Greek life also includes community service

By Lyndsey Shinoda
Daily Forty-Niner

Fraternities and sororities at Cal State Long Beach participate in more than just keggers and parties, they also have a specific philanthropy, or goodwill toward one's fellowmen, especially as expressed through active efforts to promote human welfare.

Nat Buck, president of the Delta Chi fraternity, said their philanthropy is inner tube water polo. Sororities pay an entry fee to participate, and the money is donated to the American Heart Association. The fraternity also participate in beach clean-ups.

"It feels like we're doing something that's not selfish," Buck said. "It builds character and makes you a better person if you participate. It's more rewarding to give your time than your money."

Greek philanthropies are not highly publicized. One usually hears about the negative aspects of Greek life such as hazing or underage drinking. Buck attributes this to the fact that no one wants to hear about the positive aspects of fraternities and sororities.

"Some of the negative things can overshadow [community service] because negative news sells," Buck said. "But not every fraternity stresses it enough."

Sororities also participate in philanthropy. Christine Adair, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, explained that her sorority has an event each year called "Crescent Spike." Fraternities play volleyball to benefit Camp Sechelt, which is for underprivileged boys and girls. Adair says that getting thank you letters from the campers warms her heart.

"One of the main purposes of the sorority is to be involved in the community," Adair said. "I think it just feels good knowing we can give something to someone who isn't as privileged."

Amy Geist, coordinator of student life and development for Greek life, talked more about philanthropy.

"Greek organizations were founded on those tenants," Geist said. "They are not required to, but they take it upon themselves to do it."

Geist said that some groups raise money or collect canned food, but that the actual personal interaction means more.

The Kappa Sigma fraternity is sponsoring a powder puff football tournament, which is taking place this Saturday, said member Mike Ortalli. The event will benefit the Surfrider Foundation; an organization dedicated to protecting the oceans, waves and beaches.

Jeff Huber, president of the Sigma Pi fraternity, said that they sponsor a softball tournament. The proceeds of the event go to the Red Cross.

"We don't make a big deal of it," Huber said. "We do it because we want to give back to the community."

The Alpha Omicron Pi sorority focuses their fundraising efforts on arthritis research, according to its president Dawn Nelsen. Her sorority sponsors Greek Row, a big beach event featuring sand creations, volleyball and tug of war.

"A lot of our members do community service on their own," Nelsen said. "We're really big on it, and we're working on implementing mandatory community service."