It's all Greek to me: A story of Greek life in the Brockport community
By Amanda Seef
News Editor
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There are two types of Greeks in the Brockport community — chartered and unchartered. Though the latter often is seen as the partiers and the former as the “goody-two-shoes,” the stereotypes and perceptions are often not true. The realm of Greek life on The College at Brockport’s campus is often hidden behind inaccurate, false rumors and exaggerated lies, spread through online gossip and word of mouth.
Greek life is not a problem of conformity, but rather a way to unite with others. The benefits of a recognized or nationally affiliated fraternity or sorority are abundant and include an alumni network, as well as the liability insurance paid through membership fees. If members of the organization are injured at an event sponsored by the organization, the insurance is able to cover the bills related to the incident, reducing out-of-pocket costs for the injured. Greek life advisor Tammi Wiley says that national affiliation and a means to grow as a leader is a major benefit of Greek involvement.
“The Greek students are recognizable student leaders,” Wiley said. “There are Resident Assistants, BSG members, Orientation Student Advisors among others. They are strong students and outstanding scholar recipients.”
The social aspect of the organizations creates lifelong friends through healthy team bonding and building, as well as completing community service projects together.
It is expected of all on-campus Greek organizations to adhere to a relationship statement that outlines conduct for recruitment, governing rules of the organization, as well as conduct during their tenure as a Brockport Greek.
New members are expected to learn the history of the organization, as well as the values and experience of the fraternity or sorority, through living the ritual. Rituals can include poems, songs and candle-lighting activities. The rituals are secret and sacred to the organization. Members believe you can only understand the ritual if you go through it.
Recognized Greeks are not allowed to formally call a residence the house of their fraternity or sorority, though houses where multiple members live are often the unofficial houses of the groups.
Greek life has faced a plethora of changes and struggles throughout the year, as the media often portrays them negatively for more interesting viewing. The ABC Family TV show, “Greek” outlines team bonding through drinking activities, as well as a variety of hazing activities — wearing dresses, alcohol abuse and sexual promiscuity.
“Most that are not Greek wonder the relevance of the rituals,” Wiley said.
Off-campus Greeks do not have a governing body to control, influence or enforce their behaviors as a collective body. “It’s a matter of not respecting the dignity of others,” Wiley said. “They are partying together and serving underage. They are not adhering to the student conduct standards.”
A problem with off-campus Greek life is the off-campus assemblage.
Brockport Village Police states the biggest problem is that groups and organizations throw house parties, resulting in noise complaints. At socializations and fundraisers, charges at the door are often applied, which is illegal, per NYS penal code and laws concerning alcohol consumption.
“If they can keep the gathering under control and it doesn’t draw complaints, there is no need to intervene,” Sergeant Adam Mesiti said. “The No. 1 concern is public safety and peace and quiet.”
Brockport Police does not believe that fraternities and sororities have a problem with gang fighting, but rather squabbles between rivaling fraternities and sororities result in minor agitations.
“They’re not as destructive as they are annoying,” Mesiti said. Mesiti has been working in Brockport for 15 years, and has seen the same problems arise with the same Greek organizations.
Code enforcement also takes an active role when it comes to off- campus socializing. While the code enforcement department does not classify each house as fraternity or sorority housing, they see packed parties and overcrowded rooms as problematic for the safety of the students and the structure. A house party in the SUNY Cortland district became disastrous after the floor in the house collapsed due to over occupancy.
“With 80 to 100 people in a house, it’s equivalent to parking a car in your living room,” Code Enforcement officer Scott Zarnstroff said. “The car is going to end in the basement. These houses aren’t built for places of public assembly.”
To remain recognized on campus, the chapter must have national recognition and follow stringent rules put in place by the Office of Campus Life and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
Below, you will find information concerning the recognized and unrecognized groups in the Brockport community. Four fraternities, four sororities and a co-ed fraternity are detailed.
Sigma Alpha Mu
Sigma Alpha Mu is an off-campus fraternity. Their university recognition was revoked in 1999. The chapter was closed due to the failure to maintain the minimum level of liability insurance. Since the chapter closing, the fraternity has continued to use the letters Sigma Alpha Mu, though Greek life advisors hoped that they would cease using the letters in their apparel and recruitment processes. The Delta Iota chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu was founded in 1991 at Brockport.
“We are a group of guys getting together that have common interests,” President Zach Grady said. “It’s another venue for kids looking to have a bigger sense of self.”
The fraternity recruits through Facebook.com and advertises by wearing their letters across campus. Grady said that he became involved with the fraternity because of his residence hall friends.
“I didn’t even realize they were a fraternity, they were just my friends,” Grady said.
The fraternity has made several attempts at becoming a recognized, chartered fraternity with the college, working to improve and maintain their cumulative GPA, as well as sustaining a particular number of brothers involved with the fraternity. However, the college and the national headquarters do not currently have an interest in adding the group.
The brothers of Sigma Alpha Mu have attempted to clean up their reputation numerous times in the past. In 1998, they removed alcohol at all fraternity-related events.
“We examined the root of the issue and found that every problem stemmed from alcohol use,” the president at the time had said. “The fraternity hopes to achieve better standing with the college, and attract new types of individuals who are more concerned with lifelong benefits of Sigma Alpha Mu, rather than just partying.”
The fraternity was removed from the college campus the following year.
Sigma Alpha Mu participates with community service projects throughout the village. They have assisted with numerous Sweden-Clarkson Community Center projects and have helped clean the Erie Canal.
“A half-day clean-up project may be a small event, but it is a great example of college students coming together to make a positive impact on the community,” mayor Mort Wexler said after a clean-up project in late 2006.
Grady hopes that students do not believe the negative stigma placed on the fraternity.
“Come get to know us before you judge us,” Grady said.
Brockport Student Government Vice President Randall Franklin is a brother of Sigma Alpha Mu.
“It’s about the brotherhood, the love for and loyalty to our alma mater and actions worthy of the highest precepts of true manhood, democracy and humanity,” Franklin said. He said he was driven to the fraternity after he personally experienced the fraternity’s unity and loyalty to one another after a night of partying.
Most groups with common interests will partake in the partying scene, though local police say that the Sammys are perhaps the worst with which they have dealt. The spring ’07 facebook group for the Sammys reads, “Come for the beers, blunts and bitches … stay for the brotherhood.”
Sergeant Adam Mesiti works with the Brockport Village Police and says that numerous complaints and fights are found to be connected with the Sammys.
“They are, by far, the biggest problem [for the village],” he said. Mesiti also describes the group as the most uncooperative and disrespectful.
Tammi Wiley, the Greek life advisor for Campus Life, agrees.
“They are quite a disappointment and not a positive influence,” she said. “They are unregulated and have undescribed values. Anything goes for them.”
Delta Sigma
Delta Sigma is currently not recognized on campus, though they are one of the strongest and largest off-campus Greek organizations. They were removed from campus status in 2002, though are taking active steps to bring Delta Sigma back to campus, working with the college as well as the national headquarters. The fraternity recently celebrated 25 years of the Zeta Psi chapter’s existence.
“Better men, better lives” is their motto, and they work to encourage harmony, culture and friendship while preparing brothers for “the real world.”
President Evan McCrossen hopes that brothers are able to build their character and leadership skills as a member of Delta Sigma, as the brother becomes one that “stands out in a crowd.”
“Deltas want to be a part of something that is more than themselves,” McCrossen said. “There’s more to it than hanging out and drinking — it’s brotherhood. There is no doubt that I will invite these men to my wedding.”
Members of Delta Sigma are active members of The College at Brockport community. McCrossen is a member of the Student Court, as well as Vice President of Democracy Matters. Other members are active as peer mentors, with intramural sports, Marketing Club, History Club. Some are active BASC employees and are members of Delta College, as well as the Delta College Student Association.
“It’s more than just hanging out,” McCrossen said. “We benefit the community and have people that appreciate and need our help.”
Delta Sigma brothers recently assisted sprucing and cleaning the outside of the Alumni House on College Street. The brothers have also taken an active participation with Arbor Day, planting trees and fundraising for the foundation. The brothers often help with the Sweden Clarkson Community Center, hosting events with on-campus sorority Delta Phi Epsilon.
The Delta Sigma fraternity is currently housed in The Roxbury, a historic house in the Village of Brockport. Though their future in “The Rox” is uncertain, they believe that the fraternity will not officially be housed in the building again next year.
Brockport Police have not had an overwhelming amount of problems with parties at The Roxbury, citing the large building and proper precautions as safeguards for the fraternity. Overcrowding in Greek parties is often a problem, though the spread-out atmosphere in the house assists to not cause safety or liability issues.
“They’re not out of control,” Brockport Police Sergeant Mesiti said.
Delta Sigma is currently working with their nationals, as well as Campus Life to return to campus. There is currently a moratorium on expansion within Greek life, as placed by the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs in 2003.
The charter of the Zeta Psi chapter at The College at Brockport was revoked in 2002, after violations of proper conduct. The conduct stemmed from improper recruitment practices, in which the national headquarters became involved. The chapter moved from current membership to alumni status.
“There will be no chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at Brockport,” a statement from Delta Sigma Phi read. “The use of the name Delta Sigma Phi is prohibited for any student group or gathering on campus. The richness of the fraternal bond and the youth of our members produce a very strong zest for fun, friends, experimentation and risk taking. While most of it is a healthy part of growing into manhood, sometimes if done without forethought, danger and damage ensue. That was the case with this chapter.”
The chapter was investigated later that year for hazing issues due to an incident involving the SUNY Chancellor’s son. Two freshmen were sent to the hospital with infected leg wounds, allegedly stemming from hazing and unlawful initiation activities with the fraternity. Both freshmen recuperated, though the chancellor reaffirmed his hope that the chapter be investigated by campus and local police. Neither pledges could cite where or when the injuries occurred, which brought about the allegations of hazing.
Theta Phi Chi
Theta Phi Chi, previously known as Theta Phi Alpha, is an unrecognized sorority, bringing in ways of self-expression and reaffirming diversity. The chapter was closed in the spring of 2006, due to differences with the national headquarters.
The motto of the sorority is “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” The sorority hopes to live their motto in everyday life.
The group is active on campus, with cheerleaders, BASC Student Managers, Intermural sport participants and members of the Public Relations club all holding membership in the sorority.
Off campus, the sorority assists with many philanthropies, including the Sweden Recreation Center and currently helping with leukemia research. An alumna of the chapter is currently battling leukemia, and the sisters of Theta Phi Chi are sponsoring her in a run/walk for leukemia patients and survivors.
President Brittney Lull took interest in the sorority in order to find herself in Brockport.
“I wanted to have a purpose and reason to come back to Brockport,” Lull said. “I was lost and it gave me something to do. The girls were accepting and nice, and I have my best friends in my sorority.
“We’re very accepting and diverse — every sister brings something to the organization that keeps us running as a well-oiled machine. We have a business side, though most only see the social side.”
Like most off-campus Greek life, Theta Phi Chi has endured their fair share of negative stigmas.
“We’re not awful people,” Lull said. “We’re the same group of people we were when we were nationally affiliated. It’s what we do, not our letters, that define us.”
The group was suspended by their nationals in April 2006, after the headquarters conducted a membership review. It was alleged that the sisters were hazing members in the spring of 2006 and had taken significant steps to cover it up. The current president of the sorority spoke with a representative from the national headquarters, who is also a national speaker on hazing. Allegedly, there had been a fair amount of underage drinking during initiation, as well as active involvement by the alumni during the new member education.
“The alumni were not a positive influence,” Wiley of Campus Life said.
The sorority had also changed the dates of new member education, which is not allowed by local and national fraternity and sorority guidelines. Without a set date for new member education, Greek organization may be apt to institute a “Hell Week,” or may manipulate the pledges or new members.
Despite the removed charter, the sisters have pressed on — changing their last letter from Alpha to Chi. The Brockport chapter of Theta Phi Chi is the only sorority or fraternity with that arrangement of letters in the nation.
“Transitioning can be a hard thing, but we have successfully done it and we are not going anywhere,” Lull said.
Pi Kappa Phi
Pi Kappa Phi is a service fraternity on campus, and acting as the only fraternity nation-wide to have their own philanthropic mission.
The fraternity said they hope to build “better men” and creating “leaders by choice.”
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity was founded to further create leadership opportunities — by men who made the choice to lead,” the Web site of Pi Kappa Phi, pikapp.org, read.
Currently, ROTC members of Brockport’s Pi Kappa Phi are serving the country in Afghanistan and many more are currently on leave or overseas in various areas, defending the morals and rights of Americans. The members were involved with the ROTC program.
President Kevin Hennessy joined the fraternity as a way to meet new people, as well as looking for a résumé booster.
“I was looking for a sense of belonging,” he said.
The fraternity does many fundraising activities on campus, mainly to raise funds for PUSH America, a service that
assists people with disabilities. PUSH America is the national philanthropy for Pi Kappa Phi, created especially for the brothers to serve.
Each semester, the brothers conduct “dorm storms,” as well as “sit-a-thons,” where the brothers camp in the Union Mall for days on end — good weather and bad — to raise money and awareness for PUSH. This year, the fraternity raised $547 at the sit-a-thon, conducted in early April. The brothers also assisted with the Northeast Regional
Qualifiers for wrestling recently, a huge fundraiser for the organization.
Through the extensive fundraising, PUSH America received about $2,500 from the Brockport chapter last year. PUSH America returns 25 percent of funds raised to go to a local charity. Monroe County ARC received $502 from Pi Kappa Phi.
“I joined Pi Kappa Phi fraternity because I wanted to be a part of something bigger,” junior James Simonds said.
“The philanthropy, PUSH America and the noteworthy alumni also attracted me. I love being a part of Pi Kappa Phi.” Simonds noted the attitude, acceptance and personality of the current brothers as a reason to become involved as well.
“Everyone I met was very welcoming,” brother Andy Young said. “I heard the stories of what brotherhood had done for them, and that was appealing.”
The brothers are involved on campus in various means, including BASC employees, collegiate athletes, resident assistant’s, as well as ROTC and on campus employees.
“We are overall good guys,” Hennessy said. “If we didn’t have good guys, we wouldn’t be on campus.”
The Brockport Police Department agrees.
“They are low key, and a pretty good group of kids,” Sergeant Mesiti said. “They are respectful.”
The fraternity came to Brockport’s campus in 1993, though there had been a moratorium in place. The interest group at that time was able to life the moratorium in place by the school administration, though the moratorium was put back in place after Pi Kappa Phi became an official member.
Hennessy says that Pi Kappa Phi follows the same recruitment process as the other on campus groups. The initiation process for each organization is different and sacred to the members of the organization.
“We teach lessons through rituals, without hazing and everything we do has a purpose,” Hennessy said.
Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Phi Epsilon is an on campus sorority, working to solidify love between and for each other, as well as becoming involved on campus and participate in community service. The organization has been on campus since 1986 and the sorority celebrated it’s 20th birthday through alumna returning for homecoming weekend, as well as celebrations on the lawn of Hartwell Hall,
In the words of the founders of the sorority, “Delta Phi Epsilon was formed for the purpose of promoting good fellowship among sorority women, to help in acquiring knowledge, appreciation and a true feeling of sisterly love through the interaction of sympathetic and friendly natures.”
The motto is “Esse Quam Videri,” which is latin for “to be, rather than to seem to be.”
“We don’t fit in to the stereotypical mold of sorority girls,” President Bonnie Turner said. “We are all unique.”
Turner was drawn to the sorority because of the active members and her curiosity for the group.
“I realized that it would be a good investment of my time, and I’ve never regretted it for a second,” Turner said. “Being in a nationally recognized sorority is more useful than people realize. It is résumé material and the networking possibilities are endless. Women can learn the basic idea of running a small business and how an effective meeting should be run.”
The sorority is a recognized group, and participate with the Inter-Greek Council, run through Campus Life. The sorority often participates with Phi Sigma Sigma in Panhellenic events and are invited to assist with “Make a Difference Day,” Relay for Life and Max’s Mardi Gras, among others.
As a sorority, the group has three philanthropies including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders and the Delta Phi Epsilon Scholarship fund. Members and their daughters are eligible for the scholarship.
“Delta Phi Epsilon is an organization that is built on the bonds of sisterhood, pride in the sorority, and support for one another,” the Web site, dphie.org, read.
Members are eligible for membership with the sorority after attending specific events throughout the new member recruitment process.
“There is not a specific outline of characteristics that are necessary for membership,” Turner said. “It is more a matter of if the potential new members feel comfortable or at home with us. It is usually a gut feeling about who we welcome in to our sisterhood. We do not have any type of physical appearance requirement either.
“It’s just about finding your place in the group and making sure it is right for you.”
Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha, Rho Alpha chapter, is an active member of the Panhellenic council, as well as the Inter-Greek Council. The purpose is to build leaders, become scholars and uphold the purposes of the fraternity.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities,” the Web site, alphaphialpha.net read. “The objectives of this Fraternity shall be to stimulate the ambition of its members, to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual and to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood.”
The fraternity remains an active part of campus through their service to their community, as well as the greater good of the campus. The philanthropies of the fraternity include Sickle Cell Anemia, March of Dimes and The Ghana Project, which helps to bring school supplies and a new library to a community in Ghana.
The fraternity also hosts the annual Miss Black and Gold Pageant, where they are able to honor women who have held the qualities of scholarship, dedication and love for all mankind.
“We hold community service projects throughout the city of Rochester and in Brockport, then we hold educational programs to uplift the students on Brockport’s campus,” President Quenton McKenzie said.
McKenzie was drawn to the fraternity for a variety of reasons.
“The brotherhood that each man of Alpha expressed toward each other, as well as the programs that they held on campus,” he said.
The fraternity has been on campus for the past 21 years, being founded Sept. 12, 1987.
Joining the fraternity is easy for most men interested.
“Men that have the intent on joining our organization must have the characteristics of an Alpha Man, they have to be willing to better themselves and grow as a leader,” McKenzie said. “They need to not only grow as a leader for themselves, but be able to build leaders after them as well. Interests must have a 2.5 or better GPA to join, and must have done some form of community work, as well as being active on campus.”
Alpha Phi Alpha brothers are active in a variety of ways, including student leadership positions, such as Resident Assistant and Resident Director.
Phi Sigma Sigma
Phi Sigma Sigma sorority has been on The College at Brockport’s campus since 1987, offering a wide array of benefits to the women interested in joining.
The motto of the sorority is “Diokete Hupsuala,” which is Greek for “aim high.”
“The purpose of Phi Sigma Sigma is to inspire the personal development of each sister and perpetuate the advancement of womanhood,” sister Jael Schlafer said. Schlafer is also the President of the Inter-Greek council. “We also give service, promote friendship and cooperation among diverse college women, to raise the standards of college ideals and to promote philanthropic endeavors.”
Schlafer was drawn to the sorority due to her yearning for campus involvement, as well as the recognition on campus.
“I learned more about Phi Sigma Sigma and Greek life in gerneral, and I really like that Phi Sigma Sigma was recognized by campus, participated in community service and provided me with leadership opportunities,”
Schlafer said.
The official philanthropy of the sorority is the National Kidney Foundation, where the sorority regularly hosts the “Rock-a-thon.” The sorority is able to sponsor the U.S. Transplant Games, as well.
The sisters are active on campus, volunteering with health fairs and the Clothesline Project.
“This year, we also participated in the ‘Make a Difference Day,’ where we do service projects for the community,” Schlafer added.
Academic achievement and integrity is an essential part of membership in to Phi Sigma Sigma.
“The women of Phi Sigma Sigma also share a commitment to lifelong learning,” President Jamie Bergeron said. “We teach each other and learn from each other. We make academic achievement a priority, fostering an environment that encourages our membership to reach their highest potential.”
Recruitment follows the school’s process, though there are certain characteristics that Phi Sigma Sigma looks for in new members.
“Some characteristics that we look for in women that are interesting are leadership skills, an interest in community service, scholastic achievement, integrity and ambition.”
Alpha Phi Omega
One of the only co-ed national service fraternities exists on The College at Brockport’s campus. Alpha Phi Omega hopes to bring in new leaders to participate in service projects throughout the Brockport and Greater Rochester community.
The motto of the fraternity is “Be a Leader, Be a Friend, Be of Service.” After re-chartering in 1997, the fraternity has continuously brought in new faces to help out.
The fraternity has a strong base in Delta College, with many members already enrolled.
“I was drawn to Alpha Phi Omega because it’s purpose is to do as many service projects in one semester as possible, and I really like community service,” President Ashley Emminger said. “The members are really nice and that helped draw me as well. As a member for two years now, I have completed more than 200 hours of community service with the fraternity and still going.”
The fraternity does a lot on campus, helping out with activities such as Relay for Life, Max’s Mardi Gras festival, ‘Make a Difference Day,’ Pennies for Peace, the Polar Plunge, College Bowl and assist with open houses for prospective and accepted students.
Though the fraternity has not formally been recognized with a particular philanthropy, the fraternity partakes in all service projects available.
“We are looking for students that can uphold our values of leadership, friendship and service.”
Alpha Sigma Delta
Alpha Sigma Delta, more commonly known as the ASDs, is an unrecognized sorority off campus.
The sorority was removed from campus due to hazing issues, as well as not treating recruits and pledges very well.
There have been reports of isolation from prior friend circles, as well as family, in the initiation and rushing process. The group was formally a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha.
“We’re much different,” President Alison Zimmerman said. “We saw what they did wrong, and ASD wanted to make it better. We learn to respect who we are and what we’re about.”
The organization has advertised their recruitment processes through Facebook and other means. The spring 2008 recruitment Facebook group outlines the activities of the sorority, which include socials, date parties and alumni weekends. The sisters also assist the Ronald McDonald House, and the “Adopt a Highway” program. The sisters currently take care of a portion of Main Street.
The sisters also participate with the Cure for Cancer walk in downtown Rochester, as well a CROP walk and food drive through the Newman Center.
Brockport Police has had multiple run-ins with the sorority sisters at the ASD house, located on Monroe Avenue, citing multiple tickets and warnings stemming from out-of-control parties or gatherings.
“I feel like we’re targeted because we’re Greek,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a college town and we’ll all have our run-ins
with the police.”
Zimmerman is optimistic even without campus recognition.
“I live it, I love it. I don’t know what I would do without these girls,” she said.
The challenges of off campus sorority life remain tough.
“Being local is more challenging but worth it to put the effort in and bring in a really good group of girls,”
Zimmerman said.
It's all Greek to me: A story of Greek life in the Brockport community
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