One hundred and forty fraternity and sorority members representing 38 Greek organizations returned to Baton Rouge on Sunday with new knowledge of and appreciation for Greek life after participating in EMPOWER Weekend.
EMPOWER is a leadership retreat camp hosted by the University Greek Board of Directors, held this year at Camp Istrouma in Greenwell Springs. First-year Greek students are encouraged to participate in the annual event.
Maxwell Derrickson, biology freshman and Phi Delta Theta member, said he learned leadership skills.
“I will take the skills I learned and make Greek life stronger on [the] LSU campus,” Derrickson said.
The event educates participants on the various Greek councils and promotes bonding between chapters, according to a GBOD news release.
Laine Culotta, elementary education freshman and Zeta Tau Alpha member, said she didn’t know much about Greek councils or other chapters before attending EMPOWER.
Culotta said the weekend taught her more about Greek life.
“I got to see the differences and similarities between all the fraternities and sororities. I got to see what all brings us together — we are all Greek,” Culotta said.
The guest speaker for this year’s event was Lori Hart from CAMPUSPEAK, a company that provides speakers to higher education institutions. Hart’s speech “Making Greek Great” focused on how to make the best out of the Greek experience and encouraged students to raise their expectations for Greek life, according to a news release.
Chris Sellers, political science senior and public relations director for GBOD, said Hart’s speech was one of the key moments of the event.
“Dr. Lori Hart’s speech brought the event to a new level,” said Sellers. “She was very relatable to everyone.”
Marcus Alexander, political science and sociology senior and Phi Beta Sigma member, said the experience was exciting and exhilarating.
“I made new friends with great conversations, and I hope to bring that back here to break the barriers between the councils,” Alexander said.
 
 
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Contact Claire Caillier at [email protected]