Alumni Pep Supper Supports Fraternity, Sorority Life

By Amy S. Mercer | November 2, 2021

A Pep Supper event circa 1927.

The Pep Supper at the College of Charleston is a cherished tradition, dating back nearly 100 years. The event began as a dinner dance in the “Roaring Twenties” and has continued to grow over the decades as a staple of Greek Life at CofC that celebrates student-athletes and raises funds for a local organization.

For the entire month of November, Greek alumni can participate in the virtual Alumni Pep Supper competition to benefit students engaged in Greek Life at the College. Alumni can donate $5 or more in support of their fraternity or sorority organization to win the Alumni Pep Supper. Three winning organizations will get bragging rights and private VIP areas at the next A Charleston Affair based upon:

  1. Most funds donated
  2. Highest number of donors
  3. Highest percentage of members donating

“Our goal is to raise $50,000 from at least 1,000 donors during the month of November to support Greek Life at CofC,” says Laurie Minges ’83, vice president of the College’s Alumni Association and chair of the Give Back Committee. “Fraternities and sororities create lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, demand academic achievement and instill service to the community as a core value. We want to expand and enhance these opportunities for CofC students.”

The Division of Student Affairs will use the new funding to eliminate financial barriers for CofC students who wish to join a fraternity or sorority and to enhance leadership development and other programs for students participating in Greek Life.

During last year’s inaugural Alumni Pep Supper campaign, more than 500 donors representing 24 different Greek organizations gave $21,475 in support of the Student Emergency Fund. The three Greek organizations who won VIP reunions at the next A Charleston Affair to be held May 14, 2022, include:

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for amount raised with $3,680
  • Alpha Delta Pi sorority for number of donors with 81
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., for the second-highest participation rate at 10%.

“Last year, we were overwhelmed by the photos and memories alumni shared of their time at the College,” Minges continued. “Alumni Pep Supper is a fun way to celebrate an important College tradition and support current students. We can’t wait to see who wins this year!”

Alumni and graduating student members of the winning organizations will be upgraded to their VIP areas with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Donations will support students in attaining their academic and leadership potential, help build character by participation in community service events and cultivate lifelong friendships.

Donate by Nov. 30, 2021, to help your Greek organization win Alumni Pep Supper!