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More to Greeks By PHOEBIA COOPER When most students think of black Greek sororities or frater- fl nities at college, the first thing to rjS come into their minds is step- \ I Little do they know, there is more behind stepping than meets the eye. Thp National Pan Hpllpnir Council, a predominantly black Greek System, consists of four fraternities and four sororities. The fraternities are Alpha Phi fl Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa J Alpha Psi and Phi Beta Sigma and the sororities are Zeta Phi | 1 Beta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Delta I 1 Sigma Theta. All across campus, Greeks are involved in various activities and NPHC chapters ar functions, but academics is community servic always primary concern in their system. It is traditional for the Greek grade point ratio to be higher than that of others. "Our main focus, culture for service and service for humanity, sums it all up," said Anthony Edwards, president of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. Greeks have a common goal that everyone strives toward. They "seek to grow as better students and people to benefit the university and community." "We're all about the same thing, as far as service projects and doing things that are causative to the city or to the nation," explained Edwards. Their reputation ranges from motivating others to planning projects and drawing up budgets, but the bottom line is friendship during college life and future years. The responsibilities of college students are huge in number and the Greek system offers an outlet for some of their responsibilities. Through the Greek system much can be learned about leadership, decision-making and role-playing. They work hard as a group helping others. Annually, USC Greeks raise thousands of dollars to benefit local and national charities. The fraternities and sororities are also involved in or?h\;if iac li II m c* r* r\ m 1 n o pomnnc ^laon.iinc uv it v uiv o iiivv iiv/iiivvuiiiiiig9 vaiiipuo Parents Weekend, and the ever so popular Carolina Clemson Week. Stacey Barber, president of the reactivated chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, said, "My chapter's meaning of true sisterhood is not just a social gathering. Despite looking out for one another and sticking together, our main focus is charity." Barber said she did not want to change anything \fWiCL4 " w. Wednesdc W^4^ ' -. jttft?*! life * ^jjC^j^K^" I,., ^ jijg^jj^Hfj^^^l^Hj BJmaftf $ Ojr$*?iL "Wi^X^ - ^fS^k^J! .<~ '! <VJ^IK,^jrfjBT*L f-w^v? /. g3h#i>v^., j^L .sSKL *-/ ^ "1993 College E than stepping e working toward academic leadership and e as well as pursuing cultural awareness. about the service aspect of the sorority, but she would "like to place a greater focus on the academics of the chapter." "Many people tend to shun away from Sigma Gamma Rho because we've been away for a while and because it is the youngest sorority. But it would be a grfcat advantage to get to know us," she said. This chapter has a lot more service and sisterhood to project with everyone getting involved. The sorority has a good reputation in service as well as the step shows, which they have won every one they participated in. True sisterhood and brotherhood is acquired through these NPHC chapters but individuality starts it all Parh inHiviHnal mpmKpr ic rncnnnciKlp fnr hie rvr **- Ull. L-UVll 1IIUII1UUU1 UlVlllUVt 10 A vO|/V/l Itjll/'v IV/1 1110 V/I her own actions. They reinforce responsibilities by encouraging one another. This begins their list of high and meaningful values. An individual has to be very strong, productive and strong-minded, as far as school, part-time jobs, or leisure activities. Some people may hold negative stereotypes about the Greek system. If you don't already know these organizations are topping the charts in charity work and serving humanity. They promote leadership skills and involvement benefiting the community. There is a lot to be learned and understood about the NPHC Greek system. If brotherhood, sisterhood, principles of service and scholarship are what you think you would be interested in, get your GPR's above 2.5 (which is necessary to pledge) and keeping it that way because it's worth going that extra mile. TOWNSHIF ly, August 25 ?#l 1VK JKflH| m^SSS^ ^Jf^lfllil^l jr :';iV9 Irf^ * ^ ^ intertainer of the \ Township Auditoriurr CREATIVE EN" Dress up, g By AMY DA VIES Staff Writer It's that time of year again. You hear them chanting, singing, and in some cases banging on the windows of McBryde fraternity quad. They are famous for their ties, bows, pearls and flowery dresses that put clothes designer Laura Ashley to shame. Does it all sound like Greek? It should with fraternity and sorority rush approaching. With the decreasing number of people rushing fraternities and sororities, the Office of Greek Life has been taking actions to change such figures. "We have been sending every student coming through orientation an information packet about rush," said Michelle, who asked that her last name not be used due to rush rules and regulations. With the increasing cost of tuition, and the cost to join fraternities and sororities, one might wonder what good reasons are there to rush. Michelle, who is currently serving as the sorority council president, said she feels the best benefits of rushing a fraternity or sorority are the life-long friendships one can form, as well as becoming involved on-campus and in the community. Sorority rush week starts with an It Go out with friends and keep track of each other. Don't broadcast your name, address or plans in front of others. On a first date, plan to meet in a public place. Let people know where you plan to be and let your date know that others know. Stick to your plans. 7Telephone lirhiiiVfiDtf 771-RAPE HEi 1 nUnXl 24 Hours > AUDITOf :sents th, 8PM Regulai 3Vid< ? IVI Make Y< Credi ^ For 'ear" t (located 1703 T rERTAINME ;et down for SI^K - iiM Sunday's orientation kicked off I participation this year in the 28 G orientation program, where the rushee meets her rush counselor, who is there to help the student through it. Rush continues throughout the week as the rushee begins to decide which sorority is best suited for her, according to the informational packet distributed to all those interested in rushing. Fraternity rush is similar, but there are no counselors to guide the boys through the rush process. "We have 14 great sororities, and 14 great fraternities. One is not better than the other" Michelle said. "Just keep in mind that this is supThanks for a c Jim Laura Shannon Ann Radi Desare Eric Sean Sve to I Brooke Nancy Cla) Kevin Kristin J.T. Pat Katharine Ste r AAH VJUUU RIUM TO] One Nigh r on The Ton rv, Friday Ni eo's, Star Se our Reservati it Card Reserv 777-7228 more informa reservations c 252-6530 aylor St. "Heart i ENT PROD y Rush Week XA lush Week which expects less Ireek organizations. posed to be a fun week." Once rush is over, Michelle said the rushee has many things to look forward to, such as Greek Week, initiation into his/her sorority or fraternity, and a fall full of involvement with their new family. Michelle's advice to those 4 searching through a sea of hair bows and suits and ties, "Keep an open mind, and don't listen to stereotypes, we have a lot of great fraternities and sororities." And remember, this is supposed to be fun. jreat summer! Carl Andy Carson :e*Paul*Jay*Keith* CI Derek Brian* John* i Rob Russell Matt Melinda* Michelle phen Phoebia Amy JOB! hT a? w it Only ight Show 1 ght arch ions Now! nations I \ tion & !* all: of Columbia") UCTION