FSPAC

Political Action Committee generations of student leaders 3 Why We Give Bonnie Wunsch, AEΦ Why do I give to the FSPAC? It's something I've done for many years, having attended an FSPAC reception when they were still held on Capitol Hill—and the women's organizations were not yet active in the work of visiting Congress every spring. In the beginning, I was passionate about CHIA and fighting for parity in giving. Greek housing is an important, valuable asset that should be able to be supported through tax-deductible gifts. While this passion is still burning, there has been more added to the FSPAC's plate and priorities. Increasingly, the importance of single-sex organizations and the freedom of association have come to the forefront and become even greater passions—unfortunately often out of necessity. I am becoming tired of having to fight the fight to keep our groups on college campuses across the country. We bring value to our members, to our campuses, and to our communities. We are the best co-curricular activity students can join. What other organizations provide a values- based experience where students learn leadership skills, service to others, and accountability while receiving support for their academic pursuits and preparing them to be active, positive community members? The fight, however, has now become personal. I am the parent of a college freshman who, in his first days at school, called and said, "Mom, I am probably going to want to join a fraternity… hope that's okay." Okay—need he even ask? I look forward to him enjoying the lifetime benefits of fraternity membership and friendships and being able to excel in a single-sex organization as he did at his all-male high school. I am thankful he's at an institution where he has these choices; not all freshmen are so lucky. For students to be able to choose to join a fraternity or sorority, to be able to enjoy the known benefits of a single-sex organization, to be able to develop as well-rounded collegians, we must keep fighting the good fight. We must support the work of the FSPAC, which leads our efforts to preserve the fraternal experience we all hold dear. We have no choice… I have no choice. Dana Patton, AΔΠ (University of Central Florida) and Dave Patton, ΣAE (University of Central Florida and Harvard Law) Greek life has been an important part of our family experience for 30 years. My husband and I were both leaders in our collegiate Greek experiences and remain proponents of the Greek system. It, along with our academic experience, shaped us into the adult leaders we are today. We are proud of both of our daughters, who have also recently chosen to go Greek. I am confident they will grow through the exposure to leadership, service to others, and friendship. It will give them so many real-life opportunities they won't get exposed to in the classroom. The life skills learned in a sorority or fraternity are priceless! President Ben Satcher Jr., KA Order President Elect Andrea Bechtel, XΩ Vice President Fundraising Mike Greenberg, ΣX Vice President Political Affairs Tom Decker, ΔΣΦ Vice President Communications Donna Chereck, AXΩ Secretary Toby Roth, ΘX 2021 FSPAC Executive Committee Treasurer Val Lawlor, AΦ Executive Director Kevin O'Neill, ΛΧΑ Executive Committee Members David Ashinoff, ΣX Mary Jane Beach, KAΘ Maureen Calloway Carnevale, AΔΠ Tom Carter, ΠKΦ Laurie Connor, KAΘ Vicki Nixon, ΔΓ Howard Pickett, ΣN Larry Wiese, KA Order "I firmly believe that a shared living experience enhances the development of women on campuses across the country like the experience in university-owned housing. Housing supports academic pursuits, leadership opportunities, and friendship building. Through fraternity/sorority chapter facilities, membership organizations like Alpha Chi Omega are providing a positive environment where women can connect, lead, grow, and serve. It is my hope that the members of Congress will endorse and pass the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act and allow us to continue to invest meaningfully in our chapter facilities. Please support these efforts on behalf of FSPAC." Lynne B. Herndon National President Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc.

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