Greek life at universities is often stereotyped as being solely about parties and exclusivity. 

However, at San Diego State University (SDSU), sororities and fraternities offer more than these limited views suggest. They provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, peer bonding and community engagement. 

At SDSU, Greek organizations play a crucial role by fostering deep connections among students and making substantial contributions through various philanthropic activities. These organizations enhance the campus experience and have a meaningful impact on both their members and the broader community.

Each fraternity, sorority has unique role on campus

SDSU hosts more than 40 fraternities and sororities, each playing a unique role in the campus community.

Emma Brown, a second-year journalism major, serves as Co-Event Planner, Co-Community Service Chair, and Co-Social Chair at Upsilon Kappa Delta Multicultural Sorority.

“Our philanthropy is the Monarch School, which is a program in San Diego dedicated to furthering the education of unhoused students. We support them through semesterly fundraisers,” said Brown.

Lindsey Brintwood and Sadie Moore are both third-year students at Kappa Alpha Theta.

Brintwood, a journalism major with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies, is the Alumnae Relations Director. Moore, a Marketing and Psychology major, is an active member of Theta— as well as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.

A philanthropic cause Theta supports is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) through events such as Rock the CASA, an annual concert held in November, and their Spring Philanthropy event held in April with alternating themes such as CASA Carnival, Cones for CASA and Queso for CASA.

“I’ve participated in the Rock the CASA event and the CASA Carnival event,” said Moore. “It has made me very proud of the sorority I am in because we don’t take it lightly. As a chapter, we’ve raised $34,986.94 from the 2023-2024 school year.”

Joshua Makkai, a third-year communications major, is the Sports Chair for Phi Delta Theta, a fraternity dedicated to supporting ALS through various philanthropic activities.

Through their various philanthropic activities, Greek organizations at SDSU are making significant contributions to the community while also enriching their members’ personal experiences.

Brintwood reflects, “I love that we have a main philanthropic organization, CASA, that we support and through the community service I have participated in throughout my time in the chapter, I feel that I have been able to make a positive impact in other’s lives while growing closer alongside my sisters.”

Moore highlights, “Before being a part of Kappa Alpha Theta, I didn’t know much about the foster care system, but it made me realize how much these foster care children need love and support as they grow up. It’s made me care more about this cause, which I believe isn’t talked about enough.”

Greek life not centered around partying

Both Makkai and Brintwood address the misconception that Greek life is centered around partying. 

Makkai emphasizes that Greek life involves much more, stating, “We care about brotherhood, relationships and lifelong connections, among other things.” Brintwood, on the other hand, underscores the commitment to community and support, adding, “Greek organizations benefit the community via specific philanthropies and create various beneficial ways for a group of girls to find their home away from home in college.”

“Another misconception is sorority girls only care about appearance, and the way we’re viewed by others,” said Moore. “Everyone I know in my sorority has much deeper morals with layers of core values. Academic excellence, leadership, political beliefs, family values and social issues are only some of the things that we care about and make up who we are.”

For many members, Greek life is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a significant part of their college experience.

“To me, being part of a sorority means always having people to fall back on,” said Brown. “Whether I need help with schoolwork, someone to hang out with between classes or a second opinion on the new shirt I just bought, my sisters are there for me, and in turn, I get to be there for them. I feel like it has shaped my college experience, because ever since joining, I have never felt alone. I know that there is always going to be a whole group of women in my corner, and that can be really empowering.”

Makkai concludes, “Being in my fraternity has been a source of pride and has greatly enhanced my college experience. I encourage others to give Greek life a try—you won’t regret it.”

For these four SDSU students, Greek life has given them a deeper purpose — through their dedication to philanthropy, leadership, and community building, sororities and fraternities are making a positive impact and enriching the college experience for their members. By highlighting their efforts, we can see the true value and contributions of Greek organizations at San Diego State University.

The students’ dedication to causes like supporting unhoused students, advocating for foster care children and raising awareness for ALS showcases how Greek life allows members to grow personally while making a positive impact. 

Through these efforts, students find not only a sense of purpose but also deep connections that last beyond their time on campus.

Top photo courtesy of Sadie Moore