Spanier speaks to Greek system

During an informal question-and-answer session last night, University President Graham Spanier addressed the concerns of Interfraternity Council members at Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, 508 Locust Lane.

"Penn State is very fortunate to have one of the largest, if not the largest, fraternity and sorority systems in the U.S.," he said. Spanier pledged his support to the Greek system, encouraging its members to approach him for assistance at any time.

As president, Spanier said he has received an immense number of comments concerning the fraternity system. Just a year ago, most of the feedback regarded noise and behavior violations, but after meeting with community representatives just days ago, he said he has seen that residents' tone and focus has become more positive.

"This tells me something has changed," he said, adding that the change could positively influence other organizations on campus.

"I'd like to see an IFC presence in other areas," Spanier said. "There is no other organization on campus that is quite as well-organized."

Council members later voiced concern about the distance between the fraternity system and the University. In response, Spanier said he would like to recreate the relationship which existed between the two groups several years ago. The Statement of Understanding, a list of University principles which fraternities pledge to uphold, is an integral part of this relationship, he said.

At the same time he commended the council on its improvements, he also addressed other areas the group must consider.

"I have considerable concerns about the excessive consumption of alcohol," Spanier said, adding that he hopes IFC will continue to address this and other issues which face both the council and the University as a whole.

Steve Gordon, outgoing IFC president, said the council has wanted the president to attend a meeting for several months to answer questions from its members.

"There have been a lot of misconceptions about his views," Gordon said.

Spanier's support will be "incredibly important" during the next year, said Gordon Savage, incoming IFC president. Savage said he hopes Spanier will play an active supporting role in accomplishing goals which he and the council have laid out for the fraternity system.