Alpha Phi Gamma stresses multiculturalism

The sorority participates in both local and national charities.

By Travis Cornejo

Published Sept. 11, 2009

The Alpha Phi Gamma sorority will conclude its fall 2009 Recruitment Week with an invitational dinner Sept. 12.

Recruitment Week began Sept. 8 with an informational night for prospective members.

At the informational session, tables were lined with cupcakes and candy bags for both prospective and returning members. A slideshow of past memories played on a projector before the sisters began their presentation.

The event drew several prospective members, such as junior Rachel Geiger.

Geiger said she was most looking forward to the Philanthropy Night on Thursday, something Alpha Phi Gamma is partnering with the McCambridge Center to do this year.

Alpha Phi Gamma President Kim Mosberger said the McCambridge Center is a place for women who have been affected by substance abuse. The women there are on the road to recovery and making better lives for themselves.

"I'm interested in feminist issues, so I find it appealing," Geiger said. "I really love getting involved."

Thursday at the McCambridge Center, Alpha Phi Gamma members held a spa night with the women at the center, which included manicures, facials and refreshments.

"It is a good way to get into the heart of Columbia," Mosberger said.

Wednesday evening, Alpha Phi Gamma hosted a social at Going Bonkers.

It was the night junior Jessica Duong said she was looking forward to most.

"I'm a big kid at heart," Duong said.

Duong said the night is a great way to meet people in an informal setting and have some good clean fun.

Alpha Phi Gamma was officially re-chartered in 2006 by its Gamma Class.

Denise Link, an alumna of MU and Alpha Phi Gamma, was present at the informational session. She was a part of the Gamma Class.

"We saw a lack of multiculturalism in Greek Life," Link said. "We wanted the Asian community more involved in Greek Life."

When the sisters explained to the prospective members why they wanted to be a part of Alpha Phi Gamma, multiculturalism was a common theme.

"I wanted to promote multiculturalism in Greek Life, not segregation," Link said.

Another aspect of Alpha Phi Gamma the sisters stressed on the first night was philanthropy.

"Needless to say, one of our main focuses is philanthropy," Mosberger said.

Alpha Phi Gamma's official national philanthropy is the Fight Against Violence Toward Women. Previously, it has also participated in AIDS Walk, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and National House of Hope. Past local philanthropies include Take Back The Night, House that Greeks Built and Central Missouri Food Bank.

"We do at least two or three big projects a semester," Duong said. "We like to give back to others."