Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: Campus News

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Everyone has a different opinion about Greek life. Some think it's unnecessary, some think it's an excuse for the less than academically inclined to party, while others don't know or care about it whatsoever. BSC is trying to change all that.

There is a long history of Greek life on campus.

"We were founded at BSC in 1962," says Sarah Forgue, scholarship chair for the Interfraternity Council, about her co-ed fraternity. "Everything we've done has been on this campus and we're the only Phi Pi Delta."

As of 2009, there are currently around 300 active members, three national sororities, three national fraternities, and two co-ed fraternities.

One feature all of these groups have in common is their philanthropy. Members have participated in "Canstruction," where cans are collected and used to build sculptures to raise money to fight hunger, and in the Sam Spady Foundation, which raises alcohol awareness. They helped organize blood drives, Good Neighbor's Day during Welcome Week, and the Rock-a-thon to raise money for a wheelchair lift for the campus pool. They've volunteered for Campfire USA, a camp for the underprivileged, and Camp Sunshine, working with children with life-threatening diseases. The Up Till Dawn fundraiser helped raise over $12,000 to help the research program at St. Jude's Hospital, which is working to find a cure for cancer.

If Greek Life was known for its philanthropy alone, plenty of people would give it more of a chance, but there seems to be a stigma that dissuades people from joining.

Hazing is one of the reasons people are quick to point out as a problem with fraternities and sororities. According to Massachusetts law, hazing is punishable by a fine of no more than $3,000 and jail time for no more than one year, or both. "Hazing has no place in Greek Life," says Maribeth Johnson-Flakes, Associate Director for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.

When the members of the Interfraternity Council, an organization that helps solve issues and combat stereotypes, were asked about hazing, it elicited the same response as when the members were asked about drinking.

"It's the difference between a frat boy and a fraternity man," points out Max Quinn, the IFC president. While frat boys gain their reputation via paddles and partying, "a fraternity man is a man who prides himself on honor, virtue, chivalry, gentlemanlike conduct, and passion for self betterment."

Continued...

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