Why Be Greek?

By Luke Bruno

Getting a job out of college can be a tough place in this day and age.  One thing employer’s look for other than a degree is the accomplishments you had while attending a University. Such accomplishments could be clubs you joined, scholarships you have been awarded, community service you have done, or leadership positions you have held.

Hard to believe but all of these tasks can be obtained through joining a Fraternity or Sorority.  Less than three percent of America are in fraternities or sororities but that three percent is some of the most influential men and women of this country.  There is no coincidence 70% of “Who’s Who in America” belongs to fraternities or sororities or that 40 of that past 47 Supreme Court Justices have been in Fraternities. Greek life offers an endless network of people throughout the United States.

Along with networking, being part of Greek Life gives you a 20% better chance of graduating from a University. Due to the strive for academic excellence, Greek Life provides study hours to its brothers and sisters to help them achieve their required grade point average.

Community service is another aspect of Greek life that allows students to partake in giving back to the community and the designated philanthropy of their preference.  Greek’s are the largest network of volunteers contributing over 850,000 hours of community service every year and donate nearly 7 million dollars to charities annually.  Greek life at ESU provides charity money to organizations such as; Special Olympics, V foundation for cancer research, habitat for humanity and much more.

Despite what you may have heard, although fraternities and sororities cost money having dues twice a year to pay for their activities and insurance costs, those costs make up less than two percent of your total college expenses.  By the way, many fraternities and sororities have alumni who bestow thousands of dollars in scholarship money every year.

With gaining character through scholarship and volunteer service, Greek life also offers another aspect along with any other organization, leadership.  Being part of a Greek organization is the ability for its members to be part of an executive board or committee chair; these positions build leadership skills that company recruiter’s look for.  The structure of Fraternities and Sororities are very similar to businesses or politics having Presidents, Vice Presidents, Treasurers, Secretaries, and other e-board positions depending on the chapter in which you join.

Furthermore, joining a Greek organization whether it be a social fraternity/sorority or honor fraternity it can enrich your college experience and help you develop into a more productive student and talented leader.  It is a stepping-stone in the right direction as you plan out your future, giving you the tools you need to be a well-rounded individual.  Friendships that last a lifetime and memories that last forever, it gives you a reason to revisit your alma mater.  Knowing you will always have a place at East Stroudsburg University.

Starting the first week of next semester, go out to Rush, it’s the time for you to meet the organizations and it’s members to see which one is right for you.  Bring your friends with you and make it fun, the Inter-Fraternal Conference is holding two joined Rush events January 24th and 25th.

On the January 24, 2012, they will be hosting a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Night in the Keystone Room from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. all are welcome men and women, snacks will be supplied to keep all gamers satisfied.

On January 25, 2012, there will be a Movie Night starting at 7 p.m. in the Keystone room.

More information will be providing in the New Year, after winter break be excited to come back to school and find out how you can become Greek, Rush Spring 2012.