By LISA BROWN
September 19, 2006

Rush week, lip sync, Greek letters, and family trees. Many associate these images with Greek organizations. When I started my first year at the Abbey, I came in with the stereotypical image of Greek life portrayed the movie “Animal House.” After getting to know the members of the fraternities and sororities on campus, I realized how wrong I was. Although I’m not a member of Greek life, I have been able to see how much they have contributed not only to our campus but also to the surrounding community.

At Belmont Abbey, we are home to both local and national Greek organizations. Although each fraternity and sorority is very different from each other I have seen that they all have at least one thing in common -- service. Whether they are helping with events on campus or building a house for Habitat for Humanity, they all express their love for the community.

Our local sororities, Alpha Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Delta, and Delta Psi Theta are all very much involved within the surrounding community. These sororities are very passionate about their service to others.

Alpha Sigma Pi hosts a blood drive for the American Red Cross. This year they are also working on a campaign to inform students about the effects of tobacco.

The sisters of Tau Kappa Delta are very much involved with Florence Crittenton, a home for “pregnant girls and women and non-pregnant at-risk foster care adolescents.” They serve as mentors to these young ladies.

The women of Delta Psi Theta focus on Breast Cancer Awareness. They are very passionate about this organization and hope to raise a stronger awareness in the community.

Fraternities Sigma Alpha and Delta Tau Delta are both active mentors for the Big Brother/Sister program. The men of Delta Tau Delta are currently working with Pawtuckett Elementary School in Charlotte while the Sigma Alphas are working in the Gaston County School district.

Phi Kappa Theta is currently involved with Habitat for Humanity. They, along with many other Abbey students, are working on a house that has been funded by two alumni of the college. Phi Kappa Theta is also very involved in working with the Children’s Miracle Network and American Cancer Society.

It is through their service in our college and in the community that has earned them the respect that they deserve. I encourage everyone to look into what our Greek life has to offer and join these men and women in improving our community.

Special thanks to Carol Brooks and Reginae Reynolds for their help compiling information for this article.