They are wrong!

A couple weeks ago, I started seeing a link appear on Facebook.  It was an editorial written in the Student Newspaper from my Alma Mater, SUU.    The editorial mentions that while the Greek System was once a very recognized presence at SUU, it is no longer necessary.  If you are interested in the article you can read it here.  Greeks Not Necessary on SUU Campus

Since that article has been published, I have seen a variety of my Greek brothers and friends make comments as to why they are wrong.  I have restrained myself from making comments, because that is what they want.  Newspapers and specifically the editorial boards, in my opinion, write these kinds of articles to #1 Stir Up Controversy and #2 They are trying to prove themselves still relevant.  Rather than post something for their benefit, I am going to post it here for mine.

 

I feel that I am rather unique.  In that, not only was I a Greek that basically owned 300 West, (see article for reference) but  I was also once them.  Or at least at time I had the same preconceived notions about Greek (Fraternity) life.  I used to give some of the guys on campus a bad time for "buying" their friends.  I would tell them that there was nothing in a Fraternity that would benefit me.  I need to be blunt here for a moment.  I didn't just give them a bad time, I was downright rude.  One day that all changed.  It was the week before school started and I was attending the retreat for SUUSA Officers.  It was then that I started associating with the brothers of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the sisters of the then Phi Alpha Beta Sorority.  I started watching them, I observed them and how they associated among other Greeks as well as the rest of us.  There was something more there that I just could not put my finger on.  They seemed to have a heightened sense of respect for others and they seemed to be great people.  They were friendly and outgoing, not what I was expecting at all.  By the end of the leadership retreat, I knew that I was going to at least go out and attend the rush week activities.  I attended them by mostly by myself, but never lacked for a friend.  By the end of the week, I was hoping that they would accept me as a pledge.  Needless to say they did.  But that is not the real point to the story. 

 

You see, as a member of Sigma Chi, I held positions that have pointed me in the direction in life as to where I am now.  I always had a voice and my opinions, but it wasn't until I became a Sig that I was learned how to channel that voice and my opinions.  I learned skills that help me today!  As Derby Days Chair, I had to figure out how to pull off an entire week's worth of activities without losing all of my hair, how to delegate, how to see a project through to fruition.  As Pro Consul (Vice President) I learned valuable leadership skills including how to work with people from varying backgrounds.

 

In the article they make mention of being from Utah and that Greeks are not a central part of our culture like they are other places.  As an active member of the predominate Utah faith, I wanted to make certain that there was nothing in the Fraternity that would cause me to falter in my convictions.  There is not!  As a matter of fact Sigma Chi enhanced and built upon my belief system.  Sigs believe it is important to provide service to our fellow man, as does my religion.  Sigs associate with, identify with, and offer friendship to those of different temperaments, talents, and convictions.  Once again, so does my religion.  To be a Sig, you are expected to follow and live by "The Jordan Standard".  Which says to be a member you must be of good character, work hard as a student, be ambitious, congenial, possessed of good morals, have a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility.  I think you know where I am going with this. 

 

Last thing I want to mention is the board did say that there are other options out there and they wanted to check them all out, before they settle.  Greek life isn't for everyone, nor should it be.  Outside of Sigma Chi, I also participated with other clubs and organizations.  I had remarkable experiences as a member of PBL, Presidential Ambassadors, my Thursday night Poker club, as previously mentioned I was an SUUSA Officer and I even did a stint as a DJ on the college radio station.  All of these provided me great opportunity and I met great people many of whom I still love and hold dear.  But being in a fraternity has also allowed me to identify with others.  I have traveled to and worked with people from all over the US as well as a few in foreign countries.  As you meet fellow Sigs,  you have an instant connection.  I have even made connections with people from other Fraternities and Sororities, based solely upon us both having Greek Society in our backgrounds.  You are right, being a member of a Fraternity or Sorority is not for everyone, but it still should be an option for those who want to have that experience. 

Our Composite (is that what they are called?) from 1994-95.  So you don't have to strain your eyes too much, I am on the 2nd row, 3rd brother in.