Men and women alike attend Grand Valley for one common purpose, to attain a degree. While attending, many like to get involved in the various student organizations that are on this campus and attempt to cultivate their leadership capabilities. One way men and women have become leaders was by joining Greek Life.

There has been a stigma that surrounds Greek Life at all colleges, that we are partiers that fail to give back to the community, are academic slobs, and fail to recognize those whom are not affiliated. I am the first person to admit that some of this may be true, but I am always conscientious to point out that partying, sloppy academics, and lack of community involvement are things that do not just face the Greek population, but college campuses as a whole.

Here at Grand Valley, we seem to break that stigma. Did you know that last semester fraternities and sororities raised $42,020.22 for various charities? It was reported that non-affiliated students raised $8,799.82 for various charities. Brothers and sisters of the Grand Valley Greek Community strive to better our campus, our community, and our world through constant involvement on campus and abroad. Do our fraternities and sororities haze? No. Every student involved in Greek Life signs a non-hazing clause and the councils that oversee each organization monitor and maintain a safe environment for all those involved in Greek Life.

In four years, the Greek population here at Grand Valley has more than doubled, while adding ten new fraternities and sororities. With the increase in members came an increase in our collective GPA, from a 2.910 to a 3.001, which is also meeting the university average. Fraternities and sororities also performed 9798 community service hours last semester compared to 4170.5 from the fall semester of 2007.

All facts and statistics set aside, the Grand Valley Greek Community is thriving. We understand that not all people are meant to join a fraternity or sorority, but we encourage students to check it out. Greek Life gives students the opportunity to cultivate leadership potential and become better suited for the professional world. When you walk the halls of Grand Valley, understand that we do not wear Greek letters for ourselves. Our letters do not mean that we drink, haze, and slack off in school; here at Grand Valley our letters mean we are ready to lead and we will attempt to do what is best for Grand Valley and the surrounding community; we wear our letters for a purpose. Why not also have some fun while working towards that purpose. Take the time and ask yourself, what am I doing to benefit my life in a positive manner for the future? If you are content, keep on doing what you are doing. If you are not content, give Greek Life a chance and cultivate your leadership potential.