The Inter-Greek Council Programming Board sponsored the “Meet the Greeks” event on Oct. 21 for all Central Connecticut State University fraternity and sorority chapters to grow Greek Life presence on campus. 

CCSU Greek Life was able to socialize with other Greek organizations from other colleges. Students sported their jackets, caps and other merch to advertise their chapter affiliations. 

Since COVID-19, Greek Life had not been as prominent on CCSU’s campus. Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kellie Byrd Danso said she is taking the opportunity to bring some of that campus life back. 

“When I first started almost two and a half years ago, students said this is what they wanted and you know I heard them loud and clear, and the president is obviously on board, and we want to give students what they’re looking for,” Danso said. “They asked for some Greek Life presence; they asked for some culture on campus.” 

As a former member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), Danso said her undergraduate experience was amazing, and she has heard good feedback from students so far. 

Velma Walters, Associate Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, said Greek Life gives students something unique to experience on campus. “Greek Life has impacted students here on campus with those that have been involved and helps to enhance your college experience,” Walters said. 

Walters said that there is more to Greek Life than what most people assume. 

“Some of the stigmas that people might say with Greek Life that may not know a lot about Greek Life organizations, they think that we just party,” Walters said. “Yes, we do have fun, but before that fun, and a big part is having fun, is doing community service- having fun in improving the lives of students here on campus.” 

Walter said the footprint of what is going on here on campus is changing. 

Currently, parts of Greek Life on campus are collaborating with other clubs to hold events such as Phi Delta Theta organizing with Student Government Association and Central Activities Network to host the “Drive-in Movie Night” on Oct. 28. AKA also has co-sponsored several voter registration drives. 

“At the end of the day, we all have the same goal, which is really trying to enhance the life of students here on campus and not only that, but get them politically involved,” Walters said. “One of the big ways to change your community is being aware of what’s going on in politics.” 

Familiarizing yourself with the members of an organization of interest will be best if students plan to get involved. If a student wants to join a fraternity or sorority on campus, they have to be academically eligible. All organizations have a GPA requirement that varies from 2.5 or higher. 

“If anyone is interested in becoming involved in any of the Greek letter organizations, a big part of the minimum requirement of the organizations is academics,” Walters said. “Students have to be about the books because Greek life is also focused on scholarship.”   

Shayne Purandah said being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity has given him a brotherhood that represents him as a Black man.