Greek groups thanks campus for support

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Leaders of the University of South Carolina fraternity and sorority whose members perished in a deadly weekend beach house fire are thanking the community for an
outpouring of support.

Six USC students and one Clemson student died in the blaze in North Carolina.

Lauren Hodge, president of Delta Delta Delta, says her organization is doing everything it can for members and that phone calls of sympathy have been flooding in.

Jay Laura, president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, says his thoughts are dominated by grief, but that he believes those who died are now in a better place.

Counselors are available to students. Officials say a gathering for mourners will take place tonight and be followed by a candlelight vigil.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)