by MEGAN THAO, CSU Public Relations Intern

Greek life is more than the typical fraternity and sorority stereotype you see portrayed in the media. Fraternity and Sorority Life at Minnesota State Mankato offers a sense of community that helps members grow as individuals and team.

With its campus theme, Ultimate College Experience, FSL takes that spirit of involvement and reaches out for the greater good of the campus and regional community.

The brothers of Sigma Chi made mental health awareness the focus of a week’s activity earlier this month.

During the week of Oct. 4, a series of events offered a variety of messages for students to be more educated and active with their mental health.

The first awareness event used 110 empty chairs on the campus mall to reflect the 1100 college students who die each year to suicide. The display sought to raise awareness of the suffering and stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Therapy dogs from the Mankato chapter of Alliance of Therapy Dogs out on the mall on Oct. 5 offered students a break from schoolwork and refresh their minds by having dogs they could pet. 

The week also included guest speaker Nate Cannon who shared his personal perspective on the importance of positive mental health and its impact as a trans male.

Lastly, Sigma Chi tabled in the Centennial Student Union, providing resources for mental health on campus. They also planned a food and clothing drive starting in October, with the food donations going to the Maverick Food Pantry and clothes to the homeless shelter.  

If you are needing on-campus mental health resources, please CLICK HERE to access more information.