Name: Wyatt Goodwin
Year: Senior
Major: English and Political Science
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Her Campus: So, you’re a senior! How do you feel about already being at this point in your college career?
Wyatt Goodwin: I am definitely not thrilled to be almost done with college already. Like everyone, I feel like I kind of just got here, and now I have to leave. It’s so crazy.
HC: I completely get that! Tell me a bit about what you’re involved with on campus.
WG: I’m involved the most with a fraternity called Sigma Alpha Mu, or Sammy. I got interested in it because I met someone from my high school in the fraternity. I actually didn’t know him until I got here, but when he introduced me to the brothers it just clicked. Everyone was so nice and I love being a part of it. I love all of the brothers. We all just have a lot of fun together.
HC: Have you worked on anything in particular with Sigma Alpha Mu that you’re really proud of? Are there any projects or events that you’re always going to remember?
WG: Right now we’re actually working on a fundraiser for hurricane relief. We are hosting a gala on December 1st at 6 p.m. in the O’Hara Student Center Ballroom. There’s going to be food, music and raffles! All the money we raise from the tickets and other donations are going to the American Red Cross. They’ll use the donated funds to provide families with food, shelters, and anything else they need to get back on track. Our goal with this gala is to raise a lot of money for a good cause.
HC: That sounds incredible! I’ll definitely be there. What makes this gala so important to you?
WG: I’m really proud of working on this fundraiser. I’m from Long Island, and when I was in high school, I went through Hurricane Sandy. Basically, you just watch water come through the first floor of your house and your whole neighborhood is destroyed. Overnight, my town became a different place. So when the idea for the gala was brought up, it just kind of made sense to do it. Multiple brothers were affected, too. There’s a few others from my area and some from Texas and Florida who were hit by the recent hurricanes. I didn’t think it could get much worse than Sandy. But this year it did—three times in a row.
HC: I think it’s amazing you all are coming together as a fraternity to host this, especially being something so important to many of you. Is this something anyone can attend, or is it just for Greek life?
WG: It’s absolutely open to anyone, both students and adults! We have a Facebook page which has the majority of our information, as well as the form to sign up with your name and food choice. If you’re in an organization and send at least two people, you’ll get the name of your organization on our banner that goes everywhere. Also- the dress code is semi-formal. Men will be in suits and women can wear nicer dresses.
HC: Is there any way for people to help out even if they cannot attend the gala?
WG: Definitely! We have a Crowdrise page, which is similar to a GoFundMe. We’re accepting donations on there so if you want to contribute, you’re able to.
HC: Great! One more question for you- what is your favorite thing about Pitt?
WG: I love everything. One thing I’ve noticed is where I’m from, I feel like everyone is cranky all the time. Here in Pittsburgh, everybody is super nice. They’re so pleasant!
Photo Credits: Author’s own