One of the most interesting aspects of Kean University is its Greek Life. Kean University has an abundant amount of Greek Organizations that are ready to recruit and on Thursday, January 21, 2016, the Greek Senate will be hosting their semi-annual event Meet The Greeks.

“The main idea of the event is to really kick off the spring semester welcoming everyone back to school and potentially into our Greek community,” comments Jordan Cahill who is a Greek Life Specialist. She is also a senior majoring in Fine Art. “[Meet The Greeks] encourages students to learn what the Greek organizations are really about and to see past the stereotypes perpetuated by negative media.”

This event is to help attendees understand what Greek Life is all about. It also allows students to see what sorority or fraternity he or she can join. Many people may think that Greek Life is about partying day-in-and-day-out, but it is not.

Cahill comments that “by joining Greek life [students] stand to gain greater involvement on campus, campus pride, diversity, leadership, academic excellence, community service and awareness, traditions, but most importantly a home away from home.”

The Greek Community has a foundation of five pillars that it proudly stands by every minute of every day and that is: brotherhood and sisterhood, leadership, scholarship, community service, and social life.

Cahill informs that “from this event there are unlimited opportunities [a student can] gain, so rather I'll focus on what you can lose. You can lose a night of sitting at home or in your room bored; you can lose that feeling of not knowing where you fit in; you can lose the idea that Greek life is anything other than a community of diverse, genuine, and welcoming individuals.”

So instead of thinking of excuses as to why one shouldn’t attend, think of the reasons why one should attend. For example, there are 27 Greek Organizations (14 sororities and 13 fraternities) that students can choose from to be a part of. And as said before, by being a part of Greek Life students can gain campus pride, leadership, academic excellence and more.

So for those who rather have a memorable time at Meet The Greeks get ready for an explosive night. Anyone who attends should expect to see performances from the Greek organizations, a lively atmosphere and great music.

For those who have never been to this event Cahill comments that “the best advice I could give is not to let preconceived ideas of what Greek life is or stands for stop you from venturing onto the best journey of your life.”

There has been a lot of news lately on Greek organizations across the nation, but don’t let that stand in the way of at least considering to join an organization. “And secondly,” continues Cahill, “at Meet the Greeks make sure to get to know members of all the sororities and fraternities even if you believe you know which one you'd like to join. You may find your home with one organization but some of your closest friends in another. Our Greek community stands united, uplifting and supportive [of] one another, not rivaling or hating.

The event will be held in D’Angola Gym in Harwood Arena. For everyone’s safety, make sure to enter the gym with no backpacks, or large bags as they are not permitted in the event.

To attend the event, one must purchase a ticket. For all Kean University students, the admission is free with a valid Kean University student identification card (I.D.). Students must have their I.D. with them in order to not pay for a ticket. For Kean University alumni and visitors tickets will be $5.00 each. All non-current Kean University students attending will have to show a formal identification card for example, a state issued I.D., a United States license or a Military I.D.

All proceeds will go to the Kean Dance Marathon (KDM) which helps raises money for the Children’s Specialized Hospital.