How to Pick the Best Fraternity For You
Fraternity rush can be one of the most stressful yet memorable times of a young adult’s college experience. There are many different factors to consider–philanthropy, brotherhood, and a fraternity’s history and legacy, not to mention feeling the societal pressure of having to endure this experience with hundreds of other new first-year students. There is no doubt that this can be an incredibly daunting experience, but with proper research and preparation for rush, you can rest assured that you will be well-prepped for this experience.
How to Pick a Fraternity
Picking a fraternity to join is not an easy decision. Although there may be factors pushing you in a certain direction (legacy, sports teams, friends, etc.), it is important to note that this decision is something that you should make entirely on your own. Joining a brotherhood is something special and although you may be tempted to stay in the same fraternity as your friends, that may not be the best decision for you. You should choose a fraternity based on what ideals align with your own, what philanthropy is important to you, and what fraternity members you could see yourself forming a close relationship with. By ensuring that you are choosing the best fraternity to align with your own personal beliefs, goals, and values, you can almost guarantee that you will find the fraternity for you.
Fraternities
When researching fraternities to join, you should make sure that you are aware of your school’s specific Greek organizations on campus. Every school is different and each fraternity chapter has its own specific events or rituals.
That being said, here is a list of some popular fraternities and their information to help guide your research!
Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE)
Founded: 1868, University of Virginia
Values: Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, and Gentlemen
Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
Alpha Phi Alpha
Founded: 1906, Cornell University
Values: Service First, Respect, Embracing Diversity, Integrity, and Perseverance
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Special Characteristics: Alpha Phi Alpha is a historically black fraternity, with a particular interest in benefiting African American advancement organizations.
Theta Chi
Founded: 1856, Norwich University
Values: Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Brotherhood
Headquarters: Carmel, Indiana
Sigma Chi
Founded: 1855, Miami University
Values: Friendship, Justice, and Learning
Philanthropy: Derby Days, Merlin Olsen Day of Service, and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation/Huntsman Cancer Institute
Headquarters: Evanston, Illinois
Sigma Nu
Founded: 1869, Virginia Military Institute
Values: Love, Honor, and Truth
Headquarters: Lexington, Virginia
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Founded: 1856, University of Alabama
Values: Friendship, Scholarship, Leadership, Integrity, and Service in order to become a True Gentleman
Philanthropy: Be the Match, Children’s Miracle Hospital Network, Movember
Headquarters: Evanston, Illinois
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Founded: 1901, Richmond College (now University of Richmond)
Values: Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love
Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia
Kappa Delta Rho
Founded: 1905, Middlebury College
Values: Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Tradition
Headquarters: Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Kappa Sigma
Founded: 1869, University of Virginia
Values: Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service
Philanthropy: The MIlitary Heroes Campaign
Headquarters: Charlottesville, Virginia
Lambda Chi Alpha
Founded: 1909, Boston University
Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service and Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal courage
Philanthropy: Feeding America
Headquarters: Carmel, Indiana
Lambda Sigma Upsilon
Founded: 1979, Rutgers University
Values: Academic Excellence, Cultural Awareness and Diversity, Becoming Role Models, and Brotherhood
Special Characteristics: A Latino fraternity with a dedication to supporting HIV/AIDs research.
Headquarters: Elizabeth, New Jersey
Beta Theta Pi
Founded: 1839, Miami University
Values: Intellect, Responsible Conduct, Mutual Assistance, Integrity and Trust
Headquarters: Oxford, Ohio