The Daily Orange

Students in the greek community were stunned Friday after a speech from Juanita Williams, interim director of fraternity and sorority affairs, at the Greek Week convocation.

"Syracuse University is very lucky. And we're lucky because of many of you. And we're not so lucky because of some of you," said Williams, setting off whispers, gasps and stares across the Schine Student Center's Goldstein Auditorium.

It is unclear whether students were agreeing or if they were angered.

When asked later about this point in the speech, Williams said, "I got the impression that people were bothered by the fact that it is a true statement."

She said that the small percentage of people who make the SU greek system "unlucky" know who they are, and they know they aren't contributing.

"Her speech was more serious rather than lighthearted. But it was a necessary approach in grounding people," said Matt Abdifar, one of the event's organizers. "It wasn't malicious or negative, just a little wakeup."

Interfraternity Council President Mike Schottenstein said Williams' speech differed from the usual positive attitude of the convocation.

"People come and are expecting an inspirational speech, so I can definitely see why people were taken aback," Schottenstein said. "Her speech was more challenging."

What many in the audience said offended them was that Williams often asked "OK?" at the end of her sentences.

"I felt like she was being condescending to everyone in greek life. I was very surprised by what she said, and so were the people around me," said Ashley Torregrossa, a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Tridelt took home first place in the Greek Week competition.

Williams' speech addressed the contributions of greek life and the importance of community. She spoke of the history of greek life, pointing out that fraternities and sororities were among the first student organizations.

"We're off to a good start. I'm very optimistic that this is going to be a good year," she said in her speech.

Williams noted later that the SU greek system is a benchmark for other universities. "We are an example and we are strong," she said.

But to many students, the speech Friday came across as a lecture.

After heralding the history of the greek system, she asked, "Do you meet their expectations? Do you do what they thought it would be?"

Williams has always tried to support greek life and view it in a positive light, she said in an interview.

In her speech, she referred to the differences between fraternities and sororities today and 150 years ago. Nowadays, higher education supports and promotes the greek system, which she said is a great honor and responsibility. The students who don't understand this history are the ones who "take the greek system for granted," she said.

More than anything, Williams said she wants students to know that leadership and community are the most important aspects of greek life. "All success is contingent on working together as a community," she said.

Greeks must work together to be the leaders on campus and be positive role models for the campus community, Williams said.

Though Williams' real message may have been lost to many students, her intentions were not to criticize, but to challenge, Schottenstein said.

"Most students probably weren't expecting a serious speech. After all, Greek Week was fun and carefree," Abdifar said.

Students participated in a field day and a talent show, and they held events to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse and the Ronald McDonald House.

Schottenstein said Williams' apparent disconnect with the greek system may come from the fact that she was never in a sorority herself. He said Williams herself hopes the next director will have greek experience.

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