For the first time in its four-year history, Block Party, an annual fall event on Eagle Row, was run exclusively by Greek organizations.

The Student Programming Council (SPC) chose to no longer co-host the event this year.

As a result, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Intersorority Council (ISC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) as well as the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) co-sponsored the event this year.

Instead, SPC used the funds that traditionally went toward a Block Party performer to host smaller events throughout the semester.

A DJ performed instead of a band because the Greek organizations co-sponsoring Block Party had less funding for the event.

The event, accordingly, focused more on Greek recruitment.

“The main focus of this year’s Block Party is to introduce as many girls and guys as possible to Greek life,” ISC Vice President for Recruitment and Goizueta Business School senior Jordan Krant said. “This is the first official recruitment event of the fall and the purpose is to get everyone excited for the spring.”

Some students rode the mechanical bull, while others enjoyed a slip and slide. IFC and ISC also passed out free water bottles, T-shirts and sunglasses.

Although College sophomore Dottie Stearns said that she wishes there had been more free items, she “had a pretty good time.”

Run the Row, in which new fraternity members run down Eagle Row to be welcomed into their respective fraternity houses, kicked off the event.

Freshmen and Greek members then mingled with each other while eating hamburgers, hot dogs and ice pops.

According to College freshman Kelsea Bisland, the atmosphere was very enjoyable and she cannot wait to rush in the spring.

Despite the changes in leadership, SPC continued to offer support in planning and running the event regardless of not participating as an official co-sponsor, College senior and SPC President Will Levinson said in an Aug. 31 Wheel article.

College Senior Jonah Kupperstock, whose stage name is DJ Swiss, provided this year’s music.

– By Melissa Fenchel 

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The Emory Wheel was founded in 1919 and is currently the only independent, student-run newspaper of Emory University. The Wheel publishes weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, except during University holidays and scheduled publication intermissions.

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