Greek groups build friendships

Brian Peters, member of Sigma Pi; Ashli Mildfelt, member of Beta Lambda Alpha; George Eshnaur, member of Kappa Sigma; Missy Davis, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha; Matthew Nordquist, member of Sigma Tau Gamma; Mandy Davis, member of Chi Omega; Jeff Buehler, member of Phi Delta Theta; Jess Price, member of Sigma, Sigma, Sigma; and Matt McGruder, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Establishing connections and relationships are important to students at Emporia State University and a great way to succeed in developing those associations is by joining a fraternity or sorority.

Emporia State 's Greek community consists of four sororities and six fraternities. The sorority chapters at ESU are: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Chi Omega, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and the local sorority, Beta Lambda Alpha. The fraternities at ESU consist of: Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Tau Gamma, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi, Phi Sigma Kappa, and Kappa Sigma.

It is the job of the PanHellenic Association (PHA) and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) to keep relationships strong between chapters. This is done in multiple ways. One way in which the groups get to know one another is through exchanges with other chapters. These events occur throughout the year. It can be a chapter-to-chapter exchange or, at certain times of the year, with all of the chapters. One example of this is an event called Sorority Switch. Five members from each sorority switch to a different chapter for approximately four days. The women actually live in the house of another chapter and participate in their daily activities. The fraternities bond monthly by getting games together such as bowling and frisbee golf. The groups also connect through helping out at community events like Christmas in April and Relay for Life.

We are all part of organizations that have helped educate successful men and women for over a century. Greek organizations have had struggles in the past that forced us to unite as one. One Greek organization is only as strong as its weakest component in the system; therefore, we must all work together to build a more powerful community,” said Tara Benson, Greek Life Coordinator.

The Greek community at ESU also prides itself for its bonding during Greek Week. At other universities Greek Week is not based on unity but on competition. E-State Greeks would rather spend their time working toward a united front to serve the campus and the Emporia community.

Greeks are extremely involved in the campus community. It is important for these students to maintain a vital role on campus in order for their organizations to succeed; and in turn, members of the sororities and fraternities help to make leadership at ESU thrive. There are over 120 student organizations on campus and members of the Greek community are leaders in more than half. Twelve of the last fourteen student body Presidents have been Greek.

The Greek students at ESU are a vital part of the institution and bring a lot to the spirit of the campus. I think it is important we all work together to serve the campus community and Emporia . The faculty, staff and students are all here for two purposes; education and teaching or learning to be productive members of society,” said Benson. “Greek students typically have higher GPAs than the All Men's and Women's averages on our campus. It makes sense for us to work together to promote high scholastic achievement and civic engagement.”

Being Greek tends to be a life-long commitment to the chapter and Greek alumni continue to hold a strong bond with their university, as well. Records show that alumni who donate most often, and generally the most money, are Greek. Members of the Greek community build long-lasting relationships both within their chapter and among the students and faculty of the campus overall.

There are many positives to joining a fraternity or sorority and a few of them include alumni relations, enhanced social skills, academic achievement, leadership opportunities, and community service.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>