It’s official! Meet the Greeks is back on campus. Meet the Greeks has always been a great semester kick off and this time was no different. With colorful themes and cheerful chants, the Greeks are ready to welcome students back on campus and to introduce them to Greek life.
Meet the Greeks is the official recruitment event that lets everyone know about the Greek life here on campus. Different organizations tell the community what they are about and how to make an impact on and off campus. When it comes to the Greeks, they uphold the ideals of community service, campus involvement, brotherhood and sisterhood, scholarships and leadership.
On Sept. 23, in Harwood Arena between 5 and 10 p.m., Meet the Greeks was an especially great occasion considering that this took place in-person, compared to last semester which was on Zoom. With face-to-face interactions, many students, faculty and alumni were eager to interact and get involved with Greek Life.
This event was free to all Kean University students who had a valid student ID. There was a $5 entry fee for those who were non-students, alumni and guests. Additionally, all proceeds made went to the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ.
When entering the arena, all of the Greek organizations had bright and unique tables set up, representing the pride of their individual fraternities and sororities. Kean University is home to the following Greek organizations:
Fraternities
- Alpha Phi Alpha
- Gamma Psi Epsilon
- Iota Phi Theta
- Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.
- Lambda Theta Phi
- Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.
- Nu Delta Pi
- Nu Sigma Phi
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated
- Sigma Beta Tau
- Tau Delta Phi Fraternity
- Tau Kappa Epsilon
Sororities
- Alpha Kappa Alpha
- Chi Upsilon Sigma
- Delta Phi Epsilon
- Delta Sigma Theta
- Kappa Beta Gamma International Sorority
- Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Inc.
- Lambda Theta Alpha
- Mu Sigma Upsilon
- Nu Theta Chi
- Omega Epsilon Rho Service Sorority, Inc.
- Omega Phi Chi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated
- Sigma Beta Chi
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated
- Theta Phi Alpha
- Zeta Phi Beta
Co-Ed
While there are 29 different organizations, all strive to better their community as well as each other. Creating this sense of community is one reason why students tend to join fraternities and sororities.
“They made sure I was good before anything,” Tariq Williams, president of the Mu Pi chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated explains.
When first introduced to the fraternity, Williams felt that he and the organization had common goals and a good connection. By spending time with other members and learning about their purpose, Williams felt that this fraternity was right for him.
“Their work with sickle cell and how they made me feel” were the main reasons why Williams felt welcomed into the community.
Nick DiVirgilio, president of the Tau Lambda chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon, shares a similar experience where interacting with his fellow brothers made him feel more included. The welcoming that came with the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon greatly impacted his decision to join.
“One of the brothers introduced me to others and they invited me to different places,” DiVirgilio says. “I’ve got to meet my brothers…and it’s just been a great time.”
DiVirgilio also explains how this fraternity has impacted his life. By being a part of this organization, he has had opportunities to reach out and connect with others from the same fraternity as well as other organizations.
“We’re a national fraternity,” DiVirgilio says. “We’re able to go across the United States and you can make a lot more connections… The best thing is really just the networking itself.”
The sisters of Theta Phi Alpha have also gained experiences from their sorority. Madeline Silva, Philanthropy and Sunshine Chair, and Alexa Linsky, Historian Chair, share what they’ve learned and gained from being a part of Theta Phi Alpha.
“Loyalty, trust, and valuing community service” are the three takeaways for Linsky. For Silva, their sorority is a “great place to grow personally and professionally.”
Delta Phi Epsilon, like other sororities, aims to put members on the right path towards success and excellence. President, Kayleigh Polidura and sister, Jennifer Gross, are two of many members who believe that being a part of their sorority has made them better people.
“We are striving to become better women," Polidura emphasizes. “We just always want people to grow and continuing to grow, to not be stationary.”
As a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, Polidura believes members can find “a sense of purpose.” Gross agrees and believes that members also gain a sense of belonging.
“I feel a sense of home every time when I’m with my sisters,” Gross says.
For anyone interested in being part of Greek Life, one can visit the Center for Leadership and Service in the Miron Student Center, Room 219. Students can also email greeks@kean.edu or visit the Greek Life page on the Kean website.
