After a week of service, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, with the help of four NSU sororities, raised over $1,000 for Push America. The Beta Omicron chapter’s annual ‘War of the Roses’ is a friendly, week-long competition designed to spread awareness about disabilities, raise funds for Push America, and provide service to enhance the lives of those with disabilities.

October 29 through November 2, 2007, NSU sorority women participated in activities designed to spread awareness about living with a disability. A wheelchair relay allowed able-bodied students to realize how physically demanding it can be to maneuver a wheelchair. Students learned how to give adequate verbal instructions through a blind-folded tee ball match. A bake-off encouraged participants to utilize limited sensory methods.

Pi Kappa Phi and participating sororities threw a Halloween Party for the Natchitoches ARC. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity presented the N.A.R.C. with a $500 check to aid the organization’s services to the Natchitoches community.

Sorority women also raised funds for Push America through individual fundraising events and Penny Wars.

The week ended with an empathy dinner at the NSU Recreation Complex. Simulated disabilities were assigned to the participants to help them understand how difficult something as simple as eating can be. Two mothers of children with disabilities shared their experiences with disabilities.

Each sorority was recognized for outstanding service to Push America. Alpha Omicron Pi was the overall winner of the 2007 War of the Roses. Phi Mu placed second, while Alpha Sigma Alpha placed third.  Sigma Sigma Sigma was awarded fourth place.