Brian Hoffman joined the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement staff on Sept. 2, filling the position of Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator for Brent Grunig, who took a job at Florida Gulf Coast University in July.
Brian Hoffman (left) talking to students about hazing prevention after the candlelight vigil.
Panhellenic bid night was on Sept. 8, where all potential new members discovered what Greek organization they were about to join. The lacrosse field was filled with hundreds of young women from every sorority and approximately 300 new members, screaming, chanting, and dancing. Yet, in the background of it all Hoffman ran with a camera, recording the joy that is bid day for sororities while he cheered and supported each organization, all within his first few days on campus. While some were nervous about Hoffman dealing with recruitment, many were happy that he did come out and showed a large amount of support.
“I know that everyone was concerned about Brian having to experience recruitment only a few days after starting here at UT. The weekend was a great chance for him to learn directly from Panhellenic and Brent about the amount of work and planning that goes into the formal recruitment process,” said Jennifer Allison, senior sister of Kappa Alpha Theta and president of the Panhellenic Council. “Overall the weekend went very well and Brian gained an abundance of first hand experience. I have not had the opportunity to work with him closely, but he seems excited to be at UT. I know that everyone is excited to see what he can bring to the UT Greek community.”
“There was the potential for that [night] to be an overwhelming situation for a lot of people, but for me it was the type of experience I wouldn’t have had any other way,” Hoffman said. “It was great to jump right in and get the opportunity to connect with the executive staff on both IFC and Panhellenic, [to] work with recruitment teams, and Rho Gammas as well. It had me present from the beginning, which is something that I think most of the organizations liked to see.”
Before coming to UT, Hoffman attended Tulane University for his undergraduate degree and then Florida State University for his graduate degree. Hoffman also worked for Zeta Beta Tau’s national headquarters for three years where he helped with expansions and chapter development. He hopes to bring all of his experience to benefit not only Greek life, but all of the UTampa community. Students and faculty were both impressed with the involvement that Hoffman put into recruitment and the amount of support that he showed toward the Greek community.
“I’m very excited to have him as a part of our community now, and I believe that he will be an incredibly strong asset – especially considering all of the amazing work that he has done so far,” said Emma Carter, senior and sister of Alpha Chi Omega.
Although he’s only been at UT for a short period of time, Hoffman already has plans for where he would like to see Greek life in a few years and how he would like to be involved on campus.
“I want to see the councils grow. I know that we’ve seen a lot of growth this semester already in the IFC and Panhellenic recruitment. NPHC and the other councils are doing what they do and I anticipate seeing growth there, after having many conversations with them,” Hoffman said. “I want to see people embracing that growth and not being afraid of it. If it’s about feeling like the groups are too big or anything like that there are ways that the council can help and make things happen but I want to make sure people are having a positive experience.”
Some don’t think that Greek life will expand outside of what it is now, Hoffman felt otherwise.
“Given the percent of students that are in Greek life right now. What we have is not an excessively high percent so I think we have the opportunity to grow,” Hoffman said. “I think whether it’s resources or whether it is about knowing about space on campus or knowing about places we can be involved with in the community, we will always have opportunities to grow. It’s something I want to make sure we’re embracing and not being afraid of.”
While Hoffman has many plans for the Greek student body he wants each member to be aware that he is there for them as an organization and individually.
“What it really boiled down to was that I want to have a presence here, I want people to know who I am, to feel comfortable talking to me, recognize me, and know that I’m here to help them and support them,” Hoffman said.
Khadijah Khan can be reached at khadijah.khan@theminaretonline.com