Why Go Greek: Fraternities

Thinking about going Greek? Although it may not be for everyone, it’s never a bad idea to meet new people and see if Greek organizations are something you are interested in now, or in the future. When talking to every national and local fraternity on campus, we made sure to ask the questions everyone may need to know.  

Chi Omega Psi, President Ryan Lilly: 

Q: Why go Greek? 

A: “Greek organizations, COY specifically, are designed to promote a sense of family and belonging. This is very valuable to someone that isn’t exactly close to home as it provides an indispensable support system that can make every day better.”

Q: What are your core values and what do they mean for your chapter?

A: “Chi Omega Psi strives to promote a four-fold development plan in qualities of confidence, philanthropy, teamwork, and communication.”

Q: What are your philanthropies and what does your chapter do for each of them?

A: “We are also dedicated to being local men for a local cause. This is because our main philanthropy is, and always has been, the town of Athens and surrounding communities since we were founded here in 2007. Our national, or official philanthropy is the Relay for Life which we all have close ties to due to the prevalence of cancer in today’s society as well as our alumni being officially employed by the charity.”

Q: Why did you choose COY?

A: “I chose Chi Omega Psi because I never for one moment doubt that each and every man, new and old, is my brother. Be it before or after initiation, I always feel a connection to my brothers that I never had growing up as an only child and I knew immediately that the feeling of love for my brothers and this organization would only grow exponentially over my time here at Concord.”

Phi Delta Pi, President Juwan Waddy:

Q: Why go Greek?

A: “I believe that going Greek gives students a home away from home. That support that you would get from family you will get here from your new brothers/sisters in the Greek system. Going Greek also gives you a chance to practice value and principals that your respective group represents.”

Q: What are your core values and what do they mean for your chapter?

A: “We stand for friendship, service, and loyalty. These are imperative to our members because we understand how important service is to our community as well as how important it is to have a strong bond with your brothers. United strong are we.”

Q: What are your philanthropies and what does your chapter do for each of them? 

A: “We’ve worked with a couple local groups. On Halloween night we helped make sure trick or treaters crossed the street safely on Mercer Street. During last semester we helped prepare for a school reunion in Hinton.”

Q: Why did you choose Phi Delta Pi? 

A: “I chose Phi Delta Pi because they didn’t give a huge cliché speech on why I should join. I was invited to a few events and I didn’t have to be convinced that they were the right fit. I fit in perfectly and I haven’t looked back since.”

Phi Sigma Phi, President Cody Dow:

Q: Why go Greek?

A: “Go Greek because it’s a great opportunity to meet wonderful people who are dedicated to their closely held principles and ideals.”

Q: What are your core values and what do they mean for your chapter?

A: “Phi Sigma Phi’s core values are Honor, Justice, and Wisdom. They mean a great deal to us. We have always been a progressive fraternity, and because of the principles that we hold so dear, we never make judgments on sexual orientation, religion or any other personal attributes.”

Q: What are your philanthropies and what does your chapter do for each of them?

A: “Our main philanthropy is Shriner’s. We usually have a few fundraisers a semester in which all proceeds go towards Shriner’s, specifically for their children’s hospitals.”

Q: What made you go Phi Sigma Phi? 

A: “I chose Phi Sigma Phi for a multitude of reasons. The main one, as cliché as it may sound, was that I truly found a home with these brothers. They were the first group of people I had ever met that truly held a common bond despite the massive amount of diversity that is within the fraternity. They truly never judged me on anything other than the quality of my character. They saw in me a good man, but inspired me to become a great man.”

Sigma Tau Gamma, President Jameson Lilly:

Q: Why go Greek?

A: “Going Greek is to be a part of something bigger than yourself. To join something that makes you feel like you make an impact even if only slightly.”

Q: What are your core values and what do they mean for your chapter?

A: “Learning, integrity, excellence, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood. 

To our chapter each principle is something to live by and strive for.  And even if there is a brother who does not quite fulfill one principle one other might and vice versa.”

Q: What are your philanthropies and what does your chapter do for each of them?

A: “Our national philanthropy is the special Olympics which we do a fundraiser every year for.  We have also done local fundraisers for people in the area that need help.  One example is my freshman year we raised money for a girl whose house had burned down.”

Q: Why did you choose Sigma Tau Gamma?  

A: “The thing that really made me join Sig Tau is to have another family. For me it’s not just friends I pay for, it is a group of guys who I literally consider my brothers. I would do a lot my fraternity and I like to think that I have, and at the end of the day it’s because genuinely care about my brothers and what I feel like we can achieve together.”

Tau Kappa Epsilon, President Ryan Atwell:

Q: Why go Greek?

A: “Joining Greek life has helped me find out who I really am and has helped me enhance the values I hold onto myself. I wouldn’t say Greek life has changed me, but it has helped me discover the deeper meanings of what it means to be part of a community. When it comes to making the decision of going through Greek recruitment, there are various aspects people think about. Whether you are a freshman, a transfer, or an upperclassman, you should consider what going Greek would mean for you. One of the biggest reasons many students decide to become a member of Greek life is to meet new people. Throughout your years in college, you are given the opportunity to make meaningful, lifelong friendships with those in your organization and within the Greek community. Joining Greek Life enhances your overall college experience. The memories you make will last a lifetime. Greek organizations are recognized nationally. Knowing this, you have connections to the Greek community all across the country.”

Q: What are your core values and what do they mean for your chapter?

A: “Our mission is to aid men in their mental, moral, and social development for life. Tau Kappa Epsilon creates lifelong relationships that enhance educational, interpersonal, community and professional success. TKE contributes to the advancement of society through the personal growth of our members, and service to others. We are constantly building ‘a better man for a better world.’”

Q: What are your philanthropies and what does your chapter do for each of them?

A: “Tau Kappa Epsilon has two major philanthropies that are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association. St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Tau Kappa Epsilon has raised $1.6M St. Jude dollars since 2009. At the 2001 Conclave in New Orleans, the Grand Chapter adopted the Alzheimer’s Association as an official TKE philanthropy. The Fraternity has partnered with the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute. Since then, TKE has raised more than $350,000 and even more for the local chapters’ of the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Q: Why did you choose Tau Kappa Epsilon? 

A: “Tau Kappa Epsilon offered me a chance to pursue leadership opportunities and to have the ability to be a part of something greater than myself. The gentleman of this fraternity welcomed me and helped me grow as a better man. Personally, I believe in the greater cause of the philanthropies and what they mean. I believe that we are coming together and helping make a difference in the world through this organization. Throughout my years at concord I have went from being a new member to now standing as the chapter’s current president. I believe that Tau Kappa Epsilon has shaped me into a better man and has helped me grow overall as a person.”