12 Most Impactful Stories in the Fraternal World for 2011

After seeing the 40 most powerful images of 2011, I thought it would be interesting to create something similar in the fraternal world. So, here are the 12 most impactful stories with images that I could find in the fraternal world for 2011 (in no particular order)...

Bertie McConnell, a 90 year old Kansas woman whose sorority dreams were disrupted by World War II was able to join the sorority she loves, Zeta Tau Alpha at Washburn University. Pictured with Mrs. McConnell are chapter president Paige Martin and Vice President Collegiate III Kelley Harmon.

Pictured here is Pi Kappa Phi member David Feltner who passed away in 2011. David impacted me personally and this picture personified what fraternity is about. This picture shows David four days after brain surgery to remove an egg-sized malignant tumor. Nearly 50 of his fraternity brothers shaved their heads in solidarity with David and presented him with a signed photo of them. R.I.P. David.

Andrew P. Corley., 88, flanked by his son Richard Corley Sr., right and grandson Richard Corley Jr., celebrate three generations of Omega Psi Phi fraternity in Washington. Omega Psi Phi celebrated their centennial this year.

The Occupy Movement had an impact everywhere, including various campuses nationwide. This picture shows a fraternity house with a sign presumably in response to Occupy NWA protesters who were standing across the street. According to protesters in attendance, the sign, which reads "The 1%" was only displayed for a few minutes before it was removed.

A rooftop scandal at the University of Southern California (USC) dominated the headlines back in March and negatively affected the fraternal world.

In 2011, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. became the third NPHC organization to reach the 100 year mark. Members celebrated by going to Indianapolis, Indiana and then making a pilgrimage to Bloomington, Indiana.

Joplin, Missouri was devastated by a terrible tornado back in May. Yet, fraternity men were some of the first on site to help clean-up. Pictured here are Governor Nixon with a volunteer team from the University of Missouri's Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity. Tulsa and Joplin area Habitat for Humanity teams joined forces with the city of Joplin to build 10 homes for families impacted by the May 22 tornado. About 400 volunteers assisted with the Ten for Joplin project, constructing 10 homes in just 16 days.

A devastation in Japan put members of Delta Sigma Phi into action. Pictured here is an image from Japan disaster relief efforts. The woman in the picture was from Japan and started crying when members of the organization explained their motivation for seeking donations. A powerful moment for the members of Delta Sig.

Another hazing death in the fraternal world made headlines in February when George Desdunes passed away at Cornell University. His heartbroken mother is suing her son's fraternity for $25 million dollars after members allegedly kidnapped her son, blindfolded him, bound his hands and feet, and forced him to drink so much alcohol that he passed out and died. R.I.P. George.

The Circle of Sisterhood continued their positive momentum with their Foundation providing the first 2011 grant to 38 young girls on the west side of Tanzania hope. The village of Ruhunga is on the west side of Tanzania. In Ruhunga and other remote villages across Africa, access to education for young girls is extremely difficult. Very few girls continue after completing their secondary education due to school fees. These fees place a hardship on families and many parents are more likely to invest in their sons' education over their daughters.

Before girls at Ruhunga school can go to primary school, they have to pass a national exam. This grant is currently serving as an incentive for 38 girls to pass the national exam. For each girl that passes the exam, the Circle of Sisterhood grant will cover not only her school fees but also the cost of her workbooks, school uniform, and other school supplies.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama felt the devastation of Mother Nature when a massive tornado hit their town,damaged a number of houses and killed many people. Not thinking twice, the Greek community came together and opened up their fraternity/sorority houses for tornado relief. Pictured here are members of the Alabama Greek community preparing hot meals at the Beta Theta Pi house on a Wednesday afternoon as part of the UA Greek Relief.

2011 was a special year for the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) as 20 students descended to El Salvador for the first ever AFLV service immersion trip. During the trip, a sorority woman takes time to play with the children in Las Delicias.

Thank you to all who helped put this blog entry together. If you have other stories or images, feel free to post them in the comments section or send them to me and I can do another entry.