Though it has had some ups and downs throughout the years, the Greek system at Gustavus has made an impact on the campus and those involved with it. In the early 1900s, fraternities were known as debate societies and sororities were called literary societies. They focused on creating intellectual conversations and a social atmoshpere. Starting in the 1930s, the social part of the sororities and fraternities became more prevelent and eventually, they adopted philanthropies and service projects. In April 1988, Greeks were removed from campus because of the increasing issues with alcohol abuse, hazing, and disobeying college policies. Re-instatement of sororities and fraternities began in 1993, after going through the college recognition process. Currently, there are three local sororities, three national sororities, five local fraternities, and one national fraternity.
These current Greek organizations will begin their pledge periods on Monday.
Delta Phi Omega 
Nickname:
Deltas
Founded in:
1926
Philanthropy:
Breast Cancer Awareness
Fun Facts:
They hold a Breast Cancer Benefit in November annually. Last year, they raised over $12,000 at the benefit. They also adopted a section of Highway 169. They were orginally named Nu Delta Tau, but changed it in 1929.
Tau Mu Tau 
Nickname:
TMs
Founded in:
1904
Philanthropy:
Suicide Awareness/Prevention
Fun Facts:
Originally nicknamed themelves, “The Modest Tribe.” They have the longest brother/sister relationship with the OKs. Recently adopted Love Your Melon as a service project. They have a traveling sweatshirt that gets passed to the “Sister of the Week” each week.
Epsilon Pi Alpha 
Nickname:
Eppies
Founded in:
1928
Philanthropy:
Take the Hill Triathlon for Diabetes Research & Rock for Tots Concert for Toys for Tots.
Fun Facts:
They are a “serenading fraternity.” Their first serenade took place in 1941 to the Homecoming Queen Esther Marie Johnson.
Sigma Sigma Sigma 
Nickname:
Tri Sigma
Founded at:
GAC in 1998
Philanthropy:
Robbie Page Memorial Fund, children’s play therapy
Fun Facts:
Nationally founded in 1898. The national sorority helped find a cure for Polio by raising money for research. They had the highest GPA of all sororites on campus in Spring 2014.
Tau Psi Omega 
Nickname:
Reds
Founded in:
1920
Philanthropy:
LoneyFest & Adopt-A-Highway
Fun Facts:
Originally a secret society, Turbescon, that formed in 1906 because of a campus ban on athletics. They are the oldest fraternity on campus and helped fund the new Gustavus football stadium.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon 
Nickname:
SAE
Founded at:
GAC in 2009
Philanthropy:
Children’s Miracle Network
Fun Facts:
They are the only national fraternity on campus. Nationally founded in 1856. They have the highest fraternity GPA on campus. They are celebrating their 5th anniversary this year. They have also elminated their pledge program across the nation.
Alpha Sigma Tau 
Nickname:
AST
Founded at:
GAC in 2012
Philanthropy:
Pine Mountain Settlement School, Habitat for Humanity, & Sexual Assault Awareness
Fun Facts:
Nationally founded in 1899. They had the highest GPA of all 86 chapters nationwide. They are the only chapter in Minnesota.
Theta Xi Gamma 
Nickname:
Thetas
Founded in:
1920
Philanthropy:
Miracles of Mitch Foundation
Fun Facts:
They host Mr. Gustavus Pageant each spring, in which all the proceeds go towards Miracles of Mitch.
Phi Alpha 
Nickname:
Alphs
Founded in:
1907
Philanthropy:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Fun Facts:
They host a campus golf tournament to help raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis.
Zeta Chi Phi 
Nickname:
Zetas
Founded at:
GAC in 2004
Philanthropy:
Homelessness Awareness
Fun Facts:
They focus on multiculturalism. They host Probate in October, where the new pledge class performs singing, step dancing, and indiviual pieces, in front of the campus. It is seen as a coming-out celebration. They are celebrating their ten years at Gustavus this year.
Kappa Sigma Chi 
Nickname:
Kaps
Founded in:
1914
Philanthropy:
Antibullying
Fun Facts:
After spending 12 years as an unrecognized fraternity, The Kaps were re-established during Spring 2014. They were originally nicknamed Sigs or Kappa Sigs.
Omega Kappa 
Nickname:
OKs
Founded in:
1906
Philanthropy:
Africa Jam
Fun Facts:
They were reinstated in 2012. Former President Kendall was an OK. They also have Minnesota Supreme Court officers, State governers, and Gustavus professors among their alumni.
-Erika Clifton