Like most colleges, Gustavus has a thriving Greek Life community. Spring recruitment event season is in full swing, with plenty of events happening here and there involving food, fun, and the awesome women of Gustavus’ sororities. However, it’s come to my attention that despite the amount of recruitment done to promote Greek Life on campus, many potential new members are left confused and unsure as to what each sisterhood on our campus is all about. In an attempt to combat this confusion and provide some much-needed answers to questions about sororities here at Gustavus, I reached out to one member of each of our on campus sororities to find out a bit more about their organizations and what their values are.
ALPHA SIGMA TAU
Kristi Manning, a sophomore member of Alpha Sigma Tau, gave me some great information about AST!
Photo courtesy of Kristi Manning
What’s the name of your sorority?
“Alpha Sigma Tau”
How do you pronounce that?
(Al-fa) (Sig-ma) (Taw)
Is your sorority a local or national chapter?
“National”
What does being a (local or national) chapter mean?
“Being in a national chapter means that there are other chapters around the country/world! We are run by National Headquarters located in Indianapolis.”
What are the benefits of being part of a (local or national) sorority?
“There are so many networking opportunities, chances to meet other sisters from other chapters, opportunities to engage in philanthropic work, ability to hold leadership positions, and many other benefits!”
How would you describe your chapter?
“The ladies of AST are fun, bubbly, relaxed, dedicated, caring, philanthropic, gracious, respectful, loving, and unique. We all have a passion for our philanthropy, and have a wonderful time whenever we are together.”
What is your chapter’s philanthropy and what does your organization do to actively pursue this?
“Our national philanthropy is the Women’s Wellness Initiative, and tagging on to the national philanthropy our local philanthropy is Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault/Violence Awareness. Our chapter works actively with the Committee Agains tDomestic Abuse in Mankato and Saint Peter, Minnesota to provide donations and services. Each year, AST tables for in Domestic Abuse Awareness Month in October. This year we did the “I Am Beautiful” Campaign looking to uplift everyone here at Gustavus, especially those who may have suffered from Domestic Abuse. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and for the past two years AST has hosted a “Take Back the Night” event as well as tabled to collect donations of hygiene products to donate to CADA. AST also hosts a Philanthropy Brunch each year with all proceeds from the brunch being donated to CADA.”
What is the weekly time commitment for your sorority?
“At least one hour per week for Chapter Business Meetings (Sunday 8:00-9:00), but depending on if you have leadership positions or not it can be up to four or five hours per week, not including formals, socials, or IGS events. Some weeks have more such as our philanthropy weeks or when we do community service or educationals.”
How much does it cost per semester to be a member of your sorority?
“Around $300.00 per semester. Dues go to many things including formals, apparel, rituals, IGS funds, etc.”
What events at GAC or elsewhere are specific to your sisterhood?
“Philanthropy Brunch benefiting Center Against Domestic Abuse (CADA), Take Back the Night, and many other sisterhood events each semester! (This past fall we went Apple Picking at the Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard, and we did a Valentine’s Day White Elephant Sisterhood!)”
What types of events/meetings/socials/formals does your sisterhood have?
“We have Chapter Business Meetings every Sunday evening, we table for our philanthropy in the months of October and April, as well as host Take Back the Night. We have sisterhood events through the semester, as well as socials with other Greek orgs. We also do community service and educational events. There is one formal per semester. This past fall we had formal we went to Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and this semester we are doing a boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in your sorority?
“There are so many leadership opportunities, and chances to do volunteer work through our philanthropy. We also get to attend special educational events, and have socials and formals which are always a blast. I never would have met my sisters if I hadn’t joined, and I have created so many strong connections with so many amazing people. Walking around on campus and seeing someone you know from your sorority is such a blessing.”
What’s your favorite thing about Gustavus Greek Life?
“Being a part of a large group of people who are all a part of something bigger than themselves is a really cool thing. Gustavus Greek Life is also so diverse, meaning each chapter’s philanthropy is different, and each group has members who fit the values of their organization.”
Is there anything else that those who are looking at potentially joining your sorority should know?
“All of the sororities at Gustavus are great organizations! Finding the best fit for yourself is the most important part of joining Greek Life!”
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
As a member of Tri Sigma, I answered the same questions that I gave the other girls about my own chapter.
Photo credit to Nick Campbell
What’s the name of your sorority?
“Sigma Sigma Sigma”
How do you pronounce that?
“Exactly the way it it’s spelled. It’s a tongue twister when you say it quickly.”
Is your sorority a local or national chapter?
“National”
What does being a (local or national) chapter mean?
“Being a national chapter means that there are chapters of Tri Sigma all across the United States, so members of the sorority have sisters all across the country.”
What are the benefits of being part of a (local or national) sorority?
“Being in a national sorority opens up a lot of opportunities for Tri Sigma members. We have national conferences where members of our chapter attend to learn skills to better our sorority, we are held to national standards for academics and philanthropy, and we also are given a lot of opportunities to network and grow our relationships with other Tri Sigmas beyond just the Gustavus environment.”
How would you describe your chapter?
“Lively. Every woman that’s a member of our chapter is so spirited and inspiring. I think that our sorority is home to a lot of strong, empowering women who are definitely lots of fun to spend time around. Plus, we all love food, so you can guarantee all of our events and socials will be host to lots of snacks.”
What is your chapter’s philanthropy and what does your organization do to actively pursue this?
“Our philanthropy is the Tri Sigma Foundation and we are also partnered with the March of Dimes. Tri Sigma Foundation works to provide play therapy to children in hospitals, and the March of Dimes is a foundation which works to decrease premature births and provide support to families coping with premature birth’s repercussions. We’re very kid-focused philanthropy-wise. At Gustavus, we host an annual Zumbathon in the fall where all of the proceeds go to our philanthropies. Many of our sisters are also participating in the March for Babies walk in May at MNSU.”
What is the weekly time commitment for your sorority?
“About two to three hours a week, except for during peak recruitment season where it’s at least four to five hours a week (which is only one or two weeks a year). We have weekly meetings, and then normally have at least one sisterhood, recruitment, or social event throughout the week.”
How much does it cost per semester to be a member of your sorority?
“Our dues per semester vary, but this semester’s they were about $145, which I know is a super scary number. However, many Sigmas choose to pay their dues through fundraising, and some members even fundraise ALL of their dues so they never have to pay out of pocket. Picking up a concessions or banquet shift can really make all of the difference.”
What events at GAC or elsewhere are specific to your sisterhood?
“The Zumbathon in the fall is our signature Sigma event!”
What types of events/meetings/socials/formals does your sisterhood have?
“We do all of the above. We have weekly meetings, do monthly sisterhood bonding activities, try to hold socials with each of the other sororities and fraternities at least once a semester, and plan both a fall and spring formal.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in your sorority?
“I love that it gives me an excuse to hang out with great girls all the time. Sigmas has provided me with unbelievable friendships and it’s given me the chance to meet plenty of girls who I would have never met otherwise.”
What’s your favorite thing about Gustavus Greek Life?
“I love the small community feel. There are plenty of schools where Greek Life chapters are home to 100+ people, but the small community here allows me to feel really at home. I would have never joined a sorority if I had gone to a larger school, but Greek Life here at Gustavus is so welcoming and enjoyable. “
Is there anything else that those who are looking at potentially joining your sorority should know?
“Carrie Underwood is a Tri Sigma, so that’s pretty wonderful. Also, we still have a couple of recruitment events that you can attend this spring. We’re making tie blankets for charity on Thursday, April 27th in the Courtyard Café from 6-8 p.m. We’re also doing a baseball event on Tuesday, May 9th outside Lund from 5-7 p.m. Be sure to join our recruitment Facebook page for more details.”
THETA XI GAMMA
Jade Erson, a sophomore Theta, gave me all of the details about what Theta Xi Gamma is all about.
Photo courtesy of Jade Erson
What’s the name of your sorority?
“Theta Xi Gamma”
How do you pronounce that?
“Thay-ta Zi Gamma”
Is your sorority a local or national chapter?
“Local”
What does being a (local or national) chapter mean?
“We have our own constitution, whereas the national chapters are required to abide by the same rules, across the map. Also, we were founded at Gustavus, unlike the national sororities.”
What are the benefits of being part of a (local or national) sorority?
“One of the benefits of being a part of a local sorority, I would say, is the fact that we are able to do things in our own, unique way.”
How would you describe your chapter?
“We are a very unique group of individuals, which causes our sorority dynamic to be a consistently interesting environment, full of fun, creative ideas and liveliness.”
What is your chapter’s philanthropy and what does your organization do to actively pursue this?
“Our chapter’s philanthropy is the Pinky Swear Foundation. Their mission is helping kids with cancer and their families with financial and emotional support, by providing basic needs support and unique family programs. Our organization holds a dinner and silent auction every year, to help raise money for the foundation.”
What is the weekly time commitment for your sorority?
“We have a weekly meeting for an hour.”
How much does it cost per semester to be a member of your sorority?
“It depends on the semester, but it is usually $100.”
What events at GAC or elsewhere are specific to your sisterhood?
“We run Mr. Gustavus every year, the Pinky Swear Benefit, Rake the Town, and Senior Prom.”
What types of events/meetings/socials/formals does your sisterhood have?
“We have multiple socials throughout the year, two being the zombie-themed social and Theta Crush. We meet once a week to discuss our current event plans and to be updated by all of our chair positions.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in your sorority?
“My favorite thing about being in my sorority is the bond that I share with my sisters and the fact that I know they are there for me.”
What’s your favorite thing about Gustavus Greek Life?
“My favorite thing about Gustavus Greek Life is our passion and determination to make a change in things that really matter to people and their communities.”
Is there anything else that those who are looking at potentially joining your sorority should know?
“Come to our recruitment events to get to know us and to find out if we are the right fit for you!”
ZETA CHI PHI
Liz Adams, a senior Zeta Chi Phi member, filled me in on all the need-to-knows about her sorority.
Photo courtesy of Liz Adams
What’s the name of your sorority?
“Zeta Chi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.”
How do you pronounce that?
“Zay-tah Kie Fie”
Is your sorority a local or national chapter?
“National”
What does being a (local or national) chapter mean?
“Being part of a national chapter means we have connections globally. We have sisters we are in contact with in Germany, Louisiana, Montana, etc. Being a national chapter means we have a minimum requirement standard to meet and we follow set guidelines so that all members are held to equal standards. Basically, we have a little more structure that allows us to have an extra layer of support to help us and guide us.”
What are the benefits of being part of a (local or national) sorority?
“There are a lot of benefits to being a part of a national sorority and in general, the Greek community. That said, I believe being part of a national sorority provides a stronger, broader network for sisters. There’s always someone who can read over your resume or put you in contact with someone for that first or second job. One huge benefit is that there is always someone to ask for help and there will always be someone to help guide you through whatever situation you may find yourself in. An awesome part of being part of a national sorority are the connections that come with it. Zetas definitely provide connections for people, but we also have amazing alumni who let us crash at their house or visit us to get lunch. We stay connected with our alumni.”
How would you describe your chapter?
“I would say Zetas are some of the best people I’ve ever met. Everyone is passionate about what they do, and we all have varied interests, but we can come together to do things like community service. With Zetas, we really focus on supporting our sisters in all of their endeavors – from needing a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to, to cheering them on at events or watching a movie. We’re like a family.”
What is your chapter’s philanthropy and what does your organization do to actively pursue this?
“Our philanthropy is homelessness. We hold a Homelessness Banquet biannually, where money we raise goes toward a local shelter. We also put food bags in the caf for people to buy with their extra caf money and bring the food to the St. Peter Food Shelf; we brought just over 450 pounds of food to them at the end of February. Partners for Affordable Housing helps us host workshops on-campus where we can raise awareness about homelessness, and they also hold Pedal Past Poverty, which is a fundraiser for making more affordable homes and feeding families that we volunteer at every year. In the past, we’ve also hosted food packs (we hosted one of the largest in Southern MN) and Zeta Cafes, where we raised awareness of different issues over coffee and conversation.”
What is the weekly time commitment for your sorority?
“We have a two-hour meeting every week: we do about 30 minutes to an hour of business, and then have an hour of bonding activities and games. There isn’t any set time requirement beyond that; some weeks require more commitment than others.”
How much does it cost per semester to be a member of your sorority?
“The first semester is $260, every semester after that is $150.”
What events at GAC or elsewhere are specific to your sisterhood?
“Every year we host Probate to show off how amazing our new line of sisters are. We also hold annual step shows or step workshops”.
What types of events/meetings/socials/formals does your sisterhood have?
“We have a weekly meeting where we bond and plan events. As far as formals go, Zetas have three: Baby Blue, Blue Diamond, and White Diamond. We always host Probate, and we usually have a step show or workshop. A lot of our events focus on intersectionality, multiculturalism, homelessness, or bonding. Our socials vary with whichever org we’re doing it with, but in the past we’ve had Game of Thrones socials, played Quidditch, and made blankets for puppies at the pound. It’s been pretty fun.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in your sorority?
“That’s really hard to answer! There’s a lot about Zetas that I really enjoy. My favorite thing, if I had to choose, would probably be the strong bonds that form between us as sisters. We take a genuine interest in everyone as individuals and end up knowing so much about each other. It’s like we’re real sisters. “
What’s your favorite thing about Gustavus Greek Life?
“I think the best thing about Gustavus Greek Life is how committed and passionate everyone is about their philanthropies and community service. It takes a lot to put on the events that different chapters and the greater Greek community do, and being able to see these events occurring every year and being so successful is inspiring. And the events, like the Special Olympics, are so important for the community. It’s awesome being able to be a part of that.”
Is there anything else that those who are looking at potentially joining your sorority should know?