Not just toga parties

The seven fraternities and sororities at Portland State are revitalizing their organizations with new blood and ambitious recruitment goals as an influx of younger, traditional students has helped membership for some chapters balloon.

Out of 26 Kappa Sigma members, 19 joined the chapter this year. Meanwhile, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority has attracted 15 new members this year, more than half the chapter’s total membership.

Other chapters are aiming to double or triple their membership by the end of the year, and unlike many other universities, there is a true sense of collaboration between the groups.

“Greek life here at PSU is like one big family instead of separate groups of people,” said Tau Kappa Epsilon President Jim Gent.

Greek organizations across the nation are founded on key principals such as leadership, friendship and character. Greek systems at every university must participate in community service and philanthropy.

PSU Greek chapters take part in fundraising for their individual student groups and also make combined efforts to put together fun and exciting events for all students involved. Proceeds from Greek Week, the Crush Dance and the Greek Olympics go toward funding textbooks for Uganda and the Special Olympics. Last year alone more than 500 books were donated.

“Greek life has a lot of advantages, especially on a campus like ours with so many commuters. It makes it hard to meet people,” said Maria Escobar, Greek Council president. “Greek life gives you a very close group of friends almost instantly.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha
Active members: six
Founded: 1908
The country’s first African-American sorority, the Portland State chapter is always looking for new applicants. Fun recruitment activities include ski week, movie night and game night. Their platform for this year focuses on technology, and they are looking forward to opportunities such as car washes and food drives to help support their current causes.

Alpha Phi Alpha
Active members: nine
Founded: 1906
The Portland State chapter of the first African-American fraternity is looking for new recruits to bolster their presence on campus. Famous fraternity members include Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesse Owens.
The group is currently working on hosting the regional convention for Alpha Phi Alpha at PSU April 22–26. They are also planning a step dance show, and the Ms. Black and Gold pageant—both philanthropic efforts.

Phi Sigma Sigma
Active members: 15
Founded: 1913
This sorority’s upcoming events include a battle of the bands, an alumni auction, Build-a-Bear donations for the children’s cancer association, rock-a-thon, a mocktail party and auction.
“Phi Sigma Sigma has given me the best group of friends I could have asked for and has helped me develop myself into a multi-tasking queen,” Escobar said.

Kappa Sigma
Active members: 26
Founded: 1400
This diverse group includes a member from the Congo and Israel. Kappa Sigma is the oldest fraternity still around today. Founded in 1400 in Bologna, Italy, famous members include Jimmy Buffett, Jerry Jones and Bob Dole.
“We consider the pledging process to be one of the most enjoyable experiences a student can have,” said Mike Cox, grand scribe.

Events coming up are the Polar Plunge, blood drive, teeter-totter-a-thon and a canned food drive.

Alpha Chi Omega
Active members: 29
Founded: 1885
The Alpha Chi Omegas do not have a live-in house but, rather, have a suite where they like to hang out and have meetings. They also put in a lot of time helping out at the local Raphael house shelter for women and children and the Oregon Food Bank.

“Portland State University is a very diverse campus and so are we,” said member Caitlin Hubele.

Tau Kappa Epsilon
Active members: 10
Founded: 1899
This fraternity is looking to recruit at least 20 new members soon.
“Our mission is to provide a better college experience by having fun and staying busy,” Gent said.
They are also participating in the Polar Plunge along with Kappa Sigma. Famous alumni include Ronald Reagan, Elvis Presley and Terry Bradshaw.

Phi Delta Theta
Active members: 11
Founded: 1848
This fraternity is aiming to triple their membership by the end of fall term 2009. Their house is on campus, on Jackson Street across from the Broadway Building. Friendship, sound learning and rectitude are part of their founding values.

They are having a “Blue Balls Dodge Ball Tournament” to raise money for testicular cancer research.

“We like to go on road trips, hang out, do outdoor activities,” said Keith Wemmer, president. “We like to do laidback, simple and fun events.”