KINGSTON, R.I. – April 17, 2008 The University Of Rhode Island Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council won 14 awards at the Northeast Greek Leadership Conference in Hartford, CT last month, more than they received in 2007 and more than any other university.

The Northeast Greek Leadership Association recognizes fraternity and sorority governing councils with awards for programming excellence in several categories. The awards are granted to any council that meets rigorous requirements and has all documentation, in a wide variety of categories.

The Panhellenic Council won eight awards, more than it has ever received before, including: philanthropy and community service; risk management; membership recruitment; continuous open bidding recruitment; and academic achievement. This was the first year the council has ever won for risk management and reduction; public relations; multicultural initiative and continuous open bidding recruitment.

The awards won by the Council were the most of any Panhellenic Council at the conference, tied only with Cornell University.

The Interfraternity Council won five awards, including: council management; risk management and reduction; membership recruitment; academic achievement; and multicultural initiatives. This is the first time the Interfraternity Council won the membership recruitment award and it is one of the few fraternity councils in the region to be recognized for their recruitment excellence.

In addition, URI senior, Tashalyn Cosimo, of Mt. Sinai, N.Y., the Panhellenic President, was recognized as a Leader of Distinction in the Northeast on the Panhellenic Council. The Greek Leaders of Distinction Awards recognize outstanding members of the Northeastern Greek community who exemplify the ideals of sorority and/or fraternity membership in their daily lives.

“It is an honor to receive the awards and the recognition as one of the top Greek Communities. We are all so proud to be recognized for the hard work that the councils, and Greek members have accomplished this year.” said Cosimo.

The Interfraternity Council is the governing board for the fraternities at the University of Rhode Island, in charge of the eleven Fraternities and two colony fraternities. The Panhellenic Council is the governing board for all sororities at the University of Rhode Island, in charge of the nine sororities. Both boards are in charge of organizing all Greek events at the University. The members of both organizations are undergraduate students, who are elected by the fraternity and sorority organizations. Together they encourage philanthropy, fellowship, scholarship and academics while combating alcohol abuse and hazing.