Greek exec boards pass the torch, set future goals

Only one thing concerned Kinesiology junior Bradley Holcman as he repeated the oath to become 1998 Interfraternity Council President at the Greek executive board installations last night.

Holcman made sure he was prepared for the toss of the gavel, an IFC tradition indicating the transfer of power from the past president to his successor. According to tradition, dropping it forewarns bad luck for the coming term.

"Yesterday, I remembered last year they had the toss of the gavel," Holcman said. What worried him was that past practice attempts with a fellow IFC officer proved unsuccessful, Holcman said. "He ended up chucking it at me and I was missing quite a bit."

But Holcman came through in the clutch, catching the airborne gavel without a bobble.

Holcman then took his place among the rest of the newly inducted officers of IFC, the Panhellenic Association and the Black Greek Association as the torch was passed at the Michigan Union.

"It's important that we acknowledge the service of the men and women," said IFC adviser John Mountz.

As part of the event, previous officers pinned their replacements with ceremonial pins.

"I'm sad to be leaving because I'm a senior and it signifies the end of my college career," said outgoing Panhellenic Public Relations Chair Heather Sacks.

Panhellenic President Mary Gray said she felt her new board was succeeding a highly successful one, citing as accomplishments a large rush term philanthropy project, cracking down on hazing and the recently drafted Bring-Your-Own-Beverage policy.

"This was a board that wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo," said Panhellenic Adviser Mary Beth Seiler.

Holcman said the BYOB policy is a step in the right direction, and he hopes to introduce a similar draft on Jan. 14. He said statistics prove that by students being responsible for their own beverages, they will be more likely to stop themselves before they get drunk at parties.

"It's just going to be a more fun environment," Holcman said. "Right now, we've taken the lead nationally and are saying we're going to regulate ourselves. And that's a step I don't think other Greek communities have taken."

Holcman's other plans include programming designed to get new members more involved in the Greek system and more active searches for recruits rather than just letting interested students approach current IFC members.

Black Greek Association President Gerald Olivari claimed that one goal for his new term revolves around building bonds among the members though retreats and solid leadership.

"I think it's about marketing the group to the group," he said.

Through learning to build trust among one another, the membership will be more willing to strive toward his second major goal - being more active in community service, Olivari said.

"My theme for the term is action," he said. "I'm going to make sure we put forth a lot of programming and we move forth to unify the Black Greek Association."

12-10-97