By Abdelis M. Vega
SC Contributing Writer

When it comes to Greek Life, one could list dozens of stereotypes that come to mind. Between films like “Animal House” and “Neighbors,” Greek Life has struggled to maintain a positive image across the nation.

In the midst of all the films and news headlines, it seems that the true purpose of these organizations has been lost. Many organizations in the Greek community were founded on concepts such as leadership, scholarship, friendship, community service, good character, and bettering the world at large.

It can be argued that at least one organization on campus, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated, has been holding true to its original purpose.

The Beta Pi Chapter of Chi Upsilon Sigma (CUS) was founded at East Stroudsburg University on April 11, 2013. With the establishment of this chapter at ESU came the first Latin-based Greek-lettered organization the institution has seen.

As of now, CUS at ESU is run by its single founding member, Abdelis Vega, who has proven that CUS deserves its spot amongst the twelve other social Greek organizations on campus.

Earning the spot of top sorority and top sorority grade point average within its active first semester, CUS is a force to be reckoned with.

Seven Latina women who had the vision to educate, elevate, and empower the community at large founded CUS in 1980 at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

Their values are held in sisterhood, leadership, service, and character, and the sisters of CUS believe issues regarding political, educational, social, and cultural awareness are of utmost importance. Because of this, chapters of CUS across the nation annually host a week of events dedicated to programs touching on these issues. This week of programming is known as a Week of Wisdom.

The Beta Pi Chapter of CUS at ESU will kick off this year’s Week of Wisdom on October 27 at 6:00 PM in the Senate Chambers with a program called Lead the Way. Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority will cosponsor this event.

This program will help students understand what kind of leadership styles they possess, as well as how to best utilize them in leadership positions.

Tuesday, October 28, will be dedicated to a roundtable discussion about modern day feminism, cosponsored by the Feminist Alliance. The program is aptly titled The Fourth Wave, which references the current “wave” that feminism is experiencing. The Fourth Wave will take place at 2:30 PM after the Feminist Alliance meeting in Stroud Hall, room 210.

The next day, on October 29, a documentary will be screened in Shawnee Hall at 7:00 PM. PRIDE will cosponsor this event. The documentary, “How to Survive a Plague,” touches on the beginnings of the AIDS epidemic in the United States and organizations that helped to fight it.

To finish off the week, CUS will host a table at the Mental Health Awareness Fair sponsored by ESU’s Counseling and Psychological Services. The fair will take place in the Keystone Room from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 30. Friday, October 31, will be entirely dedicated to performing community service.

CUS at ESU prides itself in holding true to its values and mission. Through educational programming for the campus and community at large, CUS believes the public image of Greek Life can be changed so that others can see the positive force of those who wear letters.

As this chapter of CUS’s founding member, I hope that someday Greek Life will be seen as a vital part of the campus community. We will no longer be associated with house parties and binge drinking, but will be seen as elite campus leaders who positively impact our institutions.

Email Abdelis at:
avega@live.esu.edu