National Greek speaker gives new perspective on ritual
Friday, March 21, 2008, 10:16 EST
A large number of sorority women from all houses and grades were fortunate enough to hear Mari Ann Callais, Ph.D. speak on March 4. The topic of the event was “From Ritual to Reality,” and it was obvious that every sorority member in the room took to Callais’ message because of her unique methods of presentation.
“Hakuna Matata,” “Lean on Me” and “Live Like You Were Dying” were songs performed by Callais, before the sorority sisters shared their own personal stories of sisterhood.
Callais spoke of doing the best every Greek brother and sister can do to live the true meaning behind Greek rituals, objects and letters. She stressed that Greek members should be the highest examples of charity, responsibility, academic dedication and social behavior. She summarized her examples on how best to apply these character strengths by closing with, “Live as an outward symbol of an inner commitment.”
Callais’ has had a deep involvement in Greek life since she first joined her sorority Theta Phi Alpha in April 1986. Since then she has become so dedicated to Greek life that she became Theta Phi Alpha’s national president in 2002 and started to spread her view on Greek life across the country.
Callais, who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Research, has become so unique in her presentation methods that she was awarded the Southeastern Inter-Fraternity Conference Outstanding Adviser in 1996 and 2001.
Butler’s campus is 33 percent Greek. This speech was intended to help the Greek section of the campus lead the other 67 percent in the "right" direction. For more on Callais, click here.

