Nineteen fraternity and sorority members were recognized for contributions made to their chapters and community at an awards banquet last night.

Approximately 650 fraternity and sorority members attended the 14th Annual Greek Awards Night banquet at the Arizona Ballroom in the Student Union. The banquet was sponsored by the Order of Omega and Greek Life Programs.

The banquet is the one time of the year the Greek community can get together, said Jennifer Jones, assistant director of Greek Life Programs.

"It's our chance to reflect back on 1995 and recognize those fraternities and sororities who have excelled in different programming areas," Jones said.

Some of the awards were given to chapters to recognize scholarship, social services and public and community relations.

The first place winners of the social services award were Gamma Alpha Omega and Omega Delta Phi. Jesse Hargrove, assistant dean for African-American Student Affairs presented the award.

Hargrove said the award was given to fraternity and sorority chapters who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in community service and volunteer involvement.

"The award is important because people think fraternities and sororities do negative things with beer. They don't know they do social service volunteer hours. They have (food) drives and blood donor drives. They do more than just scream and holler," Hargrove said after the presentation.

The GAO sorority donated 1,900 hours of volunteer service to Project Yes, Youth Plus and El Rio Neighborhood Center. The ODP fraternity donated 2,700 hours to those programs.

"It really means a lot to us because we really worked hard. It's nice to be recognized when doing something to help in the community," said Dubia Sanchez, GAO member and psychology junior.

"You're more rewarded when you see children look up to you as role models, but it's an extra reward to receive recognition," said R.J. Suzuki, ODP member and senior majoring in Spanish and Mexican-American studies.

Melissa Vito, dean of students, presented the Greek man and woman of the year awards. Vito said the awards were given to students who represent the best of the Greek community.

Andy Steinberg, political science student and Pi Kappa Alpha member, was named senior Greek man of the year. Psychology student and Kappa Alpha Theta member Sammy Lazarus was awarded senior Greek woman of the year.