The Parthenon
A publication by Colorado State University Greek Life for parents
Fall 2008
Dear Parents,
Fall is a wonderful time on CSU’s campus. New students are arriving, returning student are
catching up with one another, and staff members are excited about seeing their students
again. Add to this the excitement of joining a fraternity or sorority and the atmosphere can
become charged.
Fall represents our hopes and dreams of what college can be for our students. As we work
toward improving our Greek Community, we strive to never forget that for most of our
students, this is the most exciting part of their lives thus far. As our fraternities and sororities
continue to recruit new members, we look for those young people who exhibit our founding
principles of scholarship, leadership, service and brotherhood or sisterhood. Our hope is that
through Greek membership, we are able to enhance the already great CSU experience.
Just this last year, we in Greek Life have been energized by the increased interest shown in
joining our fraternal organizations. Not only do we have more students seeking this
experience, but we have multiple National Organizations asking for permission to join our
Community. Every time a new organization joins our Community, they provide a new lineage
to our every diversifying Greek population. We are excited to welcome:
Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority (on Panhellenic Council); Fall ‘07
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (on Interfraternity Council); Fall ‘07
Triangle Fraternity ( on Interfraternity Council); Fall -07
Beta Kappa Gamma Fraternity (on Multicultural Greek Council); Fall ‘07
Alpha Phi Gamma Sorority (on Multicultural Greek Council); Spring ‘08
Kappa Sigma Fraternity (on Interfraternity Council); Spring ‘08
Sigma Nu Fraternity (on Interfraternity Council); Fall ‘08
Delta Xi Nu Sorority (on Multicultural Council); Fall ‘08
The Greek Community at CSU has been in existence since 1915, with a continuing tradition of
excellence. Through the years, we have been a community that fosters quality experiences
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and participation within individual chapters and both the campus and Fort Collins communities.
We are proud to have been recognized as one of the top Greek Communities in the country, in
addition to multiple national awards this past year -- and we look forward to continuing this
legacy!
Overall, we are very pleased with the type of experience our chapters provide members, both
new and returning. Since we are always striving for improvement, we welcome your
suggestions to make your student’s experience the best it can be. If at any time you have
questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 970.491.0966 or
[email protected]
Sincerely,
Sonja Jensen
Director of Greek Life
Colorado State University
Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Delta Delta and Kappa Sigma during Greek Week 2008.
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As a parent or family member you undoubtedly are concerned about your student's experience
at college and the choices they will make. For your student, making the transition from high
school or a community college to a university may seem like an imposing challenge. Perhaps
some questions have arisen, such as:
Will my student fit in and make new friends?
Will my student succeed academically?
Will my student be able to get involved in campus clubs and improve his/her
leadership skills?
How can he/she best prepare for a career and a profession?
Will my student feel like a part of the campus community, or will he/she be just
another number?
Greek Life can provide positive answers for each of these common concerns. Following are
some commonly asked questions regarding membership in the largest organization on
campus... fraternities and sororities
What kind of time commitment will this take?
Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research
has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater
satisfaction with their college experience. Through his or her Greek involvement, your student
will learn how to balance academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Many Colorado State Greeks also work at least part-time (around 20 hours a week).
What role does alcohol play?
Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity ideals. All fraternities and sororities
are expected to uphold state and city laws, and university, fraternity/sorority, and
IFC/NPC/NPHC/MGC (the governing boards for fraternities and sororities) policies regarding
consumption of alcohol. All sororities with houses and several fraternities with houses are
alcohol free. No parties are allowed to be held in any chapter facility. In addition, fraternities
and sororities are not allowed to purchase alcohol for members or guests. The days of open
keg parties at Greek social functions are gone. Today's fraternities and sororities strive to
promote responsibility concerning alcohol.
What about Pledging or Hazing?
All fraternity and sorority members experience a period of orientation. During this time, your
student and other new members will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the
university and the fraternity/sorority history, leadership retreats, community service projects,
and activities designed to build friendships among new members
(pledges/associates/candidates) and the initiated members. ALL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY
POLICIES FORBID HAZING, and are committed to a membership education period that instills
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a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your
student in overcoming some of the concerns about success in college. Hazing is against the
law in the State of Colorado and we take that seriously!
Who is actually in charge?
Fraternity and sorority members are elected to
officer positions and manage day-to-day
operations of the organization. These officers
are assisted by members serving on committees
and by alumni serving as advisers. All of our
fraternities and sororities are also part of an
(inter)national organization that offers support,
advice and direction through paid professional
staff members and regional volunteers. The
Director of Greek Life is employed by Colorado
State University to assist, educate and monitor
the activities of Greek organizations along with
the assistance and support of other staff
member within the Office of Greek Life.
Panhellenic Council President, Tricia
Lemmer, and Interfraternity Council
President, Mike Rager, take a moment
to have some fun.
What can I do as a parent or family member?
Be supportive, and learn as much as you can. Many groups will provide written statements
concerning activities, finances, and policies; your student should be encouraged to obtain and
read this information. In addition, allow your student to make their own choice (especially if
you yourself were Greek). Your support should not end after the recruitment period but
continue throughout your student's years in school. Once your student joins a chapter, take
advantage of the Mom's and Dad's weekend activities and during the fall participate in
Colorado State University’s Family Weekend. These are great opportunities for you to see your
student interacting with their chapter members, and one more way for you to spend time with
your student.
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CSU Greek Life: A First Year Experience
By Bijah Gibson
community news. At our chapter meetings, I was
As I walked up the sidewalk to the fraternity
able to report the details of upcoming events and
house in front of me, I was excited and a little decisions made by the IFC. I was amazed at how
nervous. All week long I had been coming to
fast Greek Life was giving me opportunities for
recruitment events and tonight they invited
leadership. And more opportunities were still to
me to a steak dinner. Inside, I saw all of the
come!
guys I met during the week, many of whom
At one of the IFC’s weekly meetings, I found out
greeted me when I walked in. After the meal, that there was an opening for the position of Vice
the president of the fraternity stood up and
President of Public Relations. “Perfect!” I thought
informed those of us who were guests that
to myself. The position fit my major and it seemed
the fraternity was extending invitations for us
like a great way to doing something for the Greek
to join the Fraternity.
community. Thanks to some help from a few
After a lot of thought, weighing the pros and friends, I was elected to the position two weeks
cons again and again, I finally signed my bid
later.
card. My amazing experience in Greek life had Time was speeding by, and before I knew it the
just begun.
year was almost over, but before it ended two
My fraternity brothers invited me to hang out important events took place. The first was Greek
at the house, and I was constantly meeting new Week, an entire week of events meant to build
people—both fellow brothers and sorority
community between the various Greek houses. The
women. A few days after I joined, my fraternity healthy competition and camaraderie of Greek
hosted a Valentine’s Dinner. My date and I had Week made it one of the best things I participated
a great time and I already felt like a part of the in all year.
group. As time went on, I found myself over at The last major event that took place before the
the house quite a bit and usually doing some
end of the year was my chapter’s spring formal.
event with my brothers. We helped build a
This was a time to celebrate a great year with my
house for Habitat for Humanity, participated in fraternity and dance the night away.
brotherhood events, and had a game night
By the time the school year ended, I was sure I
where we played Battle of the Sexes with a
had made the right choice in joining the Greek
sorority.
community. Life since has brought me new friends,
Several weeks after I joined, my fraternity
new experiences, opportunities to both serve and
president asked me if I wanted to take on a new lead, and some great plans for the future. It was
leadership position. We needed a new
way more than the average college experience.
representative to the Interfraternity Council
As of the Fall 2008 semester, I am living in that
(IFC) and he wanted to send me. Anxious to
same fraternity house where I started my journey
get more involved, I said yes.
through Greek Life. Except now, when I walk up
Taking on that position proved to be a good
the sidewalk I am a member—a resident of the
decision. I attended weekly meetings and
house. No doubt my second year as a CSU Greek
therefore was always in the loop with the Greek will be as exciting as the first.
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Where did the Time Go?
By: Rachel Bell
Looking back on my years at Colorado State, I cannot imagine what my time would have been like
without Greek Life. I know I still would have had a very positive experience, would have made amazing
friends and would have probably been a little less sleep deprived. My course led me down a very
different path, one filled with ups and downs, learning experiences I would have never imagined and a
sisterhood that will stand the test of time.
I will be very honest, if you decide to join
Greek Life, which I would strongly suggest; there
will be a few times when you might wonder, “What
am I thinking?” Being Greek teaches you how to
rely on great people to get you through the slumps,
and more importantly you will learn to rely on
yourself. Mom and Dad are not there to make sure
you attend class; your roommate is not responsible
for making you study. Greek life also teaches
responsibility, it holds you to a higher standard.
Now, let me clarify. Whenever someone who is
Greek says that we hold ourselves to higher
standards some people may perceive that it means
we are elitist and think we are better than others.
By no means do we believe we are better than
other people or elite organizations. What Greek
members mean by this statement is that we take an
oath when we that we will be our join our
perspective chapters that we will be our best selves.
We take an oath that we will promote our values
Gamma Phi Beta Seniors Rachel Bell,
KayDe Naylon, Amanda Dozsak and
Amanda Terwey at City Park in Fort Collins.
and standards through our actions in the world around us. We take an oath that we will be there for
each other not only through college but through the rest of our lives.
When I remember college in twenty years the things that will stick out in my mind are going to be
the friendships and the moments I was stressed beyond belief studying for finals and a sister came in
with the proposition of coffee. I probably won’t remember the horrible organic chemistry test, but I will
remember the men and women that were there for me, who rejoiced when I was happy and consoled
when I was sad. These individuals are more than friends, they are family. They push me to do my best,
“go for the gold” as my Mom always puts it.
Fraternities and Sororities are very unique organizations. I do not believe there is any other
group that will push you to your limits and beyond, give you so many leadership opportunities, teach you
so much about yourself and leave you ready to tackle the world with your entire national organization
behind you.
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Letting Go, a Lesson for Parents
By: Janette & David Bell
Having already had one child graduate from college, we thought we would be more
prepared for the second to go onto this stage in her life, let me assure you, it was still just as hard
to let her go. As her parents, we still had the same concerns about her freshman year… the
classes she would take, how often we would hear from her, the choices she would make regarding
alcohol, would she get homesick and want to come back to Arizona? We are lucky; Rachel has
proved to be very responsible and reliable. When she had first spoken with us regarding Greek life
at Colorado State we were supportive but still somewhat hesitant, we wanted to make sure she
focused on her studies and didn’t overextend herself. On the other hand, we both wanted her to
make great friends and have a good time. A week later she informed us that she had signed up to
go through formal recruitment. As the time drew near she became more excited, somewhat
anxious, but mostly just wanting recruitment to start. Through the recruitment process we
received updates from her about which sororities she felt she fit into best, they had the same
values she did and she meshed well with the members. The hardest part was choosing just one
on “preference night,” in the end it was the one that felt like home. We were beside ourselves
come Homecoming weekend when the sorority held a parent’s brunch. The house mother spoke
about what a joy it was to work and live with these young women, the president explained some
of the sorority values and rules, alumnae and parents stood up telling us about the great
experience they had and wished us the same happiness. We were proud of our daughter for her
decision and feeling more at ease about the Greek community.
Through the years we have been able to witness Rachel grow into an outstanding young
woman, even beyond our expectations. She has taken on many leadership roles in the Greek
community, excelled academically and filled more than a scrap book with memories. Our daughter
has learned quite a bit about working with different personalities and different types of people,
which will help her in any field she goes into. We were worried she would overextend herself, yet
she has mastered time management. We wanted her to make good friends, now we are confident
she has formed relationships that will last well beyond CSU. After hearing about the no hazing
policy and the fact that CSU Greeks have dry chapter houses, no longer were those concerns we
needed to worry about. Our daughter has really pushed herself to do her best and give her all to
the Greek community and has become a better person as a result.
We are convinced Rachel would have done well in college whether she had joined a sorority or
not. Through Greek life she has had many opportunities for leadership, friendship, teamwork,
networking and learning that she might not have had otherwise. If there is one thing we have
learned from our four children it is that each one is different from the next. Though they might
not all join fraternities or sororities it is the path Rachel chose. We have seen her take life by the
horns and excel, and after all that is one of the main goals of parenting and college.
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Sorority Updates:
Delta Delta Delta
Our mission statement as stated in 1888 by Sarah Ida Shaw states, “The purpose of Delta
Delta Delta shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop
a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to
assist its members in every possible way” (Sarah Ida Shaw). This year we are excited and
looking forward to getting to know the forty-four new members of Tri-delta we now have after
recruitment.
Gamma Phi Beta
Over the past 134 years, Gamma Phi Beta has stayed constant to their mission, “To promote
the highest form of womanhood.” This past fall, we continued to achieve our mission by
gaining the membership of 44 amazing young women. During the fall semester we clinched
the title of Homecoming champions while partnering with Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Alpha
Epsilon fraternities. Other events we have kept busy with include Spagammi- our annual
spaghetti dinner philanthropy, sisterhood retreats, BASE Camp, socials and community service.
Gamma Phi Beta has partnered with Positive Impact to assist in helping at football games and
raising community moral. We are eager to see what the rest of the semester will bring, on the
horizon are chapter elections, formal and Inspiration Week.
Kappa Delta
Kappa Delta Sorority is a national organization for women committed to:
•Inspiring our members to reach their full potential
•Preparing our members for community service, active leadership and responsible citizenship;
•Creating opportunities for lifetime involvement through innovative and responsive programs,
and strategic collaborations and partnerships
•Fostering the development of our time-honored values within the context of friendship.
The women of Kappa Delta welcomed 28 new members into our sisterhood this fall. We are a
strong sisterhood with a positive image on the Colorado State campus and are involved in over
25 different campus organizations. Kappa Delta is proud to have the most philanthropies of
any National Panhellenic sorority. We contribute by hosting our annual Shamrock Chili Dinner
and donate over $2,000 annually to Prevent Child Abuse America and Lutheran Family
Services.
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa’s recruitment was fun and very successful! We were ecstatic to hear so many women
wanted to join Greek life and even more excited to meet the women who would one day lead
our house. As our mission statement declares Kappa Kappa Gamma is an organization of
women, which seeks for every member throughout her life bonds of friendship, mutual
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support, opportunities for self-growth, respect for intellectual development, and an
understanding of and an allegiance to positive ethical principles. This year we found 42
extraordinary women and in the spirit of our Andy Warhol inspired Bid Day “I wonder if it’s
possible to have a love affair that lasts forever.” I think we’ve found it.
Pi Beta Phi
Pi Beta Phi has 41 new women from Fall Recruitment 2008. The mission of Pi Beta Phi is to
promote friendship, develop women of integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives
through community service. Pi Beta Phi is committed to being recognized as a premier
organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to
the betterment of society.
Sigma Alpha
This year, the Nu Chapter of Sigma Alpha has made huge leaps and bounds as a chapter. This
fall we activated 14 new girls and now have a grand total of 61 girls. This spring, we were
awarded the Seal of Approval by Colorado State University Greek Life which is something we
have been working hard toward. As of the end of the spring semester, we raised our chapter
GPA and now have the second highest GPA of all sororities on campus. We re-created new
member programming, and were awarded for our efforts at the Greek Night Out Awards. We
had a great turn out with our dollar drive and have purchased animals with the money we
raised and held a philanthropy barbecue this fall. This semester we have planned more
personal development activities and sent four of our members to National Convention, which
we are very excited about. We know that through continued leadership and hard work we can
become a better sorority each and every day.
Zeta Tau Alpha
Zeta Tau Alpha has had an incredibly successful start to the 2008-2009 school year! After
recolonizing our chapter in the Fall of 2007, we quickly became one of the largest Panhellenic
groups on campus, followed by having the largest Spring 2008 pledge class here at Colorado
State. Fall Recruitment had an amazing turn out for all chapters, including ZTA. Once again,
we got one of the largest pledge classes on campus with 44 amazing new members!
Philanthropically, our focus is breast cancer education and awareness, which we have raised
over $3,000 dollars for so far this semester with our annual Think Pink dessert party! We also
had our chapter racing and volunteering during the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in
Denver at the beginning of the month. Zeta continually strives to make positive impacts on
campus and in the community, and we can't wait for all the great things to come!
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Fraternity Updates:
Alpha Tau Omega
For Alpha Tau Omega service is core. Over the Fall 2008 school year we will be doing
numerous community service projects effecting all different parts of the CSU and Fort Collins
community.
Positive Impact- Alpha Tau Omega has been with P.I. for the past two seasons. We have had
over 20 men volunteer.
Ram Ride- Ram Ride has been a main stake in the Alpha Tau Omega philanthropy planning
since our beginning. We have signed a contract to 72 spots over the fall semester. Last
semester we had over 700 hours within Ram Ride alone.
Thanksgiving Baskets- We are partnering with Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. this November
to put together 30 Thanksgiving Baskets. These baskets will be distributed at a poverty
agency the week before Thanksgiving.
Adopt a Park- This fall we are now the proud caretakers of Beattie Park on 500 W. Swallow.
We will be responsible for maintaining the park one a month for the next years to come!
Kappa Sigma
The Kappa Sigma Colony has been very busy so far this semester, and has received approval
to be chartered in December. Recruitment was huge for the Kappa Sigma Colony this year;
they almost doubled their size in a few short weeks and currently have 51 members. In
addition to that, the men have been doing countless hours of community service through
events like campus crawls and volunteering for various non-profit organizations. The Kappa
Sigma Colony has also been working hard to raise money for their two philanthropies, Military
Heroes and the Chris Williams Foundation, by hosting events such as benefit concerts. Since
becoming a colony in May, these men have been very successful in recruitment, community
service, and fundraising for philanthropies and are looking to have continued success in the
future.
Nu Alpha Kappa
Nu Alpha Kappa is a Latino-based fraternity which encompasses and values all cultures. Our
11 founders called themselves Nacos -- a sometimes derisive term, but at its heart referring to
those who give unselfishly and are friendly to all. Adapting the term Naco to the university
fraternity system, the group officially became Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, or NAK for short.
Since then our membership has grown from 11 men at one chapter in San Luis Obispo to over
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2000 men across California , Colorado and Nevada. We are comprised of 20 chapters
representing some of California's, Nevada's and Colorado's most prestigious private and state
funded universities. Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. honors its traditions, which are designed
to achieve our three goals: Academic excellence and academic support among the
brotherhood: retention of culture through campus and community service: and strengthening
and maintaining the bond of brotherhood among one another. Our philosophy is best
summarized by our motto "Men of Mind, Men of Culture, Men of Pride"
Sigma Phi Epsilon
The men of Sigma Phi Epsilon have done a great deal of things this semester to better
themselves and the community. Early in the semester, we helped hundreds of incoming
freshman move their belongings into the dorms. Along with this, several members helped to
run the Learning House Carnival at City Park. Aside from these two events, Sigma Phi Epsilon
has done community service work with the Boys and Girls Club of America and helped out with
parking at football games for CSU. One of our grandest accomplishments this semester was
winning CSU’s Homecoming Parade and being the overall winner of Homecoming in the Greek
community. Paired with Gamma Phi Beta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, several of our members
dressed in togas pulled our “Greeks Go Green” float. The float promoted a cleaner
environment and a reduction in energy usage. Finally, Sigma Phi Epsilon is now preparing for
its annual bachelor auction on November 11. Members of our chapter will be auctioning
themselves off to hundreds of lucky ladies. All proceeds from this event will be going towards
lung cancer research in honor of Pauline Dibala.
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