University Fraternity and Sorority Life Office

The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office (FSLO) at the University of Pittsburgh, one of the largest student organizations at Pitt, contributes a tremendous amount of time and energy to building productive and successful future leaders. This organization makes every effort to ensure that all Greek organizations are an integral part of the University and promotes three core principals: leadership, scholarship and philanthropy.

Philanthropy has been a central role in the FLSO's mission throughout its existence, and participating in philanthropic endeavors has given students the opportunity to grow and develop communication and organizational skills. More importantly, students have the opportunity to experience community involvement, which continues to be a critical lifeline to the various programs that the students produce. When the FSLO was presented with the opportunity to support efforts at the UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI, they were confident that it would be the right moment to take their efforts a step further.

UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI offered a unique opportunity for students to support a cause that is very real in their everyday lives. A gift from the FSLO would make a significant contribution in advancing research and clinical efforts for early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The FSLO decided to make a $500,000 commitment to UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI which would name a laboratory at the Hillman Cancer Center in support of lung and thoracic cancer research. This unprecedented gift from the FSLO was both the largest gift commitment from a University of Pittsburgh student organization, and the largest gift to UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI from a student organization.

Throughout the year, students participate in various fundraising activities to support their commitment. 2005 saw several new activities, including an October walk/run in Schenley Park and a December dance-a-thon. The latter event was the largest fundraiser that any student organization has ever held at the University of Pittsburgh, raising over $30,000. As well as raising funds, the event also served to raise cancer awareness: at the event's close, a fellow student and cancer survivor spoke on her experience with cancer. This combination of personal experience and charity led to coverage in local media and publicity for their efforts.

In the years to come, the FSLO will strive to build upon their successes and continually raise the bar on their efforts to help build a future without cancer.

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