Conflict resolution, diversity education and a positive image of the Greek System are just three of Tomas Gonzalez’s top priorities in his position of assistant director in the Office of Greek Life.

Gonzalez, who assumed the position Jan. 14, said many people on campus have a negative view of Greek life and that this view is a tremendous injustice to some of the charitable work many chapters participate in. In the time he has spent in his new roll, Gonzalez has spoken with several students and initiated a diversity education program for all new members after rush season.

‘There are a lot of good things that really are not getting out there,’ Gonzalez said.

Before he made his way to the Hill, Gonzalez served as the director of Residence Life at Alfred University where he was responsible for the general educational programming, dealt with daily student concerns and specialized in working with the Greek community. It was this experience that made him the top choice when selecting a new assistant, said Barry Wells, senior vice president and dean of Student Affairs, in an e-mail.

‘The breadth of his professional experiences as well as his involvement in Greek life were instrumental in the decision-making process for us,’ Wells said.

He also served on the Crisis Response Team and chaired the university’s Judicial Board at Alfred, Wells said. Gonzalez joins OGL program director Vincent Kuss and Director Bill Longcore. Another assistant position still has yet to be filled.

Since Gonzalez began his job, he has brought a wealth of new ideas and energy to the office, as exemplified by his work with many Latinos in the Greek System and his organization of a greek honor society, Kuss said.

‘He is really working on a lot of new innovative programs,’ Kuss said.

Gonzalez said he looks at the recent incidents involving fraternities, such as fights that have landed several members in the hospital, as extensions of students not having proper risk management and conflict resolution skills when they enter the university system. He said he thinks SU is taking the correct precautions by working to educate incoming students on the dangers of such behavior.

‘This is by no means is just a greek problem,’ Gonzalez said.

Beyond the stereotypes of greeks, Gonzalez said there are several reason to be proud SU’s greek community including the philanthropy for charity that is done by the chapters.

‘We really need to raise the visibility of all of these positive aspects of the greek community,’ Gonzalez said.

Published on March 19, 2002 at 12:00 pm