Each year during the spring, the University of Cincinnati is fortunate enough to be able to host Greek Week, an entire week where all of the Greek chapters on campus come together to participate in games, events, competitions, and tons of fundraising. In fact, according to "The Fraternity Advisor," Greeks across the U.S. raise more than $7 million for charity annually. Here at UC, Greek members raised over $66,000 for Cincinnati Children's Hospital last year, setting a very high record for all future Greek Weeks. This year, Greek Week’s philanthropic partner is Cincinnati Public Schools.

Here is the current schedule of activities happening during Greek Week 2016:

Monday, Feb. 22 - "Greek Games" (6 p.m. in the Bubble) including tug-o-war, dizzy bat, sumo wrestling, and the greased pole game (where participants have to knock the opponent off a greased platform while using a padded pugil stick)

Tuesday, Feb. 23 - Staff/Faculty Appreciation Breakfast (7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the University Pavilion), "Belly Flop" (1 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center), and "Paint Twister" (3 p.m. at McMicken Commons)

Wednesday, Feb. 24 - Service Event at Cincinnati Public Schools

Thursday, Feb. 25 - Variety Show (6 p.m. in Fifth Third Arena)

Side note: The Variety Show is definitely my favorite event during Greek Week. Each chapter creates a step and/or dance routine and performs it in front of the whole Greek community. Then, the top three fraternities and sororities with the best routines are awarded. My chapter has won the Variety Show three years in a row *humble bragging*, so if you'd like to check out our routine from last year, here is the video!

Friday, Feb. 26 - Free Head Shot Photo Day (TUC 417 ABC) and the "Triathlon" (6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center)

Saturday, Feb. 27 - Greek Week Fundraising Deadline

Sunday, Feb. 28 - Alumni Dinner (5 p.m. in Nippert Stadium)

As you can probably tell, members of Greek Life at the University of Cincinnati do a lot of great things in the Cincinnati community with the help of Greek Week. Not only that, but at the conclusion of the week each chapter usually feels a stronger connection to other Greek chapters on campus since we are all working toward a common goal. Personally, I can't wait to see what my Greek community accomplishes this year during Greek Week 2016.