NIU’s fraternities and sororities once again will be participating in the annual “Greek Week” from Feb. 17-23.

Many activities are planned for the special week in order to promote unity in the greek community and also to help other charities outside the community.

“One of the main purposes of Greek Week is to unite the different greek organizations and in turn form a stronger relationship between the whole greek community,” Greek Week chairman Dale Spencer said.

Kicking off the week will be “Greek Sing” in the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom on Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. The theme will be “Rockin‘ thru the Ages” and will involve skits and songs from different decades being performed by randomly selected sororities and fraternities.

On Feb. 18, there will be a faculty reception in the HSC’s Capitol Room from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This reception will recognize different members of the NIU faculty chosen by greek organizations for their outstanding contributions.

Comedy of all kinds will be presented to the public on Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom. Nationally known comedians Mark Curry, Mike Segal, and Rocky LaPorte will be performing. Admission is $1.00.

Will Keim will be speaking on Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. in the Ballroom about “The Demythologizing of the Animal House,” and what it really means to be a part of a fraternity or sorority.

Other activities being held throughout the week include a dinner exchange between the fraternities and sororities. Each house will go to a different house every night during the week to have dinner and meet new people.

“It will give different houses a chance to meet new people and to see how things run in the different houses,” said Dawn Sterma, adviser for Greek affairs.

Greeks also will be selling $6 cookbooks throughout the week for Safe Passage, a shelter for abused women. This also will raise money for Epilepsy Resource, an organization that helps kids with epilepsy go to camp for the summer.

“This is a chance for the greek organizations to give something back to the community,” Philanthropy Chairman Cathy Paser said.