Campus Greeks extended an invitation to the entire University community this week with a showcase of events and activities.
About 10 Greek organizations hosted a carnival for the children of the University’s Laboratory School Wednesday near the LSU System building as a part of Greek Week 2004 festivities.
Nearly 100 children under the age of 10 participated in the event sponsored by campus Greek organizations according to Assistant Director of Greek Affairs Jerrel Wade. He said it is important for Greeks to get involved in the community.
“I think it’s important for Greeks to spend time outside of the Greek community,” Wade said. “This is an opportunity to expand their horizons and get involved in community service.”
Each of the participating organizations sponsored a table with games and prizes.
Eight-year-old Chancely Courson, a second grader at the University Laboratory School, participated in the carnival.
“I like the game with the fish,” Courson said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Other games included a bean bag toss and a space walk.
“It’s good to have kids see Greeks in a positive role,” said Blake Tucker, a business sophomore who is serving as the group’s unofficial president. “We want to show kids we’re not all bad.”
Greek Week was kicked off with an auction Monday night similar to the reality TV shows “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.” The auction was held at the Lod Cook Alumni Center.
On Tuesday, members of several Greek organizations attended a seminar that could enable University students to save lives across the nation.
Lana Stevens, the community outreach coordinator for the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, and Sally Ginsberg, also of LOPA, spoke to Greeks about the importance of organ donation.
“One organ donor can save up to eight people,” Stevens said.
Throughout the nation, 83,000 people currently are on the waiting list to receive organs. That includes 1,600 people in Louisiana, Stevens said.
“Have you ever seen Tiger Stadium full?” Stevens said. “That is about the number of people that are in need of transplants.”
Students questioned Stevens and Ginsberg if being classified as a donor on their driver’s license made them an organ donor.
“Having your wishes to be a donor on your license is one way to tell your next of kin that you want to be an organ donor,” Stevens said. “Your family is the one making the decision so you really [need] to vocally inform them of your wishes.”
Stevens said that your family can refuse donation even if you are listed as a donor on your license.
She also addressed several myths about organ donation.
“Organ donation is not opposed by any major religious organization, it does not prevent open-casket funerals, and it costs you and your family nothing,” Stevens said.
Several members of the Greek community have had personal experience with the benefits of organ donation.
“A family friend of mine had two failed kidneys at 16 years old,” said Amanda Waltmon, a mass communication sophomore and member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. “He was on the waiting list for a long time, living with a dialysis machine. Last year he got a transplant and has been able to live a more normal life. It was a miracle.”
Stevens said she was not trying to persuade students to become organ donors.
“I just want to educate students on how to share life,” Stevens said.
Greek Week events continue tonight with bowling at Circle Bowl on Florida Street to raise money for the “I Like Mike” campaign to build a new home for Mike, LSU’s mascot and will end Friday with “Trots for Tots,” a 5K run to raise money for the University’s Language Preschool.
— Reveille Contributing writer Katie Yust contributed to this article.