Mr. Heartthrob Pageant

Last year's contestants strutting their stuff in the opening dance
Photo by: Annie Williams

Come check out the much anticipated Mr. Heartthrob pageant this Thursday February 24, 2011 that is put on annually by Alpha Phi Sorority. The event is a male "beauty pageant" that includes one male from each fraternity on campus. The pageant is held each year in the gym at Wilson High School which is quite convenient because it is just minutes from the CSULB campus.

Collectively the gentlemen open the show with a choreographed dance number, then individually perform a talent, swimwear, formal wear, and question and answer section. Junior Kelcie Griffith who help produce the show describes the pageant as, "A great event because not only does it get every fraternity involved, it gets the whole greek community because everyone wants to see what these guys are made of". The show is an audience favorite because all of the contestants "work out some sick dance moves" and really show off their personalities, Griffith said.

The goal of the pageant is to raise money for the Alpha Phi foundation and Women's cardiac care. These causes are something that Alpha Phi has been supporting for quite some time. At the end of World War II, Alpha Phi was looking for a cause that would be beneficial on a international level during peace time. According to the Alpha Phi Foundation website, rheumatic fever was a common and debilitating disease that caused serious damage to the heart. This disease was the number one cause of death for school age children in the United States. They wanted to not only help these children, they wanted to broaden their cause to help anyone. Cardiac aid fit the bill, and numerous chapter all across America and Canada began to donate funds and services for heart health projects. Today, Alpha Phi has recognized that heart disease is the number one killer of women in North America, and has raised over $1 million for the cardiac health initiative. According to President Annie Williams, last year alone their chapter raised over $5000 and hope to exceed that this year.

The event starts at 7pm sharp, but doors open at 6:30pm so come early for good seats. Also, don't forget to buy your ticket, pre-sale tickets are $5,but tickets will also still be sold at the door for $7. The event promises a fun and entertaining night for Greek and non-Greek students alike. For a little taste of what you will expect, check out the opening dance from last years pageant.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EdMxVCjRFU

Why Greek Life?

Here at CSULB, there are numerous outlets that allow students to get involved on campus and meet new people, one of the most common and well known are Sororities and Fraternities. These outlets not only allow for lifelong friends and a busy social calendar, they enhance the overall experience of college. With these great attributes comes many misconceptions and rumors that are not necessarily true. There are four values in particular that Cal State Long Beach holds these organizations to.

For one, when you join a sorority or a fraternity you are not paying for friends and constantly party in your free time. Being a member of greek life means that you choose to be a leader on campus, get involved with numerous service and philanthropy opportunities, be successful academically, and of course create friendships that will last for a lifetime. Many students at Long Beach State are extremely involved in other campus outlets and clubs as well. They hold positions on ASI, are part of the President's Ambassadors, as well as well known clubs on campus. These organizations also help to broaden your experiences and offer numerous ways to network.

Second, is the most obvious and the most well known attribute of the Greek system, which of course is friendship. Friendship is the basis of many of fraternities and sororities because of the fact that Cal State Long Beach is large campus. It is sometimes hard to make solid friendships with people, especially when you know absolutely no one. Greek organizations can be a surrogate family for those far from home, the support system you need when struggling with classes, and the friends that last for the rest of your life.

The Greek community also embraces service, and the importance of giving back and making a difference in fun and creative ways. Every chapter has a cause that they support, and they always offer numerous ways for students to give back to the community and be very hands-on. This aspect is very important because students are able to really stand behind a cause and fundraise money, while meeting other Greek members.

The last aspect of the Greek system, and one of the most important is scholarship. The fact is that people go to college to learn, and Greek organizations want to make sure that you are successful in your college years. Chapters usually put on events or sponsor study hours to ensure that their members are doing what they came to do in college, learn and graduate. Regardless of your major, you will always be able to find a Greek member that has similar classes and projects. These organization offer support, tutoring if needed, and scholastic awards for those who are working hard.

Overall, being involved in the Greek system will help to enrich the experience of college. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, network with professionals, and better the community. The experience is what you make of it, and can really only enhance the time you spend in college.