With classes beginning at the University last Monday, Sept. 26, students may find many men and women with Greek letters sewn across their shirts. Not only is it the first week of school, but it is also sorority and fraternity recruitment week. Here are eight reasons to go Greek.
1. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a bond between your brothers or sisters in your fraternity or sorority. It is the blood-like connection you share with people you trust will always have your back. Calling someone your brother or sister reflects the amount of trust and faith inherent in sisterhood and brotherhood.
Colin Speidel, a junior member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, says that whichever chapter you join will have values that help its members become better leaders and better people.
“You come to school and you may not know a lot of people, but you get yourself into this great group of guys,” Speidel said. “You have these friends forever.” These friends, Speidel adds, hold each other to the chapters’ high standards.
2. Fraternity and Sorority Life is more than just beer and togas. Each chapter has a philanthropy supported through fundraising@@ap style@@ events, that exemplifies their responsibility to give back to the community.
The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity’s philanthropy is Diamond Days, which is a softball tournament they organize in which all sororities and fraternities participate to raise money for Womanspace, a nonprofit agency providing an array of services to women in crisis.@@http://www.womanspace.org/@@ Each member of the softball teams pay an admission fee of $15.
Marcus Arellano, a senior member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, says it’s a great way to give back.
“Not only is it fun,” Arellano said, “but we’re doing it for a great cause.”
3. Fraternities and sororities stress academics. All chapters have academic expectations for members and resources to assist members during their education. Many chapters require members to attend weekly study tables, which is a designated time period when members go to the library and do homework.
The fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon requires its members to attend weekly study table sessions if their grade point average is below a 2.7.
Grant Sanders, a junior member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, thinks study tables are beneficial to the well-being of the members in his fraternity.
“Study tables keep people accountable for their grades and keep them on the right track in college,” Sanders said.
4. Members can establish relationships with alumni who may assist them with resumes, jobs and internships. Many college graduates find it difficult to find jobs after they graduate college. However, many chapters participate in programs that pair college graduates with the same chapter alumni in the work force.
Many members of the fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha are linked to an investment company known as Fisher Investments because of an alumnus who received a job there two years ago. Last year, four members of the fraternity received jobs with this company.
5. Fraternities and sororities all have ritualistic value. Each ritual is based on the values of friendship that bring you closer to your brothers or sisters. The secret bond you create with your brothers or sisters is a bond that you share for life. Once you choose a fraternity or sorority, you are part of that bond.
6. The bonds you create are secretive. Every sorority and fraternity has a handshake and password that they only share with one another. In a way, the secrecy makes the bond stronger and makes your chapter seem more like a family.
“I like that we share common values that our chapter is based on, and I like that I can hold my brothers to those values,” Speidel says.
7. Many sororities and fraternities participate in intramural sports and other student organizations. Participating in these events is fun, it helps you become more acquainted with your brothers or sisters and it makes you and your chapter more well-rounded.
Tevin Preston, a junior member of Lambda Chi Alpha, says participating in intramural sports is great because you recognize the talents of your brothers.
“It’s a good thing because there are so many guys in the house who have various talents,” he said. “It’s nice to connect with a bunch of other brothers on different levels.”
8. Chapters are very diverse. In your sorority or fraternity, you will meet members who are from different countries, members who write for the newspaper, members who play sports, members who play instruments and more. You are able to indulge yourself in opportunities and activities you never thought would be available.
So, as fall term gets rolling, take some time to check out the University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life website to make your next move!