NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council held NPHC Week Sept. 13-18, bringing together members of historically Black Greek-letter organizations and the campus community through service, fellowship and activities throughout the week.
The week included a church service, Meet the Greeks, Pack the Pantry Bingo, a service project at the Boys & Girls Club, an NPHC photoshoot and Feel Good Friday. The events provided opportunities for students to learn more about the council and its member organizations while emphasizing service and community involvement.
Nation Elie, president of NSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, said the week included several opportunities for members to serve and connect with others on campus.
“We partnered with BCM, and we are going to do nice notes to pass out to people, and we’re going to host a little volleyball event afterwards,” Elie said.
Service was a central part of the week. On Thursday, Sept. 17, NPHC members participated in a service project at the Natchitoches Boys & Girls Club. Members introduced children to NPHC by giving them an opportunity to create their own mock organization, including a motto, colors and mascot.
“We are actually going to go to the Boys & Girls Club and do a mock NPHC org so the kids can get a good understanding of what we do,” Elie said. “We kind of give them an opportunity to make their own organization, their own motto, their own colors, their own mascot.”
Landon Kately, vice president of NSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, said serving younger members of the community gives NPHC members an opportunity to model leadership and professionalism.
“I feel like the community needs young people to show the way for even younger generations,” Kately said. “I think it’s important to show the youth what leadership looks like, what professionalism looks like, and just help them and set them up for their future.”
Elie said NPHC members have developed relationships with children at the Boys & Girls Club through their involvement there.
“I think it is going to be really fun because they look up to us,” Elie said. “They get really excited when we come. They know us by name, we know them by name, so I think it is going to be really fun to go and do that with them.”
Other events throughout the week created opportunities for students to interact with NPHC members on campus, including Pack the Pantry Bingo, tabling and outreach to students and employees. The week concluded Friday with Feel Good Friday at the Student Union.