Greek life courses through our veins like our lifeblood here at Dartmouth. The Greeks provide our social sustenance. Given this reality, it's strange to think that there could be so much ignorance concerning Greek life. Campus is going crazy over rush and getting lost in the gaggle of letters emblazed above frat row's residences, but there are other combinations of Greek emblems that leave many with frowns of confusion. Before you sit in disbelief and bewilderment, before you call me a liar and say that I must be crazy, think beyond the confines of frat row.
Think of the minority Greek system.
Still in the know?
If you aren't, don't feel bad.
Okay, maybe you should.
Though at Dartmouth the Greek system is far from a secret, a haze of mystery falls over the minority Greek organizations. Like many organizations and activities at Dartmouth, some would say it's a matter of being in the right circles, knowing the right people and looking for the right thing.
Okay, okay. I think I figured out the issue. It isn't the right circles. It's the lack-of-house thing. No doubt in my mind.
But occasionally I am wrong (at least, this is what my French professor tells me). If we can, let's step away from the booze and basements for one second. Having a house doesn't make you a real Greek. Anyone with some cash can get a house. So what's the deal?
Simply put, the minority Greek system is different. Not better, not worse, just different. Same bonds of brother and sisterhood, just different paths to get there.
The organizations and the processes, while known to exist, are never explained during rush meetings and will never be rattled off freely in Foco. But in truth, minority Greek life is no real secret that certain students keep locked away from the masses. Dartmouth's past and present attest to the rich culture and contributions of minority Greeks. And that's no secret either; just go to Rauner.
But since journal meetings, footballs games, Student Assembly and a cappella take up so much of your time, the Mirror will handle it in a different way. I'll clear up some confusion, enhance your Dartmouth history, and introduce you to some cool people. Meet the Greeks ... Part II.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
"Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love For All Mankind"
The presence of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been felt on Dartmouth's campus for well over 30 years. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African-American collegiate fraternity, was founded by seven men at Cornell University in 1906 through an act of solidarity and the determination to survive in a racially hostile environment.
The Theta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was started at Dartmouth in 1972 and immediately became a strong presence in the Dartmouth community. To this day, it is the only historically black Greek organization to be created in the Ivy League.
The Theta Zeta Chapter is known for its focus on the betterment of people and strong programming, including Study for Book Money, MLK Vigil, Green Key Stepshow, the Pharaoh's Ball and Seoul Food Dinners. They are a non-pledging, non-hazing organization with a national application process on which they have an informational meeting once a year.
"One aspect that sets the Alphas apart and that drew me was that when you look at most of the other Greeks on campus, none were really community service or programming specific, none really had a mission statement or focus on continually changing/helping the community except for the Alphas," Chapter Vice President Alexis K. Abbey '08 said.
Of particular interest in terms of Dartmouth history is the fact that the Theta Zeta Chapter, though currently residing in 203 Channing Cox, did have houses on campus at two different periods of time, one of them being on Webster Avenue.
"Not having a house did not hurt the brotherhood, but it did hurt the campus, as it was a loss of visibility for the masses," Abbey said. "Right away when people talk about Greek organizations, they say what house they are in, so the two are fundamentally tied. But with the Alphas, our brotherhood goes beyond a building."
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.
"Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity"
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. has significantly added to the minority Greek experience by being the strongest minority sorority presence on campus for the past few years. The sorority was founded on Dec. 1, 1987 at Binghamton University. Currently it has more that 400 members and over 30 graduate and undergraduate chapters across the country. In 2003, the Alpha Beta Chapter was established at Dartmouth by five hermanas (sisters).
Their focus concerns promoting higher education and issues in the Latino community. They have organized and sponsored such activities as Las Raices (a national philanthropy even lasting a week), Mujeres Dinners each term, Summer Book Club and Love Your Body Day with Tri-Delt.
When their numbers increase, they look forward to pursuing an apartment living space.
"It's good to have a meeting space, but we don't necessarily need to have housing for the social aspect," Chapter Vice President Maria Maldonado '08 said.
Their pledge process begins with attending a formal tea informational meeting, where a potential member meets sisters from other chapters, and can later choose to request an application. After the application has been reviewed, an interview is set up, and it is decided whether or not she will be allowed to pledge. That process is very thorough, lasting seven to 10 weeks, and tests each woman's principles of "sincerity, loyalty and unity."
"By the end, we will get to know you, and know the real you. The emphasis is on the bonds of sisterhood, which last forever." Chapter President Sophia Quinnonez '08 said.
La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.
"Para Siempre"
La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. continues to be a powerhouse in terms of on-campus programming. Notable events include Noche Dorada, a debate on immigration with the College Republicans, organizing donations to David's House, and the Brazil Project, in conjunction with their Wesleyan Chapter, in which the chapters feed 13 families in Brazil. What is most surprising is that three brothers will do all of this programming.
"We do the work of whole houses," Psi Chapter President Jose Ojeda '07 said. "And the idea of an organization not having a physical plant like a house is hard for the greater Dartmouth community to comprehend."
La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1982 at Cornell University. It is a fraternal service organization dedicated to academic excellence, brotherhood and serving the Latino community. Dartmouth's Psi Chapter was founded in 1997 and is nearing its 10-year anniversary in the spring.
Though small in size, its alumni support is continually strong. In 2004, The National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) awarded it the Copa Dorada, naming the Psi Chapter the best chapter not only within its Greek organization, but also among all organizations under NALFO.
In their Leadership Development Program, members search for people with determination, dedication and high ideals who are eager to serve their organization. This process begins with informational meetings prior to an application process.
"In our organization, you will never say you were a brother. You'll always say you ARE a brother, because our organization is for life," Ojeda added.
Despite all of their accomplishments, I was shocked to learn how many people confuse them with other organizations, especially Sigma Lambda Upsilon.
"It just proves how many Greeks don't know the alphabet," Ojeda offered.
Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc.
"My Sister as Myself"
The newest minority sorority to be chartered on campus, Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc. was recognized by the college as a full-fledged chapter this fall, and was only chartered this past May. The organization was founded on Sept. 1, 1994 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It has a little over 250 sisters nationwide, a testament both to the strength of the Native female community, and to the need for such an organization as interest in creating more chapters grows daily. Even with Dartmouth's Epsilon chapter, there is hope that an increase in numbers could mean the acquisition of a house or apartment.
The member process is known as the Honey Process, which lasts a total of 42 days. During this time, the emphasis is on learning about your sisters and bonding with your group, known as a line. Personal reflection and emphasis on the sacredness of the sisterhood are also key.
"One thing that I think really sets us apart is the closeness we develop," Epsilon Chapter President Teresa Smith '08 said. "While a lot of other organizations have girls who don't know the history, and huge numbers that keep girls from knowing their sisters well, knowing about each other and our organization is a large part of our focus."
Smith also emphasizes the organization as an asset to her community.
"Not only is it an amazing sisterhood, but it is a great network for native women."
