The UTC Lambda Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Alpha Iota chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity kicked off the inaugural Kans for a Kause Food Drive this month, to address the rising number of people within the region who struggle with hunger. This student-led food drive continues in the UTC University Center each Monday until Nov. 6, where everyone can contribute non-perishable food items. All the food will be donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
“The Lambda Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and The Alpha Iota chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity both share a mantra right now of restoration," explained Solomon Puryear, kappa Alpha Psi representative. "Both fraternities wanted to bring the message of outreach to UTC’s campus after chapter hiatuses, and what better way for the two chapters to return than with the Kans 4 a Kause Food Drive? We felt the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s mission on ending hunger in the city was parallel to our mantra for the semester."
Kans for a Kause Food Drive is just one of the many ways UTC students support the community.
“Student Development does not capture everything our students do individually and collectively, but the snapshot we have is impressive,” said Dr. John Delaney, vice chancellor of Student Development. “There are large groups like Greek Show participants who have donated thousands of dollars to the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, and the smaller groups who do service on and off campus to create a rich experience, not only for those who benefit from the good works, but for the students themselves.”
World hunger is also on the minds of sorority sisters in Omega Phi Alpha, according to Emily Saad. The group is raising money for 30 Hour Famine, an organization that helps feed families in third world countries and provides tools for them to feed themselves year-round. From Oct. 22-24, look for signs on campus with facts about world hunger and information about the Omega Phi Alpha fundraiser. The sorority plans to fast for 30 hours to raise awareness.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will sponsor “A night of Truth,” poetry and spoken words at the UTC University Center Auditorium on Monday, beginning at 8 p.m. This fundraiser will create awareness of breast cancer and domestic violence.
Earlier in fall semester, ecology-minded UTC students in Ecological Decisions for a Global Environment participated in the annual Tennessee River Rescue, hauling bags of trash from the banks and shallow water. Twenty students rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to help.
“We found a bunch of bottles, cans, Styrofoam, and more," said Sara Neumann, who headed up the UTC effort. "We found a raccoon skull, a bird skull, and a large sheet of aluminum that’s as long as my car." That was a huge sheet of aluminum—Ms. Neumann drives a Honda CRV.
Students who applied for the homecoming court offered their service at the Davis Retirement Home on Duncan Avenue in Highland Park.
“We did a variety of tasks including pruning the outside bushes, weeding, washing the windows and walls, wiping down the banisters and tables, mopping and sweeping the floor, cleaning the backyard and raking the dead grass, and making centerpiece arrangements for the tables," said Allison Quintanilla, who participated in the service project and was the recipient of the Public Service Award, presented during half time of the UTC Homecoming Game. "After all the physical jobs were done we sat down and had conversations with the residents.”
Gamma Phi Beta hosted a fall carnival to raise money for its philanthropic cause, building strong girls. Haley Wilson and her sorority sisters raised $4,000 at the Gamma Phi Beta UTC Crescent Carnival.