| Did you know? |
| * 33 Presidents of the U.S. & 16 Vice Presidents have been Greek. Every President & Vice President since 1825-- when the first social fraternity was founded-- has been a member of a fraternity (except 2 in each office). |
| * 71% of Who's Who listees are Greek. |
| * 85% of Fortune 500 executives are Greek. |
| * Fraternity and Sorority members are 10% more likely to graduate from college than non- Greek students. |
| * Greeks do more than party. As undergrads, Greeks raise approximately $7 million/ year for charities and give about 850,000 volunteer hours/ year. |
| * Total membership in Fraternities and Sororities are on the rise-- membership has increased by 178% between 1973 & 1991. |
| Statistics from Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities, 1991. |
| Benefits of Greek Membership. . . |
| 1. Brotherhood & Sisterhood: Greeks do not pay for their friends. They pay for the business aspect that any organization requires-- National fees, insurance, clerical costs, and of course philanthropy. But this monetary side is only one aspect of the system. One joins a chapter that they feel comfortable in, that has the same ideals and goals, and where they can be aided (and aid others) in the pursuit of developing to their greatest potential. This is where brother/ sisterhood plays a big part. Though each member is unique and individual, all are oriented toward similar social goals and develop a connection that gives comfort and support when times get rough. The spirit of the Greek systerm lies within these close bonds that are modeled after our blood-familial bonds of kinship. Moving away from home is rough, and at college each person must begin to create a new family network in which they can find love, support, and friends. |
| 2. Scholarship: academics is a top priority to fraternities and sororities-- promoting the value of college education to each member. Not only is there support for classwork, but Greek organizations provide sholastic awards, scholarships, grants, and even loans for continueing your education. Time and stress management are a major focus each semester as new members join chapters. More experienced members are able to aid those with less experience, especially pertaining to specific majors, classes, and extracurriculars. The classroom is not the only place where knowledge can be imparted from one person to the next. Life experience is the most important of teachers. |
| 3. Leadership: college is not simply about books, the library, and grades. College is also a time to gain hands-on experience in leadership positions; showing accertiveness, creativity, and developing communication and teamwork skills. When entering the job market and establishing a career, these skills are not only necessary for getting the job but for advancement, respect, and success in whatever field you find yourself in. Greek organizations do not lay claim to being the only way to get leadership experience-- on the contrary, usually members of the Greek Societies are involved with many aspects of campus/ community life outside of the fraternity or sorority. |
| 4. Service: philanthropy is of major concern and top priority in Greek organizations. We feel that not only should we benefit from all that college has to offer, but so should others. Some of those who benefit are not just community and campus people, but also major organizations that contribute to research, helping others and providing for the less fortunate such as-- United Way, the Special Olympics, Alzheimers Research, Muscular Dystrophy, American Diabetes Association, and many more. Service is invaluable in building moral character; it contributes to the development of the whole person as well as broadening each persons scope of education and life experiences. |
| 5. Social: of course the fun and pizazz of fraternities and sororities is not excluded among all of the hard work and studying. The Greek system opens up a support network from which a student can adjust to college life; provides strong, lasting friends and family to help one at the most critical of times; introduces one to a wide range of people from varying backgrounds and cultural experiences; and of course is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and just enjoy all that college has to offer. Life is more enjoyable when spent in the company of those who love you. |
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