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Campus frats, sororities say party stereotypes are false
Cherome Owens
Issue date: 9/5/07 Section: Arts & Lifestyle
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The typical fraternity or sorority is known to throw big parties often around campus.
However, certain Greek chapters admist the 17 on campus don't believe the party stereotype because each has its own objective, and each represents something different.
"I think that the party stereotype is not true for all sororities and fraternities," Clarissa Barnes, secretary of Sigma Gamma Rho, said. "Sigma Gamma Rho is the smallest Greek organization within the National Pan-Hellenic Council. So we work hard to get things done and to present a positive image on campus. Drinking and partying does not come with upholding a positive image. Maybe some Greek groups do this, but all stereotypes about Greeks partying all the time are not true for every organization."
Although the partying aspect is common, Greek organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha want to demonstrate positive behaviors in the community by focusing on education.
"I believe that all stereotypes have some truth to them," said Rick Daniels, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. "Sure we like to party and have fun, but that's after we finish whatever work we have to do. We have a little saying that goes 'We party hard, we stay up late, but most of all, we graduate.'"
Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate African-American fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University.
To demonstrate and show a positive image throughout Whitewater, most Greek chapters participate in a variety of community services.
"My sorority does a lot to help the community," Barnes said. "We have 'project clean house,' where we go and clean local churches around the Whitewater area. We have helped within the children's area at Roseman Hall. There are also other community service projects that are nationally known."
Sigma Gamma Rho is devoted to offering positive events, such as game nights, movie nights and even study nights.
Daniels said the good things Greek chapters do are overlooked by wild parties and misbehaviors that other organizations do.
However, certain Greek chapters admist the 17 on campus don't believe the party stereotype because each has its own objective, and each represents something different.
"I think that the party stereotype is not true for all sororities and fraternities," Clarissa Barnes, secretary of Sigma Gamma Rho, said. "Sigma Gamma Rho is the smallest Greek organization within the National Pan-Hellenic Council. So we work hard to get things done and to present a positive image on campus. Drinking and partying does not come with upholding a positive image. Maybe some Greek groups do this, but all stereotypes about Greeks partying all the time are not true for every organization."
Although the partying aspect is common, Greek organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha want to demonstrate positive behaviors in the community by focusing on education.
"I believe that all stereotypes have some truth to them," said Rick Daniels, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. "Sure we like to party and have fun, but that's after we finish whatever work we have to do. We have a little saying that goes 'We party hard, we stay up late, but most of all, we graduate.'"
Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate African-American fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University.
To demonstrate and show a positive image throughout Whitewater, most Greek chapters participate in a variety of community services.
"My sorority does a lot to help the community," Barnes said. "We have 'project clean house,' where we go and clean local churches around the Whitewater area. We have helped within the children's area at Roseman Hall. There are also other community service projects that are nationally known."
Sigma Gamma Rho is devoted to offering positive events, such as game nights, movie nights and even study nights.
Daniels said the good things Greek chapters do are overlooked by wild parties and misbehaviors that other organizations do.
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