As a way to expose students of The University of Southern Mississippi to the history of the “Divine Nine” organizations and provide information on how to join, the National Pan-Hellenic Council kicked off their Greek Week on Sunday. NPHC Week events are planned through Fri., Sept. 13 and are open to students, faculty and staff.

“This year, we are all about change,” said NPHC President Hakeem Oduniyi. “We wanted to put on programs that have never been done before and would attract the student body.”

“The purpose of NPHC week is not so much for the Greeks to have fun, but for the students to be able to enjoy their time at Southern Miss NPHC-style.”

Keeping tradition alive, the first of the week’s events was a worship service at West Point Baptist Church on Sunday. On Monday, all Southern Miss students are invited to attend the Alumni/Undergraduate Luau at Vernon Dahmer Park from 5-8 p.m. Attendees are asked to wear Hawaiian clothing.

An NPHC table will be set up in the Union on Tuesday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., to collect items for the Baby Supply Drive. Some items that can be donated are diapers, wipes, baby food, clothing (infant-18 months), medicine and baby toys. The council will also host a responsible social media program called “Catfish” on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center RM 218 A/B. Two special guests from the MTV show “Catfish” are expected to attend.

On Wednesday at noon in the Trent Lott National Center, the NPHC and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) will host a 9/11 Remembrance program.  Charities and community outreach organizations honoring 9/11 victims will be recognized and retired Col. Sheila Varnado will be the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be provided from 11:30 a.m.-noon. After, there will be a dedication to the a 111-pound piece of twisted steel from the World Trade Center at 1 p.m. The steel will be housed on the second floor of the Trent Lott National Center.

Students interested in joining one of the sororities or fraternities can attend the NPHC Informational on Wednesday in Joseph Green Hall. Admission is $10. Check-in will begin at 6 p.m.

NPHC sororities and fraternities will show off their dance moves at the NPHC Hop Contest on Thursday in Bennett Auditorium. The week will end with a community service event at the Osceola McCarty Center. Those who want to help out can meet at Hillcrest gravel parking lot at 12:30 p.m.

“The NPHC Executive Board has worked countless hours in making sure this week is a success,” Oduniyi said. “Making sure the necessary speakers, materials and other requirements are met has been the duty of the executive board since last spring to prepare for this week.”

“The week will include several events that display the traditions of the NPHC while equally showcasing each fraternity and sorority,” said Trent Johnson, NPHC executive board public relations chair. “The executive board hopes to accomplish more Greek unity amongst the eight chapters here on campus that help make up the USM NPHC, as well as bring more awareness to each individual chapter to help support their future programs [and] community service events.”