Name: Jillian Gaudet
Grade: Junior
Major: Psychology & Sociology
Hometown: Peabody, MA
What are your current campus involvements? Organization Coordinator for the Archway, Tri Sigma Ritual Chair, Athletics Office Intern
What are your responsibilities as Panhellenic President? As Panhellenic President, I oversee seven of the best leaders (aka my Vice Presidents) that I’ve seen on Bryant’s campus. I meet with the Fraternity/Sorority Advisor Sue Zarnowski at least once a week to plan ahead regarding Bryant events and NPC standards we have to meet. I normally will go to Interfraternity Council meetings every other week and I also attend every GAMMA meeting. I try to be a resource for Chapter Presidents (S/O Anna, Avery and Sarah) for anything they need. Mainly I act as the outward face of the Panhellenic Council on campus.
Why did you decide to join a sorority? I guess I joined a sorority because my older biological sister is my best friend. When I came to Bryant not knowing anyone, I really was hoping to create similar relationships like the one I have with my sister. I quickly found my home away from home within my sorority. Greek Life has been everything I expected and more, and we are continuing to grow more and more each year. I am so proud of all of our collectively accomplishments so far and I can’t wait to see the future of Greek Life on our campus. I hope that by the changes we are making to the Greek Life system- i.e. trying to branch out and co-sponsor or co-host events with other clubs and organizations, and enhancing our image on campus by offering our own programs open to the community, that it will attract more members. That way, members can have the best college experience possible, much like I have. I hope we can continue to expand at the rapid pace that we are and also continue to portray ourselves in the best light possible.
How has your sorority experience impacted your life? Being in a sorority has changed my entire life. From the day I accepted my bid, I knew I was all in. I made a goal that day my freshman year that I would someday serve as President. Little did I know that day would come in less than a year! I vowed to take advantage of every opportunity that my sorority offered, and I can only say amazing things about my organization. I have grown so much as a leader and a person, and I have faith that these skills will transfer and benefit me greatly in the workforce. Being a huge women’s advocate, I reeeeeally want to encourage the women on campus to build each other up as students, leaders, and friends. If we aren’t there for each other, how can we expect the men to support us? We should be each other’s biggest fans. Girls tear women down, women build women up. Me and Katie Koumarianos (both Greek Life obviously) were also 2/3 of this year’s HerStory award winners. Meaning, we are seen by the community as participants that empower women and push them to move forward (mine mainly through leadership development!) Being in a sorority is an experience like no other and I encourage everyone campus to keep an open mind about it!
What is your favorite part of being in Greek Life? I have to say my favorite part of Greek Life is the opportunities it opened up. Having 77 sisters who all have different involvements, different networks, and different backgrounds, really offers an eye-opening perspective. I was immediately introduced to a cause I have grown to really love, Up ’til Dawn, and I never would have had direct connections otherwise. I have also been exposed to different personalities which is always really interesting, especially for a psychology major. Joining Greek Life really made my college experience everything that it is.