For many, the thought of college Greek life brings a barrage of images including slutty sorority girls, drunken fraternity boys and dangerous hazing. These are the images that are often portrayed in the media, which establish negative stereotypes about Greek life.
Believe it or not, members of Greek organizations can be the total opposite of the negative shadow the media sometimes cast upon them. Greek life extends college years; the bonds made in these organizations are fraternal and last a lifetime.
According to the George Washington University Greek Speak page, “A U.S. Government study shows that over 70 percent of all those who join a fraternity/sorority graduate, while under 50 percent of all non-fraternity/sorority persons graduate.”
Northeastern Illinois University has a rich Greek life. The university has six organizations; three sororities and three fraternities: Theta Chi Omega Multicultural Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Alpha Psi Lambda Co-Ed Fraternity Inc., Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Delta Fraternity, Inc.
Each organization is special and unique in its own way, much like the diversity found here at NEIU. Theta Chi Omega is the university’s first and only multicultural sorority.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is the nation’s first African-American sorority and celebrated one hundred years of service on Jan. 15. Gamma Phi Omega recently shed its colony status and is now the Nu chapter of its sorority.
Alpha Psi Lambda is the nation’s first co-ed Latino fraternity. Sigma Lambda Beta is the nation’s largest Latino fraternity coast to coast.
Omega Delta recently celebrated its eleventh anniversary on Jan. 19 and is, according to its motto, “Building Brotherhood through Professionalism.”
Becoming a member of a Greek organization has many benefits. Apparently, one of them is the ability to build strong relationships with others. When asked about the benefits of joining a Greek organization, Julissa Flores, vice-president of Gamma Phi Omega said, “The one thing that you learn right off the bat is networking. You meet so many people in these organizations and because of networking you gain skills in communication and planning. You also become aware of issues that [are] either happening in society or [on] campus, and [about] coming together to address these issues. A person can make a difference, but a group of people can make an even bigger one.”
Greek organizations stand strong on unity. Change cannot be made with one person. Lori Buckely, vice-president of Theta Chi Omega, shared her thoughts of the benefits of being a member of a Greek organization. “The bonds I share with my sisters are much greater than the bonds I share with many of my friends. You learn about various forms of relationships within Greek organizations including business oriented relationships and friendly ties.”
Hazing is a serious matter for members of Greek organizations. However, there have been a few cases of hazing highlighted in the media, which overshadowed the entire Greek experience.
NEIU has a strict anti-hazing policy and enforces it thoroughly.
Interested students can be intimidated to approach a fraternity or sorority because of the threat of potential hazing. When asked about the threat of hazing in terms of swaying potential interests, Buckely said, “Students at NEIU should feel confident that the school provides a strict anti-hazing policy of all its Greek chapters. However, I would encourage all interested members to ask the questions and [address] concerns they may have to the organizations in which they are interested, in order to get answers, which are a necessity in these situations.”
Greek organizations will admit pledging processes are not easy, however, lifetime bonds are created and it should be taken very seriously.
On top of battling issues of hazing, Greek organizations have to deal with stereotypes. Greeks are constantly attempting to shed these stereotypes by performing community service and demonstrating strong academics. Community service is a top priority for Greeks and many organizations are founded on principles of service.
When asked about the negative side of Greek life, Flores said, “There is much more to our organizations than partying. If people research organizations, especially the ones at NEIU, you will see that we do a lot of community services and events to help the NEIU community become aware of issues. Alpha Psi Lambda and Gamma Phi Omega are very involved in the Latino coalition which is striving to construct a Latino resource center for students.”
Greek organizations are always holding events on campus and flyers are posted all over campus. Currently, Theta Chi Omega will have their spring 2008 rush week from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1. Alpha Psi Lambda will be hosting informationals starting Jan. 15 and Gamma Phi Omega will be hosting several events as well. For more information on NEIU Greek life, visit the Student Activities Office home page at www.neiu.edu/~deptsao.