‘Sorority girl’ a label to keep
Greek fraternities and sororities are more than the stereotype of Greek life. You would think because Sigma Phi Epsilon claims to be a fraternity, they wouldn’t encourage the stereotype that movies like “Animal House,” “Legally Blonde,” and MTV’s “Sorority Life” depict. Not everyone drinks and no one is forced to change their ways. We encourage diversity and stand for higher values. All Greeks strive to become better men and women by becoming involved on campus, performing community service, building lifelong friendships and holding leadership positions in addition to our student schedules. Greek life ensures experiencing all aspects of college life by becoming active members in our own chapters, our campus, and our community.
USU’s Greek history began in the early 1900’s and most have been around since the early 1920’s. The ten Greek organizations at USU have all successfully stayed on campus since our beginnings. We are a part of campus life and always have been. We are all branches of our larger national organizations which span over almost every college campus across the nation.
Greek life provides a successful leadership development program for college students. It should be noted that all but eight U.S. Presidents have been Greek since the first Greek organization was established in 1825. In addition, since 1910, 40 of 47 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, 85% of the Fortune 500 executives, and 76% of all Congressmen and Senators have been Greeks.
So far this year our Greek community has contributed in many ways to our campus as well as our community. Sigma Nu held a benefit concert for the Agriculture Technology Family support fund. Chi Omega held a Halloween carnival for the kids in Cache Valley and raised almost 800 lbs of food. Alpha Chi Omega held dollar days on campus and raised money for Victims of Domestic Violence. Kappa Delta has mentored local Girl Scouts and done community service by raking leaves and visiting Sunshine Terrace. Some Sigma Chi members taught in the One in Four Program, which is an all male group whose mission is to end sexual violence against women. Pi Kappa Alpha held bowling night for Habitat for Humanity. Each chapter has their own philanthropy and community service projects and through Greek Council we support each other in our different events.
Sigma Phi Epsilon lost their charter at USU in 1997. Last year they began reestablishing themselves, but in my opinion, slandering other houses isn’t the way to do it. But sure, go ahead and call yourself a club. Disassociate yourselves as much as you want, because as crazy as some people may think it is, it is a privilege to be Greek. Having the support, the lifelong friendships, the networking possibilities, the leadership opportunities are just some of the reasons why I don’t mind being classified as a “sorority girl.”
Lauren Murakami is a member of Chi Omega. Comments can be sent to lmurakami@cc.usu.edu.