The 2014 Greek Awards Ceremony was held Wednesday night to recognize members and chapters in the Greek system at The University of Mississippi.
The ceremony was held in the C.M. Tad Smith Coliseum. Members of organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and National Panhellenic Council attended to honor their chapters and fellow Greeks.
The Omega Theta chapter of the Order of Omega and the Office of Greek affairs hosted the ceremony.
Coordinator of Greek Affairs Norris “EJ” Edney began by introducing the program’s two masters of ceremonies, Cipriano Apicelli and Ann Marie Mercier.
Apicelli, vice president of the Order of Omega and member of Sigma Pi fraternity, explained the values of the Order of Omega.
“The Order of Omega values scholarship, leadership and service and strives to bring the Greek community together as a positive influence on campus,” Apicelli said.
Chapter awards were given to those organizations that were deemed excellent and outstanding in the following categories: administrative compliance, chapter affiliation, campus involvement, new member education, membership development, philanthropy, community service, risk management and highest GPA.
Individual awards included Emerging Leader, Outstanding New Member, Outstanding Chapter President, Community Servant and Community Spirit.
Summer Wigley, sophomore and member of Alpha Omicron Pi, won the individual award for Emerging Leader.
“I was shocked,” Wigley said. “I’m really honored and humbled.”
Edney then presented Gabe LaBonia, a member of Kappa Sigma, with Greek Man of the Year. LaBonia said he was thankful to the Greek community for the award.
“I’m honored to receive the award,” LaBonia said. “I owe it all to the great Greek community here at Ole Miss.”
Greek Woman of the Year was given to Ann Marie Mercier of Delta Gamma.
Concluding the ceremony, Edney and the masters of ceremonies presented the highest awards to a chapter from each of the three councils. The first cup named for former Dean of Students Sparky Reardon was awarded to Delta Psi of the IFC. The NPHC cup named for Rose Flenorl was awarded to Alpha Phi Alpha.
Kappa Kappa Gamma of the NPC was awarded the Chancellor’s Cup for overall excellence.
Allie Winters, chair of both campus and alumnae relations for Kappa Kappa Gamma, said she was excited about the award.
“I think it’s a great honor for all our girls to be recognized in our efforts in the community, on campus, and in Greek life,” Winters said. “We’re so thankful for this honor.”
President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Hannah Hudson said she did not expect the award.
“We’re surprised but proud to win the Chancellor’s Cup for the second year in a row,” Hudson said. “Congratulations to all other organizations on their individual recognitions.”
— Anna McCollum
aemccoll@go.olemiss.edu
