Greeks unite for QueDelta week

Two Greek chapters at Southern Miss have come together this week to show their love of community service while supporting a cause that affects many: autism awareness. 

As part of the annual QueDelta week, a collaborative philanthropy event hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi fraternity, students and community members have come out to several activities, including a kid’s carnival and date auction Wednesday.

“Our organizations strive to serve at all times and really bring that to the forefront of everything we do,” said Felicia Loving, a senior Delta Sigma Theta from Vicksburg who serves as Walk For Autism Chair. “I think everybody has been enjoying it.”

On Thursday from 4 until 6:30 p.m., a Walk for Autism will be held on Pride Field. At the walk, University of Southern Mississippi graduate and autism awareness activist Mark Yeager will be speaking. After his speech, participants will walk and release blue balloons in honor of those who have autism. 

For Omega Psi Phi member Gerald West, the best part of the week is a picnic to be held Saturday at 10 a.m.

“It brings together everyone from the Hattiesburg community in one place to just enjoy themselves,” West said. “It’s just a time for everyone to have fun and laugh and get away from any stress they may have.”

Loving said community service has always been important to her, and her involvement in a Greek organization only fueled that desire to help.

“Service a really strong passion of mine and it has been since high school,” Loving said. “It just comes natural for me, personally, and with my organization it’s part of what we always try to do.”

West said both his and Loving’s chapters value community service, which gives them a great basis for the partnership.

“Our two chapters are very close to each other and we have similar goals to help this community and give back,” West said. “The community is like a person’s roots, if your roots aren’t stable then a person cannot grow.” 

For West, serving people with autism is particularly special. 

“A lot of people suffer from [autism], and not a lot of people understand it,” West said. “I want to bring awareness to it.”