Greek Life hits Ottawa

Greek Life has officially made its way to Ottawa University.

Yes, you read that right. Our university officially has two fraternities and two sororities on campus.

For those who aren’t familiar with the concept of Greek life, it typically seems to come with a negative connotation of parties, hazing, and secrets. The truth is, though, that that’s not what Greek life is about at all; especially at OU.

Greek life is about building a network of supporters and vowing loyalty to brothers and sisters. It is about building resumes and preparing members for success in their future careers and lives.

Greek life is also about philanthropy events and fundraisers. Becoming passionate about a cause and living your life in support of that cause.

The truth is that 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives were a part of Greek life and all but three of the United States presidents have been members of a fraternity. Greek life is meant to prepare its members for success.

So why does Greek life have such a bad image? It could relate to the fact that nine million college students are members of a Greek organization, and sad truth is that hazing scandals make headlines, and philanthropic events typically do not.

Let’s be honest here. These so-called “hazing scandals” would happen with or without Greek life. A majority of college students are going to do stupid things, and news reporters find some other or label to pin with a non-Greek related incident. A Greek organization will actually receive bigger consequences.  

Greek life helps students interact and lead their peers, providing them with valuable teamwork and leadership skills that are valuable to their future success. It also proves to increase the likelihood of students finishing college, as 71 percent of Greeks earn a degree, while only 50 percent of non-Greeks finish college.

Ottawa University now has two sororities: Pi Theta Chi, led by juniors Danika Good and Maddy Bellew, and Sigma Iota Psi, led by senior Hope Waisner and first year McKenzie Dick. Both organizations were named after social clubs that were on campus in the past, in hopes to reconnect with alumni of the university.

There are also two fraternities: Omega Chi Delta, led by seniors Dean Morales and Hunter Collins, and Delta Chi Alpha, led by senior JC Garcia and sophomore Austin Kehoe. Both names are derived from alumni social clubs.

These eight leaders are in the process of planning some big things for next school year to raise awareness and interest in Greek life. Some of these events include fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropy awareness events.

If you are interested in getting involved with Greek life, contact one of the members of the Greek council to find out more and get information about next year’s rush week!

Information taken from USA Today, Examining the benefits of Greek life