Greeks look to expand relationship with city of Boulder
The Interfraternity Council is looking forward to improved community relations with the city of Boulder after joining the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.
Ever since CU fraternities refused to sign the Registered Fraternal Organizations Agreement in 2005, the IFC has looked elsewhere than CU for organizations with which to affiliate. The IFC has been considered a non-recognized student organization by CU since its rejection of the RFOA.
In an attempt to legitimize itself, the IFC has found involvement over the past years working alongside the Boulder Police and Fire Departments as well as with the University Hill Business Alliance.
“The BCC just seemed like the next logical progression,” said Greek Advocate Marc Stine.
Stine is the IFC’s advisor, media spokesman and liaison to CU and provides services for the IFC previously provided by CU.
The BCC is expected by the IFC to be a cache of network and business opportunities to the many pre-professional Greek business majors who will be entering the job market within a couple of years and who will be able to benefit from such resources.
Eric Smith, a junior classics major and president of the IFC, said the purpose of the union between the IFC and the BCC is to allow both organizations to build a stronger relationship. Smith said the alliance will also allow CU’s fraternities to become more involved in the community.
“It will provide [the] Greeks business networks and leadership opportunities,” Smith said.
The decision to affiliate with the BCC was unanimously approved by chapter presidents of the 15 fraternities at CU.
Tentative plans for a future with the city involve education.
“We’d like to get involved in the BCC Education Committee which deals mostly with K-12 schooling,” Stine said. “We’d like the Education Committee to be more involved in higher education.”
Despite the split from the university three years ago, university officials said there are no hard feelings from CU toward the IFC.
“[CU] is pleased to see the IFC join the Chamber of Commerce,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Deb Coffin. “It’s another example of what these men are doing to build a better relationship with the community.”
Director of Greek Life John Henderson said he approved of the fraternities’ recent association with the BCC.
“I am excited to see that the Interfraternity Council student leadership is forming a working relationship with the Boulder Chamber of Commerce,” Henderson said. “I believe there are a number of ways they can work together to support CU students and the Boulder community.”
Smith said the total advantages and benefits of the Greeks teaming up with the BCC has yet to be defined.
“We’re very excited to be part of such a strong and influential organization in the community,” Stine said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Alex Reiner at reiner@colorado.edu.
