Student Life strives to enrich and improve the quality of our students' lives by providing programs, opportunities, services and facilities that meet the needs of the community. Student Life is committed to the total development of students, inspiring them to grow and become men and women for others. Student Life encompasses a diverse range of offices and departments to meet the needs of our diverse student body. This assessment has been categorized by the activities of each of those departments.

In total, LMU students are responsible for 175,000 hours of volunteer service to the L.A. community. Student Life contributes nearly $1 million annually to local non-profits.  For more information about Student Life please click here.   

CENTER FOR SERVICE AND ACTION (CSA)

The mission of CSA is to educate and form men and women for others, especially for the disadvantaged and the oppressed. Through personal contact between students and the marginalized in service experiences, LMU fosters solidarity with the poor that will lead to intellectual inquiry, moral reflection and social action.

Alternative Breaks

The Alternative Breaks program promotes service and cultural exchange on the local, national and international level through hands-on, community-based learning during academic-year breaks. Participants immerse themselves in diverse communities facing concrete challenges that heighten social awareness and inspire lifelong social action. In 2005-06, the Alternative Breaks program offered 14 trips, and student participation in the program increased by 18%.

AmeriCorps Program

In partnership with the School of Education, LMU students can earn work-study awards by tutoring at Catholic elementary schools in the inner-city neighborhood of West Athens, Los Angeles. Upon completing 450 hours of service, tutors are eligible for an additional educational award worth more than $1,250. In 2005-06, 12 students served as AmeriCorps tutors.

Arete Awards

Co-sponsored by CSA and the Marymount Institute, the Arete Awards recognize graduating seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to off-campus service. A minimum of 300 hours of documented service over a four year period and a reflection paper are required for consideration. In 2005-06, 14 exceptional students were awarded Arete Awards.

Blood Drives

CSA and the service organizations coordinate one blood drive each semester for UCLA’s Blood and Platelet Center. In 2005-06, the drive collected 574 units of blood.

Community-Based Learning Program

CBL is the integration of community service with academic inquiry and learning. CSA partners with faculty members to create learning experiences that draw on academic inquiry as well as concrete relationships with people in need and the agencies that serve them. CSA assists faculty members in identifying and securing appropriate service opportunities, discussing pedagogical strategies for integrating service with academic inquiry, and by tracking, maintaining and assessing the quality of the relationship between the student volunteer and host agency. In 2005-06, the number of students enrolled in CBL courses increased by 3.2%.

Community Partner Donation Program

CSA organized several donation drives for its community partners. Groups on campus meet with a community service coordinator to match the interest of the students/faculty/staff with the needs of the community partners. CSA co-sponsored 12 donation drives benefiting 14 different organizations and collaborated with several departments on campus, including Housing, Campus Ministry and Student Life.

Community Relations Task Force

The Community Relations Task Force serves as the liaison between LMU students and the Westchester community. Eight student appointees serve as liaisons to the Westchester/LAX Chamber of Commerce in the following areas: trade and tourism; membership and networking; airport relations; beautification; business development; education; government affairs; and harbor. The task force also sponsors an annual “holiday tea” for local senior citizens.

Community Service Fairs

CSA holds Community Service Fairs once each semester to allow local non-profit communities to recruit LMU volunteers. Students in Community-Based Learning courses and service organizations meet with potential agencies where they will make semester-long commitments. During 2005-06, 94 local non-profit agencies participated.

CSA Database

Students and other LMU community members can find personalized volunteer opportunities by searching CSA’s database of more than 400 nonprofit organizations.

CSA Listserv (csa_lmu Yahoo! Group)

The 947 LMU student subscribers are notified of service-related news, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, awards, jobs, internships and action alerts. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/csa_lmu

Community Partner Listserv

Community Based Organizations (CBO) are notified by LMU of service-related news, grant/funding opportunities, available in-kind donation items and community-based learning opportunities. CBOs submit volunteer opportunities online. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LMUCP

CSA Website

CSA’s website provides information on the center, its various programs, and links to service and justice organizations. www.lmu.edu/csa

El Espejo

El Espejo (The Mirror) is an after-school mentoring program between high-risk Lennox Middle School students and LMU students. The goal of the program is to increase the middle school student's educational aspirations through development of a positive, academically based relationship with a university student.

Los Angeles Higher Education Partnership

LMU collaborates with other local colleges and universities to create the Los Angeles Higher Education Partnership (LAHEP), sponsored by the national service and outreach coalition Campus Compact.

MESA-McCarthy Experience for Service and Action

MESA was comprised of 17 women in 2006. On-campus group programs and projects highlights included Katrina Relief, AIDS Walk, Delores Mission Dinner and a Valentine Party for the Elderly at Sunbridge. The women provided 1,795 hours of service to the community this year.

National Campus Outreach Opportunity League (C.O.O.L.) Conference

Each year, CSA sponsors several student leaders and one staff person to attend the national (C.O.O.L.) conference that offers forums, workshops and panels across a spectrum of service, justice and activism themes. This year, LMU had eight student leaders attend the conference in Nashville, TN. They returned to campus and sponsored the “Orange Band Initiative” gathering signatures on a petition to reduce student loan debt.

Oxfam Hunger Banquet

Each November CSA sponsors an Oxfam Hunger Banquet—an interactive meal in which the participants experience the distribution of food around the world. Student staff and volunteers speak on the global reality of hunger and poverty, with particular emphasis on local efforts to combat hunger. At the event’s conclusion, attendees are invited to participate in a common advocacy action and to get involved in a regular commitment through the CSA.

Pawprints

Pawprints is the program that introduces first-year students to LMU before they begin the school year. CSA offers an “Urban Outreach” trip that immerses participants in urban Los Angeles for three days, and introduces students to the types of experiences and opportunities available through CSA. Students visit several of LMU’s Community Partner non-profit agencies, meet grass-roots and community organizers, and reflect with one another on these experiences.

Post-Graduation Service Opportunities

CSA receives information from domestic and international post-college volunteer programs, such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, PLACE Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Teach For America and Inner City Teaching Corps. CSA distributes this information to juniors and seniors. Several times throughout the year, CSA also hosts events in which various post-graduation service opportunities are discussed by a panel of former participants and current staff members. This year, in conjunction with Career Development Services, the CSA sponsored a non-profit career night hosted by Idealist.org.

Precinct Polling and Voter Registration Drive

CSA, in collaboration with the L.A. County Registrar of Voters and the Burns Recreation Center student staff, hosts a polling site for LMU’s local precinct. CSA also hosts voter registration tables and coordinates voter registration events on a yearly basis.

Promotion of Off-Campus Service Opportunities

CSA receives information and requests from local non-profit agencies that are seeking volunteers for special events or on-going volunteer commitments. CSA distributes information to service organizations through their Vice Presidents of Off-Campus Service and to the LMU community through direct communication and list serves.

Recruitment and Retention Efforts

In order to recruit and retain more LMU students for leadership and involvement in CSA programs and events, CSA sponsored two unique recruitment opportunities: the Jesuit Alumni BBQ, in which alumni from Jesuit high schools are invited to a cook-out with members of the Jesuit community and CSA staff; and a reception for incoming First-Year Leadership Scholars. Volunteers have introduced the CSA to dozens of new student leaders and an increased number of men involved in service.

Residential Service

CSA works with LMU’s Housing Department to encourage students living on campus to get involved with service through their residence halls. CSA coordinates a service experience as part of training for new resident advisors, and is available as a resource to RA’s in planning service projects throughout the year. In addition, CSA coordinates two housing opportunities, the Service and Action house located directly outside the Loyola Drive exit and MESA.

Riordan Community Service Awards

Sponsored by the Riordan Foundation, the Riordan Community Service Awards are given to six students who have demonstrated a dedication to community service. Students must document at least one 30-hour experience of volunteering with an off-campus non-profit agency. Awards are presented at a special luncheon late in Spring semester.

Saturday Service Projects

Every month, CSA offers a different one-time service project on a Saturday, which is open to any interested students. Projects are organized in order to appeal to students looking for a new experience where they can volunteer alongside other students, as well as to students unable to commit to ongoing volunteer work. In 2006, CSA organized 11 service days with 257 students participating.

Senior Thank You

The President’s Office and CSA sponsor a reception hosted by Father Lawton recognizing senior students involved in the seven service organizations, Emergency Medical Technicians and the Student Workers.

Service Organization Program

CSA supervises seven student service organizations that are unique to LMU: Belles, Crimson Circle, Gryphon Circle, Ignatians, Magis, Marians and Sursum Corda. Each service organization promotes and participates in volunteer on-campus and off-campus service, as well as reflection on service experiences. Through the Service Organization Council, CSA facilitates communication between the leadership of these organizations, and seeks to develop leadership in volunteer coordination and justice advocacy. This year’s focus on inter-organization unity was evidenced by the All Service Organization Mass and the two All Service Organizations off-campus service projects.

Service & Action House

CSA sponsors and supports a residential community of seven students who share a commitment to community service and social activism. Residents meet regularly to develop and reflect on service and action related programs. Additionally, residents make the house available to service organizations and other groups for meetings, events and other programs.

Service Organization On-campus Service Requests

CSA supervises this student-managed program, in which requests for volunteers are received from university departments and distributed to LMU’s seven independent service organizations. Departments across campus made 121 service requests filled by Service Organization members. In total, 1,797 volunteers were requested.

Special Games

Special Games is an annual student-run, nonprofit, Olympic style competitive sporting event for the mentally and/or physically challenged. Special Games provides an outlet for the social and recreational needs of the Los Angeles disabled community. It also provides the university community with an opportunity to increase its understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.

Underwings

Underwings is an after school tutoring program at Dolores Mission School in Boyle Heights. LMU students and local high school students mentor students at Dolores Mission Elementary School. The mission of the program is to bridge the gap between two economically and socially diverse communities by creating an atmosphere of solidarity. The Underwings program also has been an excellent program for student empowerment and leadership development. This year, Underwings created the “Underwings Praxis Organization” and admitted 15 new students to the organization which extended its work and purpose beyond the classroom in the Boyle Heights Community. Underwings also received the “Club of the Year Award” at the annual student government sponsored Crimson and Blue Awards.

Up ‘Til Dawn

Up ‘Til Dawn is a new partnership between LMU students and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Students are mobilizing the LMU community to help the children of St. Jude. Up ‘til Dawn students will educate others about St. Jude while raising money through a variety of student-driven activities. In its first year, LMU raised over $ 30,000 for St. Jude. The Up ‘Til Dawn Program at LMU received the “Philanthropy of the Year Award” at the annual student government sponsored Crimson and Blue Awards.

Hilton Endowment

In the second year of the Hilton Endowment grant, CSA has initiated its first direct mail campaign. With the support of University Relations, over 150 donors contributed to CSA through senior class gifts, bequests, and donations. The $50,000 annual match required was met for 2005-06 and 2006-07. More than $103,000 was raised through these fundraising programs.

Katrina Relief Committee

CSA worked with a student committee to coordinate the fundraising efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Funds were sent to Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, United Negro College Fund for Dillard and Xavier University. In addition to the fundraising efforts, Tom King, Assistant Director of the Center for Service and Action, worked closely with the Loyola University of New Orleans students who transferred to LMU.

Post-Graduate Blessing Ceremony

On April 23, 2006, 16 seniors who will volunteer one or two years of their lives in post-graduate service programs were called forth from the assembly at an 8 p.m. student mass. The group was blessed by the assembly and received journals to use during their year(s) of service. The 16 graduates will serve with nine different agencies.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

A chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society was formed in 2006 year at LMU. The club’s focus is on homelessness within the Los Angeles area. The first service project, which was held on Caesar Chavez Day, included a tour of Skid Row and distribution of chocolate Easter bunnies to children at several of the Skid Row shelters. The club has 10 active members.

Students in Service

For the first time, LMU participated in California Campus Compact’s Students in Service AmeriCorps program, in which 13 students served as tutors at four elementary schools. The 13 students received $1000 scholarships for their participation in the program.

World AIDS Day

CSA student staff coordinated a World AIDS Day awareness campaign providing literature and red ribbons to over 2,000 students on campus.

STUDENT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Belles

This service organization, started in 1960, consists of 50 women with different ideals and aspirations. The group is dedicated to serving LMU and the community-at-large. Members tutor underprivileged children, aid the homeless and organize food drives.

Gryphon Circle

The organization of 35 women was created in 1968 to promote the Jesuit and Marymount ideals of being (women for and with others). Members provide an environment of support and concern for one another while celebrating common goals of giving.

Marians

All women service organization dedicated to serving women and children. Service includes St. Joseph's tutoring children, Midnight Mission, Good Sheppard Battered Women Shelter. On campus service including sponsoring a girl to go to college in the Dominican Republic.

Ignatians

The Ignatians is a coed organization. It performs service for LMU and the surrounding community. Members volunteer for various off-campus tutoring and clean-ups in El Segundo.

Sursum Corda

A coed service organization, Sursum Corda, emphasizes the importance of service and a desire to serve others. The members volunteer at juvenile hall, homeless shelters, activities for handicap citizens, Playa Del Rey Rehabilitation Center, and others. Sursum Corda pioneers programs such as Nickerson Gardens Tutoring Series.

Crimson Circle

Founded in 1929, Crimson Circle is the oldest service organization on campus. It is composed of 35 men who came together in friendship to provide service to the LMU community and those in need in greater Los Angeles. Members participate in tutoring, blood drives and beach cleanups, among many other activities. Crimson Circle also directs the annual Charity Ball in November with the Belles, which raises money for various community organizations.

Magis Male organization built on three essential principles; service, diversity, and spirituality. Magis is a diverse group of men dedicated to service and committed to their growth as a complete individual. Services include Verbum Dei high school, El Espejo at Lennox Middle School, and Variety's Boys and Girls Club in East L.A. The organization seeks to develop men who strive toward the Jesuit ideal of the Magis: a thirst for the more, for the greater good, and for a life–long disposition to a fuller service of God and others.

Magis

Magis is a men’s organization built on three essential principles: service, diversity and spirituality. Magis is a diverse group of men dedicated to service and committed to their growth as a complete individual. Services include work at Verbum Dei High School, El Espejo at Lennox Middle School, and Variety's Boys and Girls Club in East Los Angeles. The organization seeks to develop men who strive toward the Jesuit ideal of the Magis: a thirst for the more, for the greater good and for a life–long disposition to a fuller service of God and others.

ETHNIC & INTERCULTURAL SERVICES (EIS)

EIS is a student-centered department guided by LMU’s mission. EIS is grounded by LMU's intercultural values and serves as a resource for all students as they prepare for the challenges and rewards of living in a diverse society. EIS offices work in concert to empower all students to participate fully in campus life and achieve personal success, with a special focus on helping first-year students of color transition to university life.

EIS hosted, organized and/or co-sponsored 20 community-oriented events that collectively attracted approximately 3,500 people.

Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP)

EIS hosts this annual summer program organized by the local chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants. Assisted by practicing accountants and faculty from LMU’s Accounting Department, a group of high school students participates in a week-long residential experience that introduces them to the field of accounting. The students attend workshops, visit local accounting firms, and develop buy-out plans to purchase the Fox Corporation.

EIS supports ACAP with about 40 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $1,000. Also, LMU provides all of the meeting space for six days. Estimated value is $2,000. Attendance: 43 students.

APIA U: Asian Pacific American Leadership Conference

Asian Pacific Student Services hosted the Southern California regional APIA U: Leadership 101 Training. APIA U focused on developing individuals, student organizations and broader community through use of the Seven C's: collaboration, consciousness of self, commitment, congruence, common purpose, controversy with civility and citizenship. The overriding theme was "Change" and specifically social change. The day and a half training took participants through a series of exercises and discussions that strengthened their commitment and ability to participate in social change on behalf of the Asian Pacific American community.

EIS supports the conference with about 30 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $750. Also, LMU provided all of the meeting space. Estimated value is $1,000. Attendance: 60 students.

INROADS Talent Pool Session 1, 2 & 3

Inroads Inc. is an international organization that works with major corporations to provide career training and paid internships for students of color. Through EIS, LMU has been the group’s official home for the past nine years. College students from throughout Southern California met with over 70 corporate representatives and participated in all-day training that covered various career-related issues.

EIS supports Inroads with about 40 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $1,000. Also, LMU provides all of the meeting space for the three sessions. Estimated value is $1,500. Attendance: 200 per session

Organize Campus Visits

CIPA-YES

The California Institute of Public Affairs Youth Empowerment & Service (YES!) sent two groups of students to visit LMU as part of an innovative training program designed to prepare high-potential youth to become leaders in their schools and communities. Asian Pacific Student Services hosted Asian American junior high and high school students.

EIS supports CIPA-YES with about 4 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $100. Also, we provide refreshments at a cost of $100. Attendance: 50 students.

LAMEC

Asian Pacific Student Services coordinated a campus visit by the Los Angeles Multicultural Educational Collaborative, a partnership between the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC), the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). LAMEC is an after-school high school program that fosters youth leadership and a parent leadership and involvement program. The initiative program aims to create multiracial unity and develop educational solutions. It affects the organization’s respective populations across ethnic, racial, class and cultural lines.

EIS supports LAMEC with about 4 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $100. Also, we provide refreshments at a cost of $100. Attendance: 20 students.

Grand View Elementary School

The EIS Peer Mentors and other student volunteers provided tours for 4^th and 5^th grade students and their parents, and served on a student panel. The students received a presentation by Admissions and enjoyed raffle prizes.

EIS supports Grand View Elementary School with about 4 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $100. Also, we provide refreshments and prizes at a cost of $250. Attendance: 60 students and parents.

Repetto Middle School

The EIS Peer Mentors served as tour guides and panelists for this visit. Jonathon Gomez represented the Admissions office and EIS provided lunch.

EIS supports Repetto Middle School with about 4 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $100, and we provide refreshments at a cost of $100. Attendance: 30 students.

Organize Campus Events with Community Participants

Intercultural Summit

The annual Intercultural Summit that takes place every spring helps high school students understand and manage inter-ethnic conflict on their campuses. It also encourages dialogue and promotes progressive social action. The workshops are interactive and help participants share their perspective, learn from each other, and develop action plans to facilitate positive change at their schools. This program gives students the tools to address racial conflicts on their campuses. Additionally, it gives them an opportunity to discuss very sensitive issues within a safe and neutral environment managed by trained facilitators. It also gives local high school students the opportunity to be part of solving their problems. Los Angeles, Westchester, Venice, Animo Charter School and Crenshaw High School participated.

Partnerships

Crenshaw High School / 5010 11th Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 90043

Fairfax High School / 7850 Melrose Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 90046

Santa Monica High School / 601 Pico Blvd. / Santa Monica, CA 90405

Westchester High School / 7400 W. Manchester Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 90045

Inglewood High School / 231 South Grevillea Ave. / Inglewood Ca 90301

Dorsey High School / 3537 Farmdale Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 90016

Hamilton High School / 2955 S Robertson Blvd. / Los Angeles, CA 90034

Amino Charter / 1155 W Arbor Vitae St. / Inglewood, CA 90301

Venice High School / 13000 Venice Blvd. / Venice, CA 90066

Orville Wright Middle School / 6550 W 80th St. / Los Angeles, CA 90045

Notre Dame Academy / 2851 Overland Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 90064

Culver City High / 4401 Elenda St. / Culver City, CA 90230

The average attendance for each summit is 90 students. Over the past eight years, approximately 720 high school students have participated in the program. Approximately $24,000 has been spent over the past eight years. EIS invests about 40 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $1,000. Also, we provide breakfast and lunch at a cost of $750. Attendance: 93 students.

Student CHAOS Conference

The CHAOS (Culture, History, Awareness, Oppression, and Solutions) Conference empowered students with intercultural knowledge, skills and strategies to effect positive change on their home campuses. Over three days, students from several high school campuses developed skills through workshops, and simulations that integrated intercultural theory with real-life practice.

CHAOS was predicated on the theory that learning is enhanced when “students teach each other.” The conference was designed and led by trained student facilitators who completed an Intercultural Practicum.

CHAOS encouraged students to challenge themselves and each other as they worked through the complexities of building community in an increasingly diverse society. Students explored issues of identity, class, power and privilege. They concluded their experience with multifaceted action planning by transforming their discussions into personal and institutional action plans. They also developed a network to continue sharing information and to be a resource for each other.

EIS invested about 80 hours of staff time at an average of $30 hour = $2,400. We also incurred expenses of: student work $8,200; student housing, $1,800; and catering $2,900. Attendance: 33 students.

Asian Pacific Student Services Coastal Clean-up Day

APSS hosted the second annual Coastal Cleanup Day in conjunction with the California Coastal Cleanup Day and International Coastal Cleanup Day. LMU community members participated in this event at Toes Beach in Playa Del Rey. APSS collaborated with the Center for Service and Action and had participants from LMU Women's Tennis Team, Han Tao, Asian Pacific Student Association, Kyodai, Isang Bansa, Sursum Corda, Gay Straight Alliance, Peer Mentors, residents of McKay, the LMU Student Affairs Mission & Identity Committee, Student Psychological Services and the Office of International Students & Scholars.

EIS invested about 10 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $250 Attendance: 80 students.

EIS Community Service Day

Students visited the Amanda Foundation (a non-profit organization that rescues animals from shelters) for a day of service. Students walked and played with dogs (some Katrina rescues’) and spent time playing with and calming abandoned cats.

EIS invested about 10 hours of staff time at an average of $25 hour = $250 Attendance: 14 students.

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY (ASLMU)

Student Reserve Board

The Student Reserve Board of ASLMU annually allocates approximately $75,000 to various clubs and organizations by request to subsidize specific outreach programs and events.

Wiffle Ball Tournament

ASLMU sponsors an annual Wiffleball Tournament that raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and creates awareness about the people and families fighting the disease. Past tournaments have ranged from 50- 120 people.

In the past, ASLMU has forged relationships with several local businesses such as Tower Pizza, Thai Talay, Italy’s Little Kitchen, movie theaters, electronic stores, and other vendors that provide gift certificates and products for either the raffle or the operations of the event.

The project has between 50-120 participants. It cost around $1,500 to fund.

El Soccer Tournament

The El Soccer Tournament was modeled after the Wiffleball Tournament (noted above). The proceeds go towards Club Loyola, a youth soccer team in Tijuana that is closely connected with Campus Ministry’s DeColores immersion trips to benefit the Build a Miracle Foundation. Teams of five play soccer on small fields with a large oversize rubber ball. Last year, ASLMU Social Justice partnered up with ASLMU Programming to throw the El Soccer Tournament and Vegas Night on the same day. The proceeds of both events benefited the cause. Chipotle Restaurant has also been very helpful in subsidizing costs. This event draws about 75-150 participants. The project costs around $1,500-$2,000. This project gives LMU students a better awareness of global issues and a sense of responsibility to live in solidarity with people everywhere.

Cesar Chavez Day of Service

The Cesar Chavez Day of Service immerses participants in a reality different from their own. Past service locations have included Lennox Middle School, St. Joseph Center and a CHIRLA peace march to name a few. Students become acquainted with the social and economic realities of Los Angles, especially violence and poverty-stricken areas. The program has partnered with various local nonprofits to provide a space for LMU students to volunteer directly with fellow Angelinos. The Center for Service and Action helps coordinate these sites and sign-up volunteers for the day. The outreach takes place around Los Angeles at different nonprofits. One year students had a barbeque at Lennox Middle School and cleaned graffiti off neighborhood walls.

This project requires students give up their holiday to serve others. The day exemplifies what it means to be a Catholic university that promotes justice within our local community. It shows the true spirit of students who are actively living the mission of the university.

Project costs are minimal. The money comes from the ASLMU budget.

GREEK LIFE

The Greek community at LMU takes pride in their commitment to service and philanthropic projects for the betterment of society. In 2005-2006, there were over 16,000 hours of service from Greeks to local charities and close to $100,000 in cumulative fundraising throughout the year. The LMU Greek Week Lip Sync in Gersten Pavilion brought in 2,500 students and raised over $12,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition to the Lip Sync, Greek Life holds “Up ‘Til Dawn,” requesting that Greeks hold a letter writing evening to five closest friends/family requesting funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Fraternities

Alpha Delta Gamma

ADG coordinates the Annual Carnation Cup Dodge Ball Tournament, which is a competitive dodge ball tournament in the Gersten Pavilion. This philanthropy benefits Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and raised $4,000 in 2005-2006. The members have volunteered over 100 hours annually.

Beta Theta Pi

Beta Theta Pi coordinates the annual Dragon Nights Fundraiser. This three-day outdoor event requires members to sleep in the LMU Sunken Gardens as a representation of the problem of homelessness in the region. The money raised benefits Habitat for Humanity. Last year members served over 600 hours in the community.

Sigma Chi

Sigma Chi has two significant philanthropic fundraisers, Derby Days and Mock Party. Derby Days is a week-long series of events that engages Greeks and the general LMU community. Events range from competitive activities to education/guest speakers. Mock Party is a day in October where a party is simulated (without alcohol) to provide awareness on the topic of campus drinking. These fundraisers benefit the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center. Last year Sigma Chi raised $9,100 and volunteered 235 hours in the community.

Sigma Lambda Beta

The goals of this fraternity are brotherhood, service and multicultural unity. They believe in the principles of fairness and opportunity and in the equality of all men regardless of race, culture or ethnicity. Their motto is “Opportunity for Wisdom. Wisdom for Culture.” This past year the members volunteered 50 hours in the community.

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Sigma Phi Epsilon fundraises for Youth Aids Organization. They organize an AIDS Awareness Week and a Spring Carnival. They bus in children from the Boys and Girls Club of Venice to enjoy a day of fun. Collectively, Sigma Phi Epsilon members volunteer over 1,000 hours of service to the community.

Sororities

Alpha Phi

Every year Alpha Phi holds its annual philanthropy A-PHI-ASCO in the fall. It is a live and silent auction accompanied by dinner that is hosted and ran solely by the chapter and its members to benefit the Alpha Phi Foundation and The Good Shepard Shelter. The Good Shepard Shelter strives to break the generational cycle of domestic violence and to heal its survivors- the mother and her children. Last year the women of Alpha Phi raised $41,785 and volunteered over 1,632 hours in the community.

Delta Gamma

Anchor Splash® is Delta Gamma’s main philanthropic event. It is an annual week-long competition filled with fun events, all ending with the final event, a synchronized swimming competition. All proceeds from Anchor Splash® go to the Blind Children’s Center. Delta Gamma of LMU supports Delta Gamma’s philanthropy of Service for Sight by contributing both time and money to the Blind Children’s Center of Los Angeles. The members volunteer 2,099 hours of service in the community.

Delta Delta Delta

Tri Delta at LMU hosted “Swinging into Paradise with Tri Delta" golf tournament and dinner at the Malibu Country Club in spring 2006 and raised $14,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Delta Sigma Theta

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. strives to confront problems of all people and demonstrate itself as a public service organization. They provide an array of public services through economic and educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health and political awareness and involvement. Last academic year they served 20 hours in the community.

Delta Zeta

Turtle Tug is the philanthropy that Delta Zeta organizes. Teams of eight compete in a giant tug-of-war tournament over giant pools of green Jell-O. All of the money raised from the event goes directly to support Delta Zeta's Philanthropies. Delta Zeta raises over $10,000 annually and has over 1,000 participants to benefit the House Ear Institute, Gallaudet University and The Better Hearing Institute. Collectively, the members of Delta Zeta contribute 1,200 hours of service.

Kappa Alpha Theta

Kappa Alpha Theta hosts the annual Catwalk Fashion Show to raise funds for the Court Appointed Special Advocates. They contribute 850 hours of service to the community every year.

Pi Beta Phi

Pi Beta Phi organizes Arrow Spike, a weekend volleyball tournament sponsored by local companies that involves students, alumni and local neighbors. The proceeds from the event go toward the chapter service projects: the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Champions Are Readers (CAR) Literacy Program. Annually, the members raise an average of $12,900 and volunteer 520 hours in the community.

Sigma Lambda Gamma

The women of Sigma Lambda Gamma volunteered 25 hours in the community.