Delta Phi Epsilon pulls in the cash for a good cause
WRITTEN BY: RYAN FRASCELLA
On Thursday, Temple’s chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon held their annual “Deepher Dude” competition. The competition is a big talent show, where students from different organizations throughout campus compete for the coveted title of Deepher Dude. The competition helps to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and this year the event brought in over $17,000 for the cause. On display was everything from stand-up comedy to one of the contestants bringing his mom up on stage to sing with him. Sophomore chapter member, Toni Sichel explains the impact of the competition on the sorority.
“Philanthropy is definitely huge for our sorority,” Sichel said. “We have four philanthropies and try to equal out our time among all of them, but this is definitely one that is close to our hearts. Cystic fibrosis is an awful disease and we all really put our heart and soul into it.”
Even though the organizing body of the competition is a sorority, Sichel explains why having students participate in this event who are not involved in Greek life makes this event so special.
“I think its cool to see a bunch of different organizations come together for it,” Sichel said. “It’s cool because this is the first year that we’ve had a huge amount of contestants that weren’t Greek, so it’s cool to see all Temple organizations come together.”
Prior to Thursday, Junior Eric White was the reigning Deepher Dude. Since he was unable to compete again for the award, he served as one of the competition’s judges. White explains what it has been like to be Deepher Dude for the past year.
“It’s alright,” White said. “You kind of become a representation for their organization outside of the organization, and me being a Pi Lam, they get to know our brothers a lot more. It’s kind of cool socially. Outside of it it’s cool knowing that you just went up there and did your thing and had no shame and had fun with it.”
As one of this year’s judges, White tells me what he is looking for in the contestants when they take the stage.
“I’m looking for someone, again, who has no shame,” White said. “I’m looking for someone who isn’t afraid to pull out all the stops, somebody who is willing to enjoy themselves and at the same time take it seriously, because this is something that you have to represent your fraternity or organization. You should be a great representation of your fraternity or organization because if you’re not than its just pointless.”
Above all else, White tells me what being Deepher Dude has done for him, personally.
“The best part was being able to come out of my shell to more than just my brotherhood,” White said. “I think the biggest thing is that I was up in front of all the Greek life and I just put all of that aside and was like this is me, and I think that’s pretty cool.”
