Iota Gamma Upsilon: Why Iota Gamma Upsilon?

Why Iota Gamma Upsilon ?

IGU is a local sorority founded by Lynne Knubbe Montross, Cheron Laboissoniere, Virginia Mallison Stibolt, Susan Morash Powers and Judy Reiker Pardon on May 29, 1962. More history... The chapter was founded on ideals such as friendship and individuality. Our colors are ultramarine and green, our flower is the daffodil and our mascot is the lion. We support various philanthropies.

Our sisterhood is a strong and growing family. As a local sorority we have the ability to govern ourselves and make important house decisions on our own or with alumnae assistance. We are active in the community and by doing philanthropic work, our sisters participate in a variety of on-campus activities during the semester. Some of the other fun things that we do are date parties and formals, and movie nights. Friendships gained at Iota Gamma Upsilon last longer than your years at UMass: they last a lifetime.

Lindsay Stein, recepient of The Nancy Jean Lahteine Palmer scholarship. Each year the Nancy Jean Lahteine Palmer scholarship is awarded to an IGU based upon her academic achievement, financial need, and demonstration of touching the lives of others. In 2009 senior Lindsay Stein was awarded this scholarship. Betsy Lahteine Trobough '82 set up this memorial fund to pay tribute to her sister, Nancy Jean '78, to continue her legacy of giving.

IGUs learn teamwork when playing (and winning!) powder puff football for Greek Week. The chapter consists of dynamic, diverse women both from Massachusetts and out-of-state. We enjoy being able to live in a spacious house close to campus on North Pleasant Street. Check out What's New to see some of the things going on right now!

If you are interested in visiting our unique sorority and meeting the sisters, please call the Greek Affairs office at (413) 545-2711 and ask for a current recruitment chairperson or contact for Iota Gamma Upsilon Sorority.

Greek Week at UMass is a big deal. It's a great time to be Greek at UMASS! The University's new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, Dr. Michael Gargano, is inspiring and supporting strong growth for Fraternities and Sororities, setting the goal to raise Greek participation from the present 3% to at least 20% of the student population. We have all been challenged to redefine what it means to be Greek. We are proud that IGU is a big part of these plans—the house is strong and continues to grow. We are one of the top 3 sororities for academic average. Please visit all the IGU links to learn about house information, new sisters and pledges, house officers, photographs and more. To learn more about the UMass Greek system in general, see the Campus Activities page here.

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending Iota Gamma Upsilon's annual Executive Board member luncheon, and the experience of meeting so many past and present sisters was truly heartwarming. At the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus, IGU is the only chapter within our Panhellenic Council that is not a nationally recognized sorority. Although they are fully recognized within our Panhellenic Organization, they were established with the mission of a fresh approach to sorority life, and a sense of self-governance outside of the National Panhellenic Conference. While some may assume that their unique local label might impede on their ability to recruit new members, in fact it has only added to their success.

This weekend I learned first hand the unique benefits that a local designation can bring to a chapter. As alumnae shared personal anecdotes about their experiences at IGU over the years, the incredible camaraderie and common institutional bonds became evident. Not only are IGU’s dedicated to their organization, but they are dedicated to UMass, and this is something with which the national sorority organizations will never be able to compete.

While this weekend really opened my eyes, I also hope that it shed light on the incredible benefits a local chapter can bring, to its current members. In today’s college environment where difference is valued, community is essential, and everlasting friendships are forefront, Iota Gamma Upsilon truly has everything going for them!

- Jenny Schweon, Panhellenic Council advisor, a grad student, and UMass alumna (04/28/09)

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