Emily Dawson, Contributing Writer
Greek organizations are often unfairly scrutinized in the public eye, but the sororities and fraternities of West Liberty University invite you to get to know them, and find out what they are really about.
Currently, there are four fraternities and five sororities on campus. Some are local chapters, meaning they were founded at West Liberty, while others are national chapters and have much larger networks. All Greek organizations are involved with various forms of community outreach, and they are all required to do community service each semester. Although it often goes unnoticed Greek Life contributes positively to the community.
Kate Billings, West Liberty’s Greek life adviser, said that, “Fraternity and Sorority members are not only encouraged and expected to do well, but also to do good. All Greek organizations support both National philanthropies as well as local causes to instill in their members a sense of service, giving to others, and to learn about something greater than themselves. Our Offices & Greek Council really want to shine the light on just how much community service and philanthropy work these young men and women do in the name of their organizations.”
Last semester, all of the Greek organizations helped with both the set-up and the clean-up of the West Liberty town fair. Greek life members have great relations with the mayor, and the sororities and fraternities volunteer to help the town as much as they can. This semester Greek council plans to hold the Penny Wars again. It was very successful last year, raising over $2,600 for the West Liberty Fire Department.
Greek life contributes not only to the community, but to the campus as well. At least one third of West Liberty’s SGA is Greek, which shows that Greek life strives to represent the student body and better the campus. In addition, Greek letters are always found at university events, which shows the support that Greek members have for West Liberty. One of the most prominent aspects of Greek life is philanthropy. All of the chapters on campus contribute to philanthropies, and they all work together to support each others efforts. As of now specific fundraising plans for this semester are not set in stone, but all Greek organizations will make efforts to support both the community and their philanthropy’s.
Last semester Kappa Delta Kappa fraternity held a MS walk at Brooke High School, and the Beta Thetas volunteered their time at a local soup kitchen. This semester Chi Nu fraternity is planning to hold a campus-wide talent show, donating all benefits to the American Heart Association, and Phi Delta Theta is planning a Run to End Hunger to collect donations and canned goods for a local food pantry.
As for the sororities Delta Theta Kappa raised over $2,000 by holding a Pink the Rink fundraiser for breast cancer last semester, and they plan to continue visiting the Ronald McDonald House in the spring. The Lambda’s recently raised money for a local girl suffering from Friedreich’s Ataxia, and organized a Kiss Away FA event to raise money for their philanthropy.
Throughout the month of April, Alpha Xi Delta sorority will “Light It Up Blue” to raise awareness for Autism Speaks. They plan to fundraise and host an AmaXing Challenge to raise money. Chi Omega is planning a “Donations for Doggies” fundraiser to collect items such as canned foods for a local animal shelter, and they will continue fundraising for the Make a Wish Foundation. Also this semester Beta Rho Epsilon is planning a Relay for Life, in which they hope fundraise $5,000-$6,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Kate Billings is available to assist all of the organizations on campus, and to help their chapters grow and become stronger. If anyone has any questions, or wants to become involved, feel free to contact the Greek organizations or Kate Billings at (304)-336-8345.
