Associate Director for Greek Life To Depart

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary

In a recent mass e-mail sent to the Mason Greek community, assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, Michelle Guobadia, announced her leave at the end of the semester. By leaving Mason, Guobadia is set to work with the dean of students to become the associate dean for Greek Life at the University of North Carolina. According to her announcement, Guobadia will leave in May of this year but will continue to work until a replacement is hired to the position.

“It was interesting because I was not job searching, but a mentor of mine spoke on my behalf to the dean of students at UNC-Charlotte,” Guobadia said.

Before transferring, Guobadia will continue to plan this year’s Greek Week, which will be accompanied by a step show performance and the Standards of Excellence Award show.

“The Greek students here at Mason have inspired me, challenged me, educated me and reaffirmed my commitment to the fraternal movement,” Guobadia said.

During Greek Week, fraternities and sororities will hold an event titled, Shack-A-Thon, which will have students live outside the Johnson Center for 48 hours and endure outdoor conditions. On behalf of the event, proceeds will go to charity organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Medical Care for Children Partnership. Therefore, families with children who do not have medical insurance will benefit from the event through the money raised.

“It’s been amazing and bittersweet at the same time and it’s not like I’m mad or anything, it’s just that I’m at the point where I have the option to take a career move to the next level,” Guobadia said.

According to Guobadia, the Greek community at Mason raised $8,600, which was a large amount for the organizations working collectively. Also, Guobadia discussed how important it was to maintain relationships with stakeholders.

“It’s not about Mason remembering me, but to see what we have accomplished as a community with stakeholders. I want Greek life to know that they can be better than yesterday and come together as brothers and sisters,” Guobadia said.

Prior to obtaining the position at Mason, Guobadia attended the University of Delaware as well as North Carolina State University. She studied education in programming, leadership and student affairs.

“I am thrilled for this new opportunity and my experiences at Mason that have prepared me for this next level in my professional career,” Guobadia said.

Not only was money raised during Guobadia’s three-year position but also she noted how much fraternities and sororities have improved academically with stronger grade point averages, which are now posted online on their web sites.

“Our staff in Student Activities is committed to ensuring that fraternity and sorority life maintains high standards and has knowledgeable support,” Guobadia said.

Students are encouraged to become involved in Greek life and to learn more about community service projects and events.

“This is a great Greek community with amazing potential. I believed in you when I started in June 2005, I believe in you today and I will believe in you always,” Guobadia said.