Greeks aim to break stereotype

Greeks at Boise State University are going beyond the stigma of “party animals” by demonstrating the positive aspects Greek organizations offer.

Currently the Greek organizations are plagued by negative stereotypes that seem to prevent others from noticing their positive aspects.

Every semester, students have the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to be a part of the Greek family.

This family of Greeks has been leaving its mark on Boise State since 1968.

“I think a lot of it is having a connection and having a family outside of your family,” Greek Life Advisor Carrie Miller said.

“It allows students to get connected and gives them a sense of belonging. It also gives them a chance to get to know people they normally wouldn’t have gotten to know.”

Students had the opportunity to learn about what it means to be a Greek at Boise State during sorority info nights.

These info nights took place Aug. 27 and 28, Sept. 2 and 3, and during the Greek BBQ.

“It’s a more casual way to meet all of the organizations and be social with all of them as opposed to only a couple of them,” Miller said.

The Greek BBQ is an annual event that takes place at the start of every fall semester.

All five sororities and four fraternities at Boise State had info booths there.

Current members who were ready to answer questions and help interested students choose the organization that is best for them were also available.

GPA, academic success, leadership, philanthropic and community service, personal development, and friendships and support are five qualities the Panhellenic Council requires of potential new members.

“Within any chapter there are grade requirements,” Panhellenic Advisor Nicole Cantrill said.

“The Greek system makes students become more involved on campus and with the community.”

Greeks help develop students as scholarly leaders.

This in turn develops the campus community.

And unlike what college movies and TV shows portray, Greek Life holds high standards for its members.

“It gives you a support group on campus,” Alpha Kappa Lambda member Brody Aston said.

“We hold high academic standards so it forces you to stay on track.”

Students affiliated with Greek organizations at Boise State give back to the community by doing fundraisers for the Children’s Miracle Network and survivors of domestic violence.

They work with organizations like Choose Children. They participate in campus and community activities such as Take Back the Night or Race for the Cure.

Lastly, they work with TRIO pre-college programs.

Jeffrey Szuanski, director of expansion and recruitment for Alpha Kappa Lambda, works with its members to tap into new recruitment avenues.

“The bigger the better,” Szuanski said. “The more members we have the more doors of opportunity that will open.”

“We want guys that want to better themselves,” he said.

“We’re in the business of making better men,” Szuanski said.

SONIA TREVIZO
News Journalist

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