Fraternities and sororities are a common staple at most universities, but are still relatively new at Colorado Mesa University. Despite the short time these organizations have been at CMU, they are bringing some assets to the campus community.
My first impression of the sororities and fraternities on campus are that they are an asset. Greek life also adds a little extra to dorm life. A hall assigned to each sorority and fraternity is a great way for freshman to come to school and feel like they are a part of something.
At CMU, there haven’t been any reports of cinema trope behavior, like wild parties and destruction of property. I can’t actively tell who is a part of either organization, which reflects that the students have a balance between their commitment to their fraternity or sorority, and to their outside life.
It was difficult to get a comment from CMU students about the fraternities and sororities on campus. When I asked students for their thoughts, they either shrugged or told me as long as the Greek community doesn’t cause trouble, they don’t care.
This apathy toward Greek life is such an interesting phenomenon. As of late, sororities and fraternities seem to be one of the most prominent campus-related topics on the news. I did manage to get one response from the president of the first sorority on campus, Alpha Sigma Alpha-Theta Psi.
President Hannah Kois’s explained the culture and for what her organization stands. “Our main motto is developing women of poise and purpose,” stated Kois. Kois continued explaining, “They [Alpha Sigma Alpha] strive to cultivate values and ideals in women who are known for their character and concern for others.”
Kois described how the group is involved in planning several events around campus and the Grand Junction community. Alpha Sigma Alpha is set to volunteer at many charities.
Kois said, “We also encourage our members to be apart of other clubs and organizations on campus so that they make a variety of connections on campus.”
Alpha Sigma Alpha-Theta Psi seems like a great group that is geared toward empowering young women, people around campus and the surrounding city. I was pleasantly surprised that they encouraged their members to branch out, and heartened to hear about the community service work they complete.
The impression of sororities and fraternities on campus, for me, is that they are a growing and positive presence. Sororities and fraternities stand for advancing the leaders of tomorrow and making a difference in the community. I look forward to attending their events in the future and watching to see their impact on campus.
