The Phi Kappa Theta fraternity house, 92 N. Congress, was abuzz with activity Saturday as it hosted a barbeque sponsored by various Athens institutions. In an attempt to ease potential tension between Athens residents and Ohio University students, the barbeque was open to the entire neighborhood in hopes of setting a precedent of cooperation.
The barbeque, which lasted from noon to 4 p.m., was coordinated with the Athens Northside Neighborhood Association, Ohio University Health Education and Wellness and the Athens Restaurant Association. Attendees included Athens residents, students and various public officials, including Athens Mayor Ric Abel.
The fraternity, which was cited for a noise violation last year, is trying to improve the image of fraternities at OU through community service and events such as this, said Phi Kappa Theta vice president and public relations director Dan Budin, a junior from Cleveland Heights.
People have a negative view of frats. We should do something to get things in good terms. Get residents and students to get to know one another
he said
Senior Craig Bontempo, a fraternity member, emphasized that Phi Kappa Theta was not a stereotypical fraternity that put more importance in partying than in community service.
We're not just here to party it up and drink our lives away he said.
The fraternity advertised the event and passed out roughly 300 invitations, mostly to students. The barbeque attendance was approximately 200 strong, Budin said. Feedback from attendees of the gathering was generally positive.
Neighbor Anne McCallahan said residents of the Phi Kappa Theta house are very good neighbors and that she never had any issues with noise or other disturbances from the house.
Steve Pierson, director of Athens City Code Enforcement, remembered the fraternity's inception ten years ago, an event that had many residents worried. Pierson said he has had no problems with Phi Kappa Theta and commended the fraternity for the barbeque.
This is so everyone can get out and meet each other. This is the first event like this that has happened Pierson said.
While the fraternity has no concrete plans for further events to tighten the culture gap between students and residents dichotomy, Budin said it hopes to continue community service and educational programs with Health Education and Wellness and plan on making the barbeque an annual event.
17
Archives
Sean Edgar
