By Matthew Laurrie
Features Editor
Sigma, Beta, Zeta, Pi, Delta, Nu – each word conjures up ancient characters that spark images of overindulgent college students in all their Greek life glory.
But here at Bonaventure, sororities and fraternities haven’t been offered as part of the college experience for students for decades. Unrecognized social societies in the form of friend groups and house parties tend to fill the void.
Nichole Gonzalez, executive director for residential living and conduct, said there aren’t any policies currently in place forbidding organized fraternities and sororities on campus.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily a policy, but I just don’t think there has been a need or a desire given how small we are and how many other clubs and organizations and our athletics department (offer),” Gonzalez said.
Despite this, Gonzalez said she recognizes the value of the brotherhood and sisterhood Greek life often promotes, and is aware of the ideals these organizations foster. However, she said she doesn’t feel the student experience at Bonaventure has been hindered by the absence of these groups on campus.
“Given that I work in student life and I educate myself on a lot of what happens in student affairs in general, I know that Greek life does serve a wonderful purpose on college and university campuses.”
Katie Ficarro, a junior marketing major, said the idea of joining a sorority never appealed to her, but thinks the values that members of Greek life can hone and build is definitely a draw for some students.
“I would not be interested in joining, but I’m sure that it would be a good opportunity for other students,” Ficarro said. “It is a way to get students involved with the campus and the community.”
Some students specifically search for a school where fraternities and sororities exist. However, freshman strategic communications major Bradley Wigsten didn’t consider an active Greek life as one of his college necessities.
“I have friends that go to big fraternity/sorority schools like Penn State, and I think the reason they have them there is to form some sense of community within the campus,” Wigsten said. “With Bona’s, we already have that.”
Liz Roney, a sophomore English major, said instituting Greek life on campus is wholly dependent upon what students are hoping to achieve by joining respective chapters.
“I have friends who go to other schools who belong to fraternities or sororities that are really focused on academics and community service,” she said. “On the other hand, I also have friends who felt pressured to join a fraternity or sorority because otherwise you’d be socially outcast.”
Gonzalez said there are several academic and service fraternities and sororities on campus, but she does not foresee Bonaventure gaining traditionally recognized social chapters. She mentioned she certainly hasn’t noticed any major student outcries to institute these associations on campus.
Roney acknowledged there is sometimes a stigma surrounding Greek life, but also praised the inclusive, positive elements of fraternities and sororities. She also reflected on the alternative opportunities afforded to the campus community.
“It doesn’t really bother me that we don’t have sororities or fraternities at Bona’s,” she said. “We can find all of the benefits of Greek life, like community service, a sense of belonging and brotherhood through our clubs and other institutions at Bonaventure.”
