While most of the brothers at Acacia fraternity Wednesday night greeted Penn State President Graham Spanier with a handshake, one of residents took a different approach: he barked.
Since the resident in question -- Meeko, a black cocker spaniel -- is one of Acacia's house dogs, Spanier wasn't entirely taken aback. But the dog's enthusiastic greeting mirrored his owners' at Wednesday night's dinner at Acacia, where the fraternity hosted Spanier, Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims and Director of Greek Life Roy Baker.
Acacia Secretary Mike Lampariello said the evening was a way for the fraternity to "sort of return the favor" -- Acacia brothers ate at Spanier's house last semester after winning the Interfraternity Council's (IFC) Chapter of the Year award.
"This dinner is a great way to connect our fraternity with the administration and have a clear line of communication regarding a variety of issues," Lampariello said.
Spanier, Sims and Baker mingled with students before the dinner and spoke afterward, emphasizing that Acacia sets an example for other fraternities to follow.
"We have some [fraternities] that are struggling, some that have had problems and some, like yours, that are really excellent examples of what's possible," Spanier said. "Thanks for being one of the leaders."
After Acacia President Tony Feo produced two decks of cards, Spanier performed several magic tricks for the fraternity members.
"I love magic tricks," Feo said afterward, laughing. "I tried showing him some of mine, but obviously they didn't compare."
Though discussion at the dinner table ranged from the Philadelphia Phillies' World Series run to Penn State's upcoming game against Ohio State, the evening also had a more serious note. Attendees continually stressed the importance of presenting a different image of fraternities, one focused more on service than partying.
"Yes, you have great parties," Baker said. "But you also raise a lot of money, do a lot of service, do a lot of good." He added that Acacia "consistently helps us change the fraternity culture at Penn State."
Acacia member Jared Wolfe (senior-biochemistry) said he had misconceptions about fraternity life before coming to Penn State.
"Fraternities do have their problems," he said. "Being able to develop positive aspects of fraternities would really benefit the greek system."
Sims said it is important for fraternities to reach out to the Penn State community to dispel misconceptions about greek life, adding administrators want to help support greek life at the university.
"If any fraternity on this campus fails, it's our failure, too," he said. "It's very important for you to know you have a place where can seek such support."
IFC President and Acacia member Kelsey Gingrich said he was pleased with the evening.
"I'm excited about [the outcome]," he said. "It's really cool to see a different side of the administration."
