To help kick off the last two weeks of the spring semester, the Interfraternity Council hosted its first-ever IFC Festival. At the festival, local bands like Beach Daze, BLÜECRÜE and Shoreline Drive gave live performances.
But aside from meeting the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Phi Kappa Tau and Sigma Pi the festival had a number of different activities including outside games like cornhole, raffle prizes, and free food with drinks.
“This is all about camaraderie and bringing not only the campus community together, but the Greek community together.” Says Michael Koutsokoumnis of Phi Kappa Tau. “This is the first ever festival that we’re doing, and we want to make this an annual event too.”
The festival which took place in Zanfino Plaza allowed attendees to watch the sunset and listen to the five live performances while enjoying activities and bonding and socializing with others.
Between the raffles and spikeball games, the event was definitely a blast. However, Phi Kappa Tau president, Alex Cirigliano, reminds us that this event is about more than just free pizza.
“Our philanthropy is SeriousFun Children’s Network. They help kids with serious illnesses and disabilities, and all the proceeds are going to them. So it’s an opportunity for students to listen to music, have food, and also support the community.”
Aside from enjoying the nice weather out and hanging out with friends, the IFC Fest also was to get people interested in joining an IFC at William Paterson. With recruitment approaching next semester, the brothers are eager to get others on campus to get involved.
“I would like to see more people joining because being a part of Greek life here is really great. You meet a lot of new friends.” Tau Kappa Epsilon brother, Anthony Gualano states. “There is like a weird stereotype behind it like, ‘you’re paying for friends’ and the way that fraternities and sororities have been historically looked at over time. But none of that is really true. Greek life shaped who I am.”
For many students involved in Greek life, that sense of connection is what makes the experience meaningful.
“I was a commuter when I first started college, so I didn’t really know anyone. Being in a fraternity helped me kind of find my group of people and just allowed me to mature and to be in a leadership role, which I’ve never been in before.” Brian Battistus Jr., President of Sigma Pi tells us.
While students came for music, games, and free food, IFC Fest offered us a chance to build community. In bringing together students, fraternities, and philanthropy, the Interfraternity Council’s first festival sets the tone for what the organizations hope will become a lasting campus tradition.
