The Inter-Greek Council hosted its annual Greek block party on Friday afternoon in an effort to offer the student body an opportunity to interact with Tufts' sororities and fraternities.
Members of various fraternity and sorority houses set up booths and activities along Professors Row. This year's fall-themed party featured activities such as pumpkin carving hosted by Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity (SigEp) and wing-eating contests organized by the brothers of Delta Tau Delta (DTD).
Sophomore Nathan Beaton, a brother in DTD, lauded the event for facilitating interaction between the Greek community and students. "It's really nice to see the greater Tufts community interact with the Greek community in such a positive way," Beaton said.
Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) brother David Cohen, a junior, agreed that the block party was a beneficial setting in which to promote the Greek community's image. "It opens up the Greek community to everyone else," Cohen said. "The Greek community is not just about parties."
Greek members treated attendees to a wide variety of free food. The brothers of Delta Upsilon (DU) grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, while the sisters of Chi Omega and Alpha Phi offered caramel apples and frozen yogurt, respectively.
Junior Alex Ross, president of DU, felt that the event went well and noticed an increase in interest among the student body compared to that generated by last year's block party.
"Last year was successful and it is more successful this year; there are more people," Ross said. "It's a chance to give back to the community, the neighborhood and students who support us."
Zeta Psi brother Tyler Krizan felt that the event was key to boosting the Greek community's presence and standing on campus. "It helps make the Greek system more of a big deal at Tufts," Krizan, a senior, said. "The school tends to have a negative attitude [toward] the Greek system; it is not mentioned in tours and is downplayed."
The block party also provided an opportunity for members of the different Greek houses to come together and interact. "It promotes Greek unity. It's fun to see all the fraternities and sororities mixing and playing each other's games," sophomore Lizzie Sager, a sister in Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII), said.
Brionna Jimerson, a freshman, appreciated the chance to interact with the Greek community. "I think it's a safe way for Tufts to learn about Greek life here," Jimerson said. "There's no pressure, it's completely safe and fun."
Freshman Xiachong Yao said she enjoyed herself at the block party. "They've got good food and it's pretty fun," Yao said.
Freshmen Kaitlyn Leidl and Yulia Korovikov said that their favorite was the caramel apple booth, while freshman Kerry McGinn enjoyed Sigma Nu's tie-dye booth.
