It’s 8,000 cans. It’s baking cookies for someone who has lost a friend. It’s late nights in the Curris Center.
It’s giving up what you want to do, what human nature tells you to do, and having the maturity to be vulnerable. It’s taking responsibility for your individual actions.
It’s what Greek Life at Murray State is becoming – and one person, Jason Hinson-Nolen, can be credited more than anyone for this sudden, rewarding change.
When I arrived at Murray State in the fall of 2011, I was a pre-medical biology major, who wanted to join a sorority because my best friend was in one. I had no idea what I wanted to do or who I wanted to become.
Suddenly, sophomore year I was confidently voted into Panhellenic, and eventually into an executive position. This involvement has helped me figure out who I am and the type of person I want to be.
I’ve met many Greek advisers across the nation, I’ve learned how other campuses operate, and I’ve heard the horror stories everyone knows. From those experiences, I’ve come to the conclusion that Jason has a sincere passion for helping others that is lacking in many people.
He wants to see people truly become better men and women, he wants to see organizations hold themselves accountable for their actions.
He’s calling for Murray State Greek Life to grow up a bit, and leave the stereotypes behind.
As many people know, he is leaving this week for a position at the North-American Interfraternity Conference, where he will be named the Director of Campus Initiatives.
A title is a title, but what is accomplished in a position is what truly matters.
Jason will help the NIC represent 75 fraternities nationwide, and will hold them to the standards they were founded upon.
While I’m sad one of my best role models is leaving Murray State, I’m incredibly excited for his future. Just from the small amount of time I’ve known Jason at Murray State, I can say he’ll make tremendous changes in fraternity life.
Meanwhile, I’ll return to the CSI office every week, pick a discussion topic at Panhellenic meetings, and laugh when the other exec members send stupid pictures via group message.
I’ll also support and push Live. Your. Values., challenging our members to go beyond what the past tells them they are.
I can only hope Murray State Greek Life will remain a respected and community-service based group of organizations. With the foundation Jason set for Panhellenic, IFC and NPHC, I truly believe it is possible.
One quote by Cecil Beaton comes to mind when I think of who I’ve become because of my role in Greek Life: “Be darling, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.”
Column by Lexy Gross, Editor-in-Chief. Follow her @lexygross.
Suzy Crook • Sep 14, 2013 at 5:20 pm
Well said! As a "greek" I've always told any sorority or fraternity that I've spoken to that if all the groups would just live up to what their founders began and envisioned, there would not be any issues or doubts about what they were about. Live. Your. Values. I like it!
Donna Herndon • Sep 14, 2013 at 10:31 am
Lexy, this is a beautifully written tribute to Jason. I've been around for a long time and I see significant changes in the Greek community at MSU which reflect the impact of his efforts. I have not been privileged to get to know Jason very well, but can see the inspiration he has provided. You are a great example! The best way the Greek community can show their appreciation for Jason is to continue the initiatives he has begun. Godspeed to Jason Hinson-Nolen!
Kathy Kopperud • Sep 10, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Well said Lexy! We will all miss Jason but our charge will be to continue the initiatives that he has started in Greek Life at Murray State and not fall back into old habits and convenience. The only way to achieve excellence is to expect and demand it! Hopefully he has inspired enough Greeks in leadership roles to carry on!