Green Key weekend marks the first time Phi Delta Alpha fraternity will host an event since being de-recognized in March 2000. Brothers anticipate the attendance of hundreds of students and alumni for the festivities, starting at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Phi Delt will be teaming up with their next door neighbor, the Tabard, to host the outdoor campus party. Partygoers will enjoy a concert performance on the Phi Delt lawn by Strangefolk, a folk and rock band from Vermont. The band played at Psi Upsilon fraternity during Winter Carnival in 1996, and today will mark their second appearance at Dartmouth.
The Tabard will be offering a hamburger and hot dog barbecue in conjunction with the show. Guests are free to enjoy soda, but no alcohol will be served.
Tabard president Maia Josebachvili '05 explained that the party was a "really cool idea" that has been weeks in the planning.
The two houses decided to join forces because it's "not a project any one house can do alone, and it's great to have the Greek houses coming together. I hope this starts a trend," explained Josebachvili. She expects to see an impressive turnout of students and about 50 " 100 alumni for the party.
Robert Freiman '05, president of Phi Delt, also anticipates a good showing of alumni since this year's Green Key weekend has been one of the more important goals of the Phi Delt Corporation.
"We're expecting a large turnout to kick off Green Key weekend. Our alumni are playing a key role in the planning and financial aspects of the block party," he said.
Former Phi Delt president Bradford Crevier '01 will be returning to campus along with many other members of his class. He said he is pleased that the house will be active again and feels the party is a great way to begin the process. Because the house is not associated with sports, it is unified by music, he said.
"Alumni view Green Key as special. More alumni come back for Green Key than Homecoming," Crevier said.
The annual celebration's success will be an important step in the reintegration of the Phi Delt brotherhood on campus. At the moment, the house is still considered a colony. That is, it is only recognized by the College on a trial basis.
The Phi Delt house at 5 Webster Avenue has been empty for the past year. During Fall term 2002, 19 members joined, and six more joined in the Spring term of this year. The 25 brothers hope to be able to live in the house again soon, an important step toward being recognized as a fraternity. The complex holds 24 brothers, but only a fraction will opt to live in the house, Freiman said.
Next door at 3 Webster Avenue, the co-ed members of Tabard expressed their support.
"It's really great that Tabard can help Phi Delt make it back onto the scene. The block party has been one of the most fun events of Green Key weekend. I'm glad Tabard can be a part of it," Kamil Walji '03 said.
Freiman said he is appreciative of all the support his house has received. He acknowledges that his neighbors next door have been "very supportive and instrumental" in the planning of their joint venture and Phi Delt's re-recognition.
Josebachvili and Freiman spoke with other Greek houses on Webster Avenue, the College's Programming Board and a myriad of other potential sponsors to get funding for the event.
Their efforts translated into two major sponsors " the College's Programming Board and the Bigger Better Later program. Other Greek houses and the Student Assembly have also been supportive.
Freiman reported that the event's price tag now hovers around $7,500, but will likely exceed that figure. The money will cover expenses related to the event, such as additional security, sound permits, and the cost to block off Webster Avenue during the bash.
On a campus where Greek houses and College administrators have been at odds in the past, the administration showed support for Phi Delt/Tabard non-alcoholic kick-off event.
"The collaboration between Phi Delta Alpha Colony and the Tabard is a great start to Green Key weekend," said Cassie Barnhardt, assistant dean of residential life. "It is nice to see their combined efforts put forth to hosting a large scale, fun, alcohol free event that will not only be enjoyable, but has a charitable emphasis as well. Hopefully, with the campus community's support, it will be a entertaining and safe way to begin Green Key weekend."
In addition to the band and barbecue, one Tabardite, Mariah Bowen '03, is excited about another attraction to the party.
"I'm excited about the Slip and Slide!" she said. "It costs 50 cents, you can put it on DA$H and the money goes to DREAM. It's a good cause that helps children. Do it for the kids!"
