Geneseo's sub-zero temperatures are enough reason for most students to skip classes and stay inside, but not for the fraternity brothers of Alpha Chi Rho, more commonly known as Crows.
This year marks the eighth annual Crows' Deep Freeze. Members of Crows began camping out in Sturges Quad on Sunday night at 8 p.m. and will continue to do so until Friday at 2 p.m. to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
"We're freezin' for a reason. We're trying to cure cancer," said junior Mike Jones.
As of Wednesday night, the fraternity had raised about $1200. "Our container is almost full, so I would say we've been pretty successful," said sophomore Kyle Rodrigues.
They hope to attain at least $2,000. According to Jones, the brothers are hoping to bounce back this year as they earned below their mark in donations last year.
As far as keeping warm goes, the brothers invested in a great deal of clothing and blankets. Dedicated fans drop off hot chocolate for them, most of whom include the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon and Sigma Delta Tau.
The Crows tried to lure students to donate by offering them free Red Bulls on Monday, a donation from the Red Bull Company.
Publicity events took place throughout the week. Monday involved a poker tournament in the Union while Tuesday entailed a presentation by Professor Robert O'Donnell on the effects, prevention and treatment of cancer. A huge Kan-Jam tournament took place on Sturges Quad on Wednesday and today No Laugh Track Required will be performing in Sturges Auditorium.
Though most of the brothers are willing to camp out in the freezing cold to raise money for cancer, it can be discouraging.
On the other hand, some of the brothers describe huddling and suffering together in the freezing cold as one of the many highlights of the Deep Freeze, as it has brought them closer together as a fraternity.
The brothers of Alpha Chi Rho would also like everyone to know that their thoughts and prayers go out to two of their brothers from the Lambda Chi Phi chapter at Drexel University who passed away over the weekend.