As the President of the Interfraternity Council at East Tennessee State University, I want to express the deep sorrow we all feel in light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the subsequent flooding in our region of East Tennessee. Our community has been struck by unimaginable loss, and we share in the heartache of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. In correspondence from President Noland, he reminded us that the safety and well-being of everyone in our community is our top priority, and now, more than ever, we must come together to support one another through this difficult time.
I am incredibly proud of the way our fraternities have risen to meet the needs of the region. Each chapter—Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Upsilon Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and Sigma Phi Epsilon—has stepped up to contribute to relief efforts in meaningful ways. After speaking with each chapter president, I’m inspired to share that every fraternity has been actively involved. Chapters have been sending brothers to affected areas like Elizabethton, Erwin, and Greenville to distribute emergency supplies such as water, fuel, hygiene products, and animal feed. Additionally, chapters have been volunteering at local shelters, high schools, and elementary schools in efforts to be present wherever needed. These actions are a testament to the strength of our campus-wide brotherhood and our commitment to service.
Many fraternity members are also attending University-hosted disaster relief volunteer trainings this week to prepare themselves to help wherever needed, and even more are donating blood in partnership with the local blood drive. The IFC has also made a significant financial contribution to RISE Erwin, a local organization that is playing a vital role in the relief efforts. It is encouraging to see how our community is coming together in various ways to aid those affected.
While the devastation is immense, it has been heartening to witness the resilience and compassion of the ETSU community, particularly among our fraternity members. Though the road to recovery may be long, I am confident that together we will rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.
It is in these moments of hardship that our values of brotherhood, service, and unity truly define who we are and what we stand for as a Greek community.
In fraternity and community,
Dillon Y. Minnix
President, Interfraternity Council at
East Tennessee State University
