Name: Erin O’Toole
Major: HRIM
Year: Senior
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Meet Erin O’Toole, a senior majoring in HRIM who loves THON and always puts others first. Not only is she serving her second term as Gamma Sigma Sigma President, but she’s preparing to represent Gamma Sig as a dancer in THON 2013.
HC: Describe your role as President of Gamma Sigma Sigma.
Erin: As President, my job is to make sure that the chapter of 130 girls is running smoothly and that we are following all policies and procedures in accordance with not only Penn State, but our National Board of Directors as well. I oversee everything that the exec board does, and help them with any problems that they may run into. I have to keep an open dialogue with both Student Affairs and directors from our National Board so that they can be up-to-date on what we are doing and answer any questions that I may have. I run chapter every Sunday night and run two executive board meetings on Wednesday and Sunday nights. On paper it does not sound like much, but it definitely feels like a full time job.
HC: Why did you become involved with Gamma Sigma Sigma?
Erin: I became involved with Gamma Sigma Sigma because I was looking for a way to get more involved with Penn State. An older friend of mine told me to go to one of the rush meetings and I did and instantly fell in love. What is great about our sorority is that we are a National Service Sorority so we get all the benefits of sisterhood in addition to giving back to our community and numerous national charities.
HC: What is your favorite part of Gamma Sigma Sigma?
Erin: I have two favorite parts of Gamma Sig. One is that it allows me to get so involved in the State College community and I can actually see the positive impact that our members are making in this town. Penn State has given so much to me and I like knowing that when I leave here I will have helped make it a better place. My second favorite part is the life long friendships that I have made while in Gamma Sig. I know for a fact that some of my sisters are going to be bridesmaids in my wedding someday, and I can count on them to be there for me through everything!
HC: What is the most rewarding service event that you’ve done?
Erin: The great thing about Gamma Sig is there is so much rewarding service. I love volunteering in the community at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, LifeLink PSU, Relay for Life, the Schlow Public Library– the list is endless. However, the service that I am most passionate about is THON. I love everything from the canning weekends, to the THONvelopes, to getting to know our three amazing families. I am so excited to have been given the privilege to dance in THON this year for Gamma Sigma Sigma, and I already know it is going to be the best weekend of my life!
HC: How does someone get involved with Gamma Sigma Sigma.
Erin: Anyone can get involved with Gamma Sigma Sigma by going to our Rush Meetings, which are Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. in 158 Willard and Sunday, January 27th at 8pm in 026 Hosler.