Ethnic greek organizations build cultural awareness

A variety of ethnic sororities and fraternities on campus, many of which are currently participating in a winter rush or application process, offer students an opportunity to gain a sense of cultural awareness and to become actively involved in their communities.

Students can choose from five black fraternity chapters, five black sorority chapters, a Latino/a fraternity and sorority and an Asian Pacific American sorority and fraternity.

The 10 black sororities and fraternities are part of the Black Greek Association. Each chapter establishes its own set of rules and guidelines.

"I think one of the main reasons (to join a black sorority) is to have a bond," said LSA junior Aiisya Lowey, president of Alpha Gamma Psi. "When you're of the same ethnic group, there are a lot of issues that are specific to that ethnic group. At a predominantly white university, it's very important to have those bonds."

Although each chapter in the Black Greek Association has its own application process, students usually attend a general informational meeting and then apply to one specific chapter. Individual chapters determine whether they want to accept new members for the winter term.

Delta Sigma Theta, the largest black sorority on campus with 23 members, is one of the chapters accepting applications for the winter semester.

"Delta Sigma Theta is a sisterhood committed to public service. It's a lifetime commitment," said president Sandra Enimil, an LSA senior.

Individual chapters are involved in a wide range of service activities, including fund-raising, tutoring and mentorship programs and workshops.

The University's Asian Pacific American sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta Phi and Asian Pacific American fraternity, Lambda Phi Epsilon, are not officially affiliated with one another, but have worked together in the past. Both chapters held rush activities last week.

Kappa Alpha Theta Phi, which has had a chapter on campus for two and a half years, has 17 active members. About 10 women are rushing this semester.

"Our main focus is promoting APA pride for all women," said Education senior May Gong, Kappa Alpha Theta Phi's rush chair. "We look for committed, dedicated women. We have them meet us during rush events."

Lambda Phi Epsilon is the first national Asian American fraternity. It has had a chapter on campus since 1981.

"We try to focus on Asian American awareness and try to dispel stereotypes about Asian Americans," said LSA sophomore Steven Wong, the fraternity's vice president. "It opened my eyes and brought me back to my roots. It enlightened me and taught me a lot."

Many members of Lambda Phi Epsilon and Kappa Alpha Theta Phi are involved in various Asian Pacific American organizations on campus, including the United Asian American Organization, the Singapore Students Association, the Indian American Students Association and the Asian American Association. These organizations are dedicated to promoting ethnic awareness on campus.

"It's especially important in a region such as the Midwest," said LSA senior Al Chu, a member of Lamda Phi Epsilon. "Many (students) are away from home - it helps them to find a home away from home."

The one Latina sorority on campus, Delta Tau Lambda, was founded in 1994. The University's chapter is the first chapter of this sorority in the nation, with 10 active members.

"Being a minority, there are certain issues you have to deal with. You almost feel safe in familiar surroundings. We are women who will help the people in our community throughout our lives," said an LSA senior Lori Nicholson, the sorority's vice president.

Delta Tau Lamba is currently working to build a national presence and is not accepting winter applications.

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