With new leadership, a busy event calendar and plans for a new Center for Greek Life underway, NIU’s Fraternity and Sorority Life is poised for an impactful path forward.
Among recent initiatives, eight fraternity and sorority leaders recently attended the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV) and National Black Greek Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. Hosted Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, the conference is the largest gathering of fraternity and sorority students nationwide, providing leadership training and networking opportunities.
Joined by McKenzie Pendry, NIU’s new senior associate director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, students representing the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (PHC) networked with more than 4,000 peers and industry professionals.
“The students showed up ready to learn and engage,” said Vicki Gerentes, NIU’s new director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “We are thrilled that these Huskies had the opportunity to represent NIU this year and gain valuable insights and connections. They left inspired and ready to bring new ideas back to campus.”
Along with Gerentes and Pendry, NIU also recently welcomed Natilee Morey, a graduate assistant, to the Fraternity and Sorority Life team. Each bring experience and passion to their roles.
A proud Delta Gamma alumna with a master’s degree in higher education from Loyola University Chicago, Gerentes brings experience from multiple institutions and national organizations.
“My goals are to create a space of possibility for developing leadership skills, a sense of belonging and positive contribution to the Huskie family,” said Gerentes, who also serves as the primary advisor for the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Council.
Earning a master’s degree in student affairs from Ball State University, Pendry is currently pursuing a doctor of education in student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Focused on inclusivity and student development, she also advises the IFC and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).
Each member of the new leadership team has become a strong advocate of the Greek Life experience at NIU.
“Fraternity and sorority life provides members with a unique opportunity to experience community engagement, leadership development, personal growth, social impact and connection with others in a fun and fulfilling way meant to last a lifetime,” Pendry said.
“This experience transcends the boundaries of NIU; many of our chapters have national organizations that connect our students to other students and alumni across the world. Joining a fraternity or a sorority is joining something bigger than yourself.”
With plans for the new Center for Greek Life advancing and involvement in Greek Life growing, it’s an exciting time to be part of Fraternity and Sorority Life at NIU, FSL leaders say.
Fundraising efforts are underway for the approximately 17,000-square-foot Center for Greek Life to be constructed near the intersection of West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road in DeKalb.
The center will serve as a hub for collaboration, leadership development and community-building among Greek organizations.
As fundraising for the center continues, NIU’s Fraternity and Sorority Life members also are focused on a busy semester ahead.
Students are petitioning to reinstate the Order of Omega, an honor society recognizing academic and leadership excellence. Other upcoming initiatives and events include:
- A unity stroll presented by NPHC this month at Huntley Middle School to celebrate Black History Month.
- Multicultural Greek Council’s annual showcase to highlight student leadership in March.
- The IFC Men’s Tugs Championship, a long-standing tradition, on April 12.
Greek Life by the Numbers
Fall 2024 recruitment saw 882 students involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life at NIU, including 601 active members and 281 new members. A breakdown of those numbers by council follows:
- IFC — 257 total, 137 new
- MGC — 119 total, 38 new
- NPHC — 43 total, 8 new
- PHC — 182 total, 98 new
