Penn State University Panhellenic Council

Message from the President

Dear Fellow Panhellenic Women, Family, Friends, Advisors, Faculty, and Visitors:

Thank you for visiting the Penn State's Panhellenic Council website. The Panhellenic Council at the Pennsylvania State University comprises a group of over 2,000 driven, involved, intelligent, and diverse women. With 20 National Panhellenic sororities, the Panhellenic Council is an ever-present part of life in Happy Valley through our dedication to scholarship, commitment to philanthropy, and passion for being a Penn State Greek. Panhellenic women strive for success in all that we do – academics and service, as well as sisterhood and friendship.

My name is Ann Marie DiPietro, and I have the honor of serving as the Panhellenic President for the 2008 year! I, along with my executive board, am committed to the growth and bright future of our sorority chapters here at Penn State. I am present as a resource and a pillar of support to the 20 national and 3 associate chapters that comprise the Panhellenic Council at the University. I work closely with the administration and chapter presidents to ensure a Greek community living our dream statement, "We are leadership councils, individual chapters, and thousands of focused students united around one proud statement: We are Friends. We are Family. We are Penn State Greeks." As each day of my term passes, I feel more privileged, and grow more grateful, to be part of a group of such motivated, passionate, and intelligent women.

Coming to Penn State, I never thought that I would have such passion for being Greek. In fact, I never had any intentions of joining a sorority. In high school, I was always involved in community service groups, but I had never considered myself "the type." Nonetheless, here I am, 3 years later, having been vice president and president of my own sorority, and now having the privilege of representing all 23 chapters as the Panhellenic president. Turns out, "the type" does not exist. As a freshman, I was coming from a small, private school with a graduating class of 100, and needless to say, I was overwhelmed. It was the spring of my first year, and I felt like I just was missing…something. I missed the feeling of belonging that I had in my small, tight-knit high school! So, I gave Greek life a try.

And, I am glad that I did. I can say with deepest sincerity that joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I have made in my 21 years of life. The opportunities that Greek life provides and the doors that it opens are endless! Whether it be leadership, scholarship, or philanthropy, there is always a chance to get involved within our Greek community. Being a Greek woman at Penn State has opened the door to so many leadership opportunities for me that I would have never had the privilege of experiencing had it not been for my chapter. Not only did I meet my best friends when I joined as a freshman, but I continue to form close relationships within my sorority, the entire Greek community, and a variety of other student groups as well.

I hope that you enjoy your visit to our website. Please feel free to contact me, or any of our officers, with any questions you may have. You can find our contact information under the "Officers" tab.
To those women considering Sorority Recruitment: You are the future of Greek life at Penn State. Through your commitment and leadership, your chapters and this council will grow and prosper. My time at Penn State has been enriched by my experience in Greek life in such a profound way; my hope for you is that your Penn State career will be forever changed not only by your decision to join a sorority, but by the important decision to become one of the proud and passionate PSU Greek women.

With much Greek pride,

Anna Marie T. DiPietro
Panhellenic President, 2008