Amanda Saper was elected president of the Panhellenic Council last week and the current Alpha Delta Pi president is looking forward to transitioning into her new position. We sat down with Saper to talk about her goals and how she plans to improve the Greek community with her new position.

Onward State: Why did you decide to run for Panhellenic President? 

Amanda Saper: Running for Panhellenic President has been a dream of mine since freshman year. After almost a full term as chapter president for Alpha Delta Pi, I realized there was still so much more I wanted to do for Greek life at Penn State. It didn’t feel like it should be the end of my involvement. I felt that I could take my knowledge as a chapter president and my passion for Panhellenic, to the next level.

OS: What does being named Panhellenic President mean to you?

AS: For me, it means having the ability to inspire others just as they have inspired me. I began as a freshman Junior Panhellenic Delegate under Nicole Rocchio, where I first got to experience the inner workings of Panhellenic. Being named Panhellenic President is an opportunity to harness the diverse talents and abilities of women into something extraordinary.

OS: What changes do you intend to make during your term?

AS: I know first hand that our accreditation process is tough. As a chapter president, I am in the midst of filling it out right now. I want to really clarify some aspects of this and ensure a seamless transition as we move forward with changes in the future. I would also like to better align the rules between Panhellenic and IFC. Currently, a lot of our rules do not coincide with our male counterparts and I hope to bridge the gap. Overall, I would really like to see a comprehensive calendar be created. We have so many events and different requirements, so I want to make sure the leadership in every sorority is well-equipped to get their members at each event.

OS: What aspects of sorority life do you hope to remain the same?

AS: I definitely want to ensure that our core values remain the same. I want the spirit of what we do and what we stand for to be preserved.

OS: What do you feel your greatest challenge as president will be?

AS: My greatest challenge will definitely be making sure that all changes are as smooth as possible. Greek life is expanding and constantly being updated, so with all that comes figuring out how to make each transition seamless.

OS: What experience have you had that you believe made you qualified for this position?

AS: I have held a lot of positions within ADPI. As a freshman, I was Alumnae Relations Chair and Junior Panhellenic Delegate. That summer, I traveled to New Orleans, LA for the first ever Panhellenic Service Immersion trip. Following this I became chapter President for Alpha Delta PI. I also got to travel to three separate leadership conferences on behalf of my sorority and be involved in several smaller committees.

OS: How has this experience helped shape you and prepare you to become president of Panhellenic?

AS: With each position I have held, I have only wanted to further my leadership for Panhellenic. As chapter president, I understand how Panhellenic functions. I also understand what has been successful and where there is room for improvement.

OS: How do you plan to work with the rest of the Panhellenic executive board?

AS: I plan to create an open and efficient environment. The rest of the Panhellenic executive board is extremely qualified and I look forward to collaborating!

OS: What are you most excited for in your coming term? 

AS: I am excited to meet with a lot of other organizations on campus! I look forward to getting to know more about all different kinds of involvement at Penn State.

OS: Finally, if you were a dinosaur, what would you be and why? 

AS: Probably a Tyrannosaurus Rex. I know they are carnivores and honestly, I am anxiously awaiting the moment that I go home for Thanksgiving break and order some good Chicago steak.