UM Greek life revives Greek Week tradition through music, competition and service

Members of Greek organizations - from left to right, Gianna Gammarati, Parker Osth, Ava Ferrara, Hallie Sussner, Jenna Simone, Anisha Gandhi and Tru Lasley. Courtesy of Parker Osth.

Greek Week is set to return to the University of Miami, bringing back one of the most spirited and anticipated traditions. From Feb. 19 to 28, Greek life chapters will come together for a week-long series of events designed to promote teamwork and philanthropy among sororities and fraternities across campus. 

For most students, this will be their first time participating in Greek Week, introducing them to the spirit that defines the tradition. Organizers emphasize that the events are designed not only for members of Greek organizations, but also welcome the entire university community. 

Greek Week is a well-established tradition at UM, but it was temporarily paused in 2020 due to COVID-19. The week itself was one of the year’s most anticipated events, bringing chapters together through friendly competition while reinforcing a shared dedication to philanthropy.

Association of Greek Letter Organizations Chair Parker Osth describes Greek Week as an opportunity “to showcase to the rest of campus the excitement and spirit behind our diverse chapters and the philanthropic and service efforts we can build together.” 

The Greek Week E-Board, which is made up of student leaders across the Greek community, has been organizing and planning events for each day of the week.

This year’s theme draws inspiration from popular American music festivals, with all 33 chapters divided into nine teams to represent events such as EDC, Ultra, Lollapalooza and III Points. 

“With 2026 being the reintroduction of Greek Week, we want to bring the same kind of excitement and energy our student body has for music festivals to our events,” Osth said. 

Throughout the week, teams will compete in a range of on-campus challenges and large-scale events designed to promote engagement with Greek Life in new and exciting ways that extend beyond individual chapters. 

The first event, “Greeks Got Talent,” will take place Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Lakeside Stage and feature performances from selected members of each team.

Greek Field Day will take place at the Foote Green on Wednesday, Feb. 25, blending friendly competition with fundraising and reviving a special campus tradition. Barnyard Bagels will also be sold with proceeds benefiting the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC).

Ultra Music Festival tickets will be awarded as prizes throughout the week, building anticipation for the final on-campus event, “Battle of the DJs,” on Friday, Feb. 27. The event will feature a large-scale competition among DJs within Greek Life, with attendees encouraged to represent their assigned festival in themed attire.

While Greek Week may be known for its high-energy environment and friendly competition, philanthropy remains at the heart of the event. 

Greek Week’s philanthropic initiative supports the DCC, a local Miami-based organization created after a Miami Dolphins team member was diagnosed with cancer. The challenge has since grown into an annual tradition held in his honor. For many students, participating in DCC fundraising efforts is personal, often driven by a desire to honor loved ones and support cancer research.

Greek Week Philanthropy Chair Hallie Sussner, a sophomore and member of Delta Phi Epsilon, shares her experience and personal connection to the cause. 

“I turned my pain into purpose by fundraising,” Sussner said.

Sussner has been working closely with the DCC to increase student involvement across the University of Miami and plans to participate in the 5K herself. The organization encourages UM students to take part in the week’s final and most anticipated event, DCC XVI, on Feb. 28 at Hard Rock Stadium.

To participate, students must raise a minimum of $250 and can choose from a variety of events, including a 5K run, cycling routes and other activities. Students who are unable to participate in the event can still get involved by donating or fundraising through Team Hurricanes.

Greek Week serves as a reminder of the important role Greek life plays in promoting service and unity across campus. The mix of philanthropy and friendly competition allows students to use their voices and platforms to make a positive impact in the community.

“Expect to see campus charged with the energy of Greek Life’s pride and community as we work together to contribute to the great cause behind the DCC,” Osth said.

Working together, Greek chapters will continue to make a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community. Greek Week reflects the values at the core of the University of Miami community: collaboration, service and a shared commitment to making a difference.