2. BACKGROUND
• The first social fraternities were founded in 1825, at Union College.
• The first social sorority was in 1874 at Syracuse University
• First half of century saw turbulent times until the end of WWII when there was an
influx of membership.
• The 60’s and 70’s saw the creation of many cultural fraternities and sororities
• 80’s and 90’s saw the beginning of a unifying Greek community that it is today.
• Over 9 million members nationally at this time
3. PROS
• Connections that can help people find jobs after college just because they were a part of a certain fraternity or
sorority
• Large sums of money donated to the school in order to improve academics and get new buildings
• Brotherhood and Sisterhood
• People who will help and support you throughout your life
• Community work
• Different philanthropies and service groups in the community
• Leadership experience
• Focus on education
• Forced study hours every day
• Certain GPA in order to stay in the organization
• A group that helps you ease into college life
4. CONS
• A lot of money involved that can effect how campus’ are run
• Donations to let things slide, run school elections, help choose who is in charge of
school
• Exclusive
• Hazing
• Cases of pledges dying, such as Tim Piazza at Penn State a couple years ago
• Forcing pledges to drink, do drugs, and put them in places of physical harm
• Social limitations to where a lot of people only associate with their brothers and
sisters
• Some struggle with studying and Greek life responsibilities
5. MY VERDICT
• Overall, there are dangers to joining a Greek organization but it can be argued
that they would happen either way.
• There are dangers in general with college students living without their parents
and they need guidance.
• I think that Greek life should stay a part of campus’ in order to give people an
organization they can be apart of