Greek Perception

Wheeler Cowperthwaite
Staff Writer
Note: Never ran.
Note: Dated: Sept. 8 2007


“Animal House,” “Van Wilder” and “Old School” conjure images of horses killed by heart attacks, uncontrolled drinking, surprise-filled pastries and Will Ferrell’s disastrous run down to the quad.
For Greeks on campus, this stereotype of Greek life represents a problem. Incredible drinking and outrageous parties are the crux of the stigma, campus Greeks said.
Cody Wagner, 22, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said dealing with non-Greek’s preconceived notions is always a battle.
Wagner said he wants to talk to non-Greeks who have open minds so they can see what Greek life is about.
A majority of incoming male freshmen have misconceptions about fraternities, said Gary Schott, 21, current president of Sigma Nu
“Kids are always looking for the Animal House,” Schott said.
Michael Pennington, 35, chairman of the Alpha Tao Omega Alumni Association, said ATO used the animal house stereotype to its advantage.
“We would correct people about the negative aspects of the stereotype and use the positive aspects to bolster our reputation,” Pennington said. “We had a party at the beginning of the school year with 700 people.”
“It’s hard for [Greek members] to get away from the stigma,” said Tiffany Pack-Baleme, a 27-year-old finance major not involved in Greek life. “It’s not like TV helps.”
Another non-Greek, Crystal Pack, echoed Pack-Baleme’s message.
“When someone says ‘Greeks’ I think of immature behavior, drunkenness, sex and no regard for grades,” said Pack, a 23-year-old international business major. “I don’t think of them going out and doing community service.”
Philanthropy or community service, contrary to Pack-Baleme’s vision, is one of the main tenets of Greek life, according to the University of Nevada, Reno Greek Life Web site.
“People get caught up in the stereotypes,” Ryan Kenney, 22, Phi Delta president, said. “[People] fail to realize the good Greeks do on campus”
Sigma Nu raised over $10,000 last year for St. Jude Research Children’s Hospital Schott said.
Sigma Phi Epsilon raised an estimated $2,000 for charities last year Wagner said.
Sigma Kappa Theta raised an estimated $6,000 for charities last year and did 900 hours of community service.
Robin Reaney, president of sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, said, “The positive aspects of Greek life aren’t highlighted.”
Though Greeks emphasized a changing image, Jake Wiskerchen, a founding member of SigEp, said many of the fraternities are making the same mistakes they did during his tenure.
“They throw parties during dry rush, act irresponsibly during tailgaters and emulate the behavior of ‘Animal House,’” said Wiskerchen, 29.
When it comes to academics, Pack said she thinks Greeks do not care about grades.
However, Reaney said, “Academics is one of our main priorities.”
Pennington said raised GPA standards are a positive trend for the fraternities.
Sally Morgan, director of student conduct, said ten years ago the IFC started a program of scholarship recognition awards.
“Academics has been a major goal of the interfraternity council for the past ten years,” Morgan said.