April 23, 2007
Sorority captures ''Spirit of Diversity Award"
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority is the recipient of the 2006-2007 Spirit of Diversity Award presented recently by Southern Illinois University Carbondale's student development office.
The award honors the registered student organization that best exemplifies a commitment to and support for diversity in its programming and activities during the past year. From more than 400 registered organizations, honors go to Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority for working to help achieve the SIUC goal of fostering a multicultural community, valuing and celebrating diversity on and beyond campus.
Member Simyra Campbell, currently president of the Multicultural Greek Council, nominated the sorority for the diversity award, noting the group's involvement in numerous types of community service activities, including clean-up efforts, working in shelters, sponsoring the popular "DXi Girl Talk" with a facilitator from the Wellness Center and volunteering in a variety of ways.
Along with Tri Sigma Sorority, the Racial Ethnic Minority Program and Multicultural Programs and Services, Delta Xi Phi sponsored the inaugural "Redefining Multiculturalism in 2007" open forum in April. For more than three hours, a large audience discussed issues, viewpoints and how multiculturalism affects daily life. Sheila Simon, a clinical associate professor in the law school, was the keynote speaker. The response to the event was so great that in addition to repeating the forum annually, plans are in the works for monthly multiculturalism discussions, Campbell said.
Campbell said Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority is one of the largest such groups in the nation and the first multicultural-based sorority on the SIUC campus. She said its "pillars" include: multiculturalism, advancement of women through higher education, community service, sisterhood and friendship.