the Year: Sarah Boys, junior health science-dental hygiene major, Vinita, Okla., with Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Presidential Excellence Award: Dusti Nabors, senior communication major, Pierce City, Mo., with Alpha Sigma Alpha

Greek Woman of the Year: Bridgett Brennecke, senior accounting major, Raymore, Mo., with Zeta Tau Alpha.

Greek Man of the Year: Noah Hembree, senior secondary education-political science major, Webb City, with Kappa Sigma.

Outstanding Chapter Advisor: Kelsey Little, Joplin, with Zeta Tau Alpha.

More than 40 students were recognized for achieving academic honors, earning a 3.5-3.99 GPA or a 4.0.