thursday, august 28, 2003 news the university daily kansan 7A Sorority seeks awareness By Johanna M. Maska jmaska@kansan.com Kansan staff writer 042-8665 2858 Four Wheel Dr. Litona Bounevongxay makes a careful distinction when she describes herself. "I personally consider myself both Asian and American," the Winfield junior said. A desire to identify with the first part of her concise self-description pushed her toward Alpha Phil Gamma, the sorority she helped found at the University of Kansas. Last year, in Alpha Phi Gamma's first year at the University, 14 women sought a charter for the Asian-affiliated sorority. After successfully chartering the sorority, the new sorority is ready to increase its public presence on campus. The group wants to increase philanthropy, public events and getting information about the sorority out. Alpha Phi Gamma was founded nationally in 1994 to be a non-discriminatory sorority "under the common goal of Asian-American awareness in the university and community" according to the national chapter's Web site. nature Linda Mai, Garden City senior and Alpha Phi Gamma vice-president, said she never intended to join a sorority. But Alpha Phi Gamma's unique appeal got her attention. "When I look at us, I don't see Asian; it's just a way for us not to forget our heritage." Mai said. According to the University Office of Institutional Research and Planning Reports, 666 students claimed Asian heritage in 2001, up from 486 in 1991. But Mal said the Asian Community isn't a homogeneous group. People often forget the diversity that exists within the continent, Mal said. "Some people think Asia is a country," she said. Alpha PhI Gamma is interested in raising awareness of the various Asian cultures on campus. "Just by creating a sorority and attending events that others put on, it makes others see there is a growing Asian community," Bounevongxay said. Recruitment isn't confined to a certain period of time, like other campus sororities. It's a yearlong process based on interest throughout the year. Mai said the sorority looked for outgoing women with heart. "As long as they try with us, we want to try with them," Mai said. —Edited by Neeley Spellmeier ZETA/ Members blame lack of house for low interest CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A "There's no good reason why it didn't work," she said. "We had quality women." quaint women. Amy Waldron, Overland Park senior and president of the Kappa Delta sorority, blamed Zeta Tau Alpha's lack of a house as the main reason they failed to attract enough members. "I think it's very unfortunate that the Zetas aren't going to get their charter with chapters that have houses," she said. houses, she said. Waldron said that when she joined a sorority, every chapter had a house, so it didn't affect her choice of sorotities. In the end, Waldron said that the climate at the University of Kansas just wasn't right for a Zeta Tau Alpha colony at this time. Hill and two Zeta Tau Alpha travelling leadership consultants stayed on campus yesterday to meet with former members and close the Zeta Tau Alpha office. Robertson said she didn't know of any plans for a closing ceremony. "It's not like we have to have a big party and say tearful farewells," she said. "Everyone's still here. We just won't meet Monday nights in the Union for chapter anymore." Zeta Tau Alpha was established in 1898 at what is now Longwood University in Farmville, Va. Zeta Tau Alpha has 143 active collegiate chapters and 180,000 initiated members. - Edited by Abby Sidesinger CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A said. "It's great to see what you love so much is appreciated by everybody." The reason Mars appeared so brightly last night was because of its orbital position in relation to Earth and the sun. MARS/ Potential for rain doesn't discourage viewers Both Mars and Earth orbit the sun in nearly circular orbits. The planets travel in these orbits at different speeds and come close to one another about every 15 to 17 years. Last night, when Mars was near its closest to earth, it was also in opposition, meaning the sun. Earth and Mars are in a line. Because the distance between Mars and the sun is so large, Earth does not leave a shadow on Mars. An eclipse does not occur when the sun, Earth and Mars line up. Because Mars' orbit is elliptical, it is not always at an equal distance from the sun. It comes closest to the sun every 15 to 17 years. Last night Mars was the closest to the sun and near the closest in its orbit to Earth. Anthony-Twarog said the average distance between Earth and Mars when Mars was in opposition was 78 million kilometers or about 48 million miles. However, last night Mars was 55.8 million kilometers or about 35 million miles. in awe. "It was good enough to have a taste of the cosmos," said Ethan Fosse, Manhattan senior. The night left planet watchers in awe. Edited by Nikki Overfelt LAWRENCE AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS INC. MODELING FOR THE KANSAN IS ALMOST AS COOL AS GLAMOUR SHOTS Sign up Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wescoe Beach to be one of The University Daily Kansan's advertising models. If we need a photo,we select from a pool of registered models and if you are lucky, you could be selected! And don't worry, we'll make sure you're done by the time Blossom is on. ask listen solve www.commercebank.com call click come by Banking, borrowing and buying pizza made easy. So, you'll need a way to get cash and keep track of how much you have left. 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