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January 27, 2012

ULM Greeks invade Cajun Country during retreat

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's Office of Greek Life held its annual Greek Retreat Jan. 20-22 in Ville Platte.

The purpose of the weekend was to challenge Greek leaders to rethink leadership, define their values, and discover what the fraternity and sorority experience at ULM is all about.

The weekend included many educational programs and team building activities that were highlighted by a day of service.

Over 30 ULM Greek students participated in the day of service sponsored by the City of Ville Platte.

Students were able to meet and interact with city officials, including the Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, while also giving back to the South Central Louisiana region by completing various tasks and beautification projects.

Their afternoon of service was followed by a visit to the famous "Swamp Museum" located in Ville Platte.

"Community service and philanthropy are an important part of Greek life," said ULM Greek advisor Keith Hembree.

"We felt that in order for Greek students to maximize their experience this weekend, it was important for us to not only to give back but to make a difference with the people of Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish."

The day of service began that morning at the Ville Platte City Hall and was followed by projects at a local park, downtown area and city office building.

Brooke Dugas, president of ULM's Student Government Association and member of Kappa Delta Sorority, had this to say about this weekend's Greek Retreat, "Community Service is an ideal part of our values and philosophies as Greeks here at ULM.

We felt that by giving back to an area of south Louisiana, we were not only making a difference but showing another part of the state what it truly means to be a Warhawk."

According to Hembree, The ULM Office of Greek Life is charged with advising the 16 nationally-recognized fraternities and sororities at ULM.

Traditionally, Greek organizations at ULM are strong contributors to the improvement of the university and the community.

Founded on principles of scholarship, leadership, community service, and development of lifelong friendships, they still practice these fundamental principles in their pursuit of excellence every day.

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