What do you think of when you hear the word “fraternity”? How about “sorority”? Maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is a kegger in a house packed full of drunken college kids. Maybe it’s countless games of beer pong going long into the night. You might think of strange initiation rituals involving a candle lit room, paddles and a blindfold. Or perhaps you’re just picturing John Belushi chanting, “Toga! Toga! Toga!”
Whatever the case may be, it seems fraternities and sororities are all too often thought of with Animal House in the back of our minds. This comes as no surprise since any movie involving a Greek social organization is likely to show only the stereotypes – drinking, partying and mischief. Showing frat boys and sorority sisters raising money for charities must not play well with movie audiences.
In contrast to the movie stereotypes of Greek life, Gustavus is home to twelve official Greek organizations, all of which place community service and personal and social growth as their guiding principles. But is this what Gustavus students associate with our fraternities and sororities?
Nick Zorn, a Senior Economics major and president of the Reds said, “Some of the main misconceptions about fraternities here at Gustavus are that people tend to hear the word [fraternity] and instantly associate it with what they see in the movies and what they hear about in the national media.”
Kelly Sparks, a Senior Management and Communication Studies major and member of the Deltas, said that the stereotypes presented by the media are “incredibly untrue. Yes, [we Deltas] are all friends, but we choose to use our time together to not only have fun and learn more about each other, but to plan events that are beneficial to both Gustavus and the rest of the St. Peter community.”
Contrary to the stereotypes, Gustavus Greeks are among the most successful philanthropists on campus, raising thousands of dollars for charities every year. Zorn adds, “In reality, the fraternities and sororities on this campus are a huge asset for our school with our community service projects alone. Just a couple weeks ago, the Reds raised $3,300 for the Special Olympics by participating in the Polar Plunge. We were one of the top teams in the state. The other Greek organizations do the same type of work for other valuable organizations, as well.”
Chad Allen, a Sophomore Political Science major and member of the newly formed national fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, brings attention to another prejudice facing Greeks at Gustavus. “Greek organizations have the reputation of doing nothing but party and haze. People have this conception that Greek organizations are an exclusive and conceited group of people who don’t get involved outside of their group. But all the Greeks I know are involved in many other organizations across campus,” Allen said.
Sparks said, “Anyone who is Greek knows that it can be an overwhelming task to break down the stereotypes made against us, but we have to keep doing what we do best to show others that we really do make a positive difference.” With this said, it seems like Gustavus Greeks are proving themselves to be a far cry from the antics of John Belushi.
Photo By: Alex Messenger