Going Greek: Bigger Schools vs. SHU

BY Hannah Jones

Staff Reporter

Many students are involved in Greek life at Sacred Heart University and some say that they have been impacted by not only their specific chapter, but the larger Greek life community.

“Going Greek has impacted my college experience tremendously,” said junior Ally Pelzia, a Media Arts major and a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. “Being very involved in community service, I love knowing each organization gives back to the community.”

Freshman Bella Tamburri, a Communications major and a new member of Kappa Delta Sorority, said that she decided to go Greek because she wanted to a part of a team.

“Throughout high school I played sports year round,” said Tamburri. “I joined Greek life because I loved playing sports and I loved being part of a team, an organization, and sharing a bond.”

“The thing that I enjoy most about Greek life is community service,” said junior Olivia Digirolamo, a Communications major and member of Kappa Delta Sorority. “Community service is so important. Greek life makes it so easy to get involved in.”

According to the Sacred Heart University website, there are over 1,800 students involved in Greek life. The undergraduate enrollment at Sacred Heart is 5,603 students.

At Sacred Heart, there are fifteen organizations on campus. There are eight sororities and seven fraternities.

“Greek life is well known on campus,” said Lindsey Rodgers, a Nursing major and member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority. “Personally, I really enjoy being at a smaller school with Greek life because I feel like if gives you to opportunity to get closer with your sisters.”

Many students feel that being a part of Greek life at a smaller school is more beneficial because it allows for more leadership opportunities and community service.

For example, Pennsylvania State University, a larger university, is home to 43 fraternities and 27 sororities. The university also has sorority and fraternity housing.

“I am happy that SHU does not have Greek life housing,” said senior Henley Solomon, a English and Theatre Arts double major and brother of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Some students felt that they would like to have Greek life houses.

“Having houses would create more of a community and a place for everyone to meet instead of classrooms,” said Sophia Maggio, an Athletic Training major and a member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority.

Sophomore Charlie Fusari, a Business major and member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, feels that the Greek community has given him many opportunities to do what he loves, performing.

“Greek life has opened up many doors,” said Fusari. “At least once a semester I get to perform at events and all the proceeds go to an amazing cause.”

Fusari said that it is a rewarding feeling and he is lucky to be a part of such a tight knit community.

Freshman Jaclyn Montano, a Communications major and a new member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority said, “Being in Greek life at a smaller school definitely deepened my connection with the community.”

However, some students felt that Greek life was not the best fit for them.

Junior Kyle Carmona, a Pre-Med major, said that being involved in Greek life interfered with other activities he wanted to do in college.

“Greek life is such a large investment of time and there were other clubs and organizations at SHU that I wanted to be involved in,” said Carmona.

Moreover, some students felt that being involved in Greek life was too much of a financial burden.

Each chapter has monthly dues that each active member pays to their organization’s national headquarters. These dues range from $300–$400 a semester.

Sophomore Mae Archaecki, a Theatre Arts major said, “The cost was something that made me not go Greek. Each organization has a different price so I wasn’t sure if I could commit.”

Furthermore, some students feel that not being in Greek life has caused a disconnect with others who are.

“Guys in fraternities tend to hang out more with their brothers, rather than people who are not,” said senior Jack Sullivan, a Media Arts major.

However, students feel that the Greek life community is very strong and would encourage others to go Greek.

“I would encourage everyone to be involved in Greek life because there’s an organization for every person,” said Digirolamo. “SHU is ‘homey’ and Greek life reflects that.”

“Going Greek really makes a difference when you are going through the adjustment of moving in to a new environment,” said Montano. “We stand out from bigger schools because we hold a deeper connection that allows us to be more hands on.”

“We are unique and special. As a community and a university we have done so much for the community. I am proud to be a part of the SHU family,” said Rodgers.

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