Phi Lambda Chi, a Greek organization at Southern Arkansas University, has been recognized for its philanthropic work with a Magnolia-based service organization.
Levi Graham, president of PLC, said Magnolia Specialized Services bestowed upon his organization its Philanthropy Award for helping lead and raise funds for the annual Area 15 Special Olympics Polar Plunge Fundraiser. The Plunge takes place each February at the pond in front of the Engineering Building on the SAU campus.
Graham said his fraternity has been able to raise around $2,500 each year for the Polar Plunge, which represents one of many community service opportunities for the Greeks.
“We have had a long working history with Magnolia Specialized Services,” he said. “There has been a consistent association between MSS and our own community service initiative.”
He said part of the goal, in addition to helping send clients to the Special Olympics, is spreading the word about Magnolia Specialized Services. “There are a lot of people who just don’t know about the many important programs they offer,” Graham said.
“We do ask for donations, and we pledge to jump into the duck pond in front of the Engineering Building,” Graham said. “We usually have 15 to 20 members of our chapter to make the plunge,” he said. He said other Greek organizations on campus also take the plunge as well as other students from campus and members of the Magnolia community. “For each $50 that you raise, you plunge,” Graham said.
“We’re honored to be acknowledged for our work within Magnolia and especially Magnolia Specialized Services,” he said. “Our members work to make Magnolia a place to stay for four years. We feel a sense of pride when we go out and help the community and let them see that we’re constantly working with them. We are a working fraternity.”
Deana Taylor, SAU’s campus and community welfare coordinator, praised the efforts of Phi Lambda Chi in working to make Magnolia a better place, saying the fraternity works on several worthy community service projects, including the local senior meals program and highway cleanup.
Graham is a junior business administration major from Paris, Texas.
