Delta
The UNCG Greek system took a while to grow but it now has 21 recognized fraternities and sororities.

Like all fledgling endeavors, the groups encountered some bumps along the road. Some organizations didn't recruit enough members to be chartered. Others recruited members without first getting university recognition. Some fraternities chose to rent houses just off campus and the university had to deal with noise complaints from neighbors.

“Those of us who started in the '80s, we always felt the administration was adversarial,” says John Harlow '87 of Lambda Chi Alpha. “They could perceive the benefits but they didn't want the crap that went with it.”

At one point, Sigma Phi Epsilon, in a gesture of goodwill to the university, banned their members from drinking alcohol.

“It was a last ditch effort to save our chapter,” Grant says. “We knew it would be an incredible step if we took it. It meant we were not going to have alcohol at parties. We bought into the idea and followed through.”

The following year, the fraternity grew from 20 members to 50, he says. “We had just as much fun and more self-respect.”

While banning alcohol isn't spelled out any more (none of the fraternities have official houses where they can implement that now), the big, over-arching rules put in place when the system started still hold.

“We require them to be part of a national organization and part of a national governing body,” says Erin Jennings, assistant director for Greek Life and Student Organization Development. ““We feel that's the best structure for success.”

The groups are required to meet academic, service, conduct and fraternalism expectations.

“We're not willing to open the door (to a fraternity or sorority) if it does not support students in the best way,“ she says. “We’re pretty picky.”

And the number of Greek organizations on campus has continued to grow. One of the newer groups is Theta Nu Xi, a multicultural sorority.

“It really spoke to me because of what it stands for. It's more open-minded,” said junior Christine Edwards. Members include not only African-American and Caucasian students but also Filipino, Samoan and Cuban women. “It’s made me more accepting. I love being with them.”

One of the biggest benefits of being in a fraternity or sorority, aside from the friendships formed, is the unique leadership experience it provides, Jennings says. “It's a group of friends leading, guiding, setting goals, having those uncomfortable conversations as they hold each other accountable for their shared values like conduct and academic achievement.”

And that leadership has naturally spilled over into other areas of campus life. Many Greeks are also student government officers, university ambassadors, community advisors or honor society members.

A group of alumni have joined together to support additional leadership training for Greek students. Called the Greek Legacy initiative, the money raised ensures that one of the things that’s most valuable about being in a fraternity or sorority is nurtured.

“It's a skill set that can help them make a difference in communities, the state, the nation,” Harlow says.

And things have changed with the administration, he says. Their support of this initiative is an indication that they feel Greeks have something important to contribute. “That’s what’s huge. It’s a real paradigm shift.”

Epsilon
When Joy Toms joined Alpha Chi Omega, she found herself part of a group of women who worked to fight domestic violence, supported the arts and did all the small things together, like share closets and clothes. Toms was an only child and reveled in the experience of having sisters.

“It's amazing to me now how I draw on those experiences,” she says.

Part of what is special is just those growing-up years of college. Part of it is the intimacy of living with others. Another part is the working toward common goals.

“We go through a shared experience,” Harlow says. “It's somewhat of an awakening that connects us. That's why we seem so close.”

All the important things are still important. And the traditions go on.

“It doesn't seem much different now,” DeBrew says of Alpha Delta Pi. “We came to the alumni tea, and they even sang the same songs. We were just so proud. They were carrying on what we had done.”