The Greeks: Alive And Well At Weber State The moment a young freshman steps onto the Weber State campus, he or she is faced with the question of whether to affiliate with a campus social group. Many decide that a club does not fit with their style of life, while others can hardly wait to become fall quarter pledges. Goals and activities of fraternities and sororities on the Weber State campus have changed very little throughout their long history. One recent change of great magnitude, however, is the alteration in the names and affiliation of five fraternities. Alumni who graduated before the 1970s will remember Excelsior, Phoenix, Alpha Rho Omega, Beta Phi Beta, and Sigma Delta Pi. Now the frats are known respectively as Beta Theta Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and have affiliation with national ‘“greek”’ groups. The only two who did not change names are Delta Phi Kappa and Sigma Gamma Chi. These latter two have been ‘‘greeks’’ since their arrival on campus, while the other fraternities have only recen- tly become affiliated with national greek organizations. You may ask why these fraternities which were local frats for so many years decided to go national. Alan Daley, former Dean of Students, points out that there were many advantages of becoming nationally affiliated. One advantage was the assistance national and regional fraternity staff administrators could offer to campus groups. Alan adds, “Students also felt they could get a better job offer if their resume showed they were members of a national organization, instead of a local one.”’ As one alumnus puts it, “We were expanding our scope from just the Weber campus to the world. In fact, we became part of a world-wide brotherhood.”’ The sororities, on the other hand, did not decided to go national even though they were also permitted to do so. Dr. Daley notes that the young ladies were cautious and wanted to see what affect a national affiliation would have on the men. Now, after nearly three years, the sororities have, for an unknown reason, still remained local organizations. Dr. “We became part of a World wide brotherhood”’ Looking through old year books are Pam and Pat Harris (photo by John Shupe) Daley does feel that alumni of the various sororities have, however, wielded a strong influence to keep the clubs as they are. One alumna, who graduated from Weber State in the 1940s and was also an Otyakwa member, claims “It would ruin traditions if we were to change after all these years.” One other point of interest concerns fraternity houses. According to Dr. Daley, the school administrators informed the fraternities and sororities that if they did go national, they must wait a period of time before buying or building fraternity houses. “‘They could, however, rent or lease housing if they so desired,’’ Dr. Daley adds. Bob Folsom, the campus planning director, indicates that the cam- pus master plan does have a location for a fraternity row, where campus clubs will have their future homes. IFC President Keith the WSC Wilkinson, president Interfraternal of Council, claims that many students feel they can get more out of college life by affiliating with a campus social organization. According Keith Wilkinson, President of IFC (photo by John Shupe) to a recent H.E.W. publication, membership in a social club is also a great way to gain leadership skills and experiences. The article states that 67 of our U.S. senators and 71 percent of the men listed in Who’s Who in America are alumni of American fraternities. Keith points out that fraternity brothers and sorority sisters become actively involved in helping their alma mater financially upon graduation. Citing statistics from a local nearby campus, Mr. Wilkinson indicates that alumni who were associated with social clubs were benefactors to their college more often than those who were not affiliated. “‘Greeks and sororities do many more things than just party,” Keith adds. ‘‘Whenever something needs to be done or if someone dependable is needed, the clubs are always asked to help. Whenever the school or community needs us, we are always there ready to assist.” Service Projects Pam Harris, a pretty swabbie from La Dianaeda, reports that last year alone the campus clubs completed approximately fifty service projects, both on and off campus. These projects ranged from the distribution of fliers urging people to vote to preparation of Christmas food and toys for needy families. Pam also adds that many hours were spent painting the homes of elderly members of the community and that over $1,000 was raised to help fight muscular dystrophy. Pam feels that the most enjoyable period of time for her in L.D. was during her stint as a pledge. “Besides all the ‘dirty work’ we had to do, I really enjoyed getting together with the girls to raise money for the club or to prepare for a big sneak.”’ Miss Harris, like many young coeds, had parents who attended Weber State and who were active members of social clubs when they were students. Pam feels her mother’s influence played a great part in her desire to join La Dianaeda. “‘I can remember my mother relating the many wonderful experiences she had had when she was an active member of L.D. She has always spoken highly of her club and the association she had with her classmates,’’ she says. “I guess I’ve wanted to be a member of LD. for as long as I can remember. It was something I’ve always dreamed about.” Pam’s story is not unique. Our research indicates that there are many students who affiliate with clubs today because their parents did during their own college days.