By ALEXIS CELLURO
STAFF WRITER
Rutgers University students have mixed feelings towards the relevance of the Greek community at the school.
Some students say fraternities and sororities are valuable because they give people something to do.
Senior Aman Malik, who has belonged to Sigma Chi since he was a sophomore, said joining a Greek organization allowed him to more easily navigate through the overwhelming amount of clubs, groups, and organizations on campus.
Malik said he went to a rush event his sophomore year, and loved it. He met some of the Sigma Chi brothers, then made his decision to join.
He said he has “never looked back.”
“It makes this big school more manageable for people to get involved,” said Malik.
Students also said Greek life is a great way for people to become involved with charity work.
One of Malik’s favorite events is the annual Derby Days in early November.
Malik said the brothers get assigned to one of seven sororities. Then, the sororities compete to raise the most money through online donations, field events, a brotherhood auction, a lip sync competition, and other contests. This past year, the event raised $138,000.
“It’s a weeklong charity event where we work with the sororities to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network,” Malik said.
Sonia Amladi, a sophomore, echoed the opinion that the Greek community’s emphasis on philanthropy, or the desire to better humanity, helps it maintain its relevancy.
The event Amladi said best exemplifies the Greek presence at Rutgers is the Dance Marathon, which also raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Amladi said Greek organizations lead in the fundraising and often have the most participants dancing.
“Even though each chapter has their own philanthropy, working towards a common cause at Dance Marathon unites the Greek community,” said Amladi.
Others said they like the family atmosphere Greek organizations provide.
Amladi said being involved in Greek life has given her a family away from home. Her sisters have become her support system at school. They share common morals, values, and goals, which makes it easy for her to stay motivated.
“I have 100 other girls to push me to be better,” she said.
Some students, like Amladi, said Greek chapters help keep the liveliness and spirit of the school up.
She said active fraternities and sororities make school wide events, such as the Dance Marathon, more prominent. Students not involved in Greek life also participate in this event, which allows the two groups to come together.
“Greek life helps make Rutgers a close knit community,” Amladi said.
Freshman Sam Schupke, who is not currently associated with a particular Greek organization, agrees with Amladi.
Schupke said fraternities and sororities sometimes sell items, such as baked goods or flowers, to raise money. They also hold different social events, many of which are open to the entire student population.
“It makes it so that other students, and even faculty, can participate in their fundraisers,” said Schupke.
On the other hand, some students do not see the point in Greek organizations. They say fraternities and sororities do not provide the connections promised.
Sharon Aguirre, a freshman, said there are better opportunities outside of Greek life, as far as networking for job purposes and future careers is concerned.
Aguirre, a History major, is a member of the Rutgers Democrats. She said she has met politicians and seen people in her field speak through the club. She also said she has met people with the same interests as her.
“I don’t think the connections from sororities and fraternities are necessary anymore,” Aguirre said.
Others, like freshman Wyatt Rojo, do not deny that Greek life is relevant, but say joining a fraternity or a sorority is the “easy way out.”
Rojo said he makes connections with other people on campus through his involvement with the intramural sports leagues. He has a job as an intramural referee, and also plays basketball. He said he meets students from all of the different campuses and is able to build his resume, without joining a fraternity.
He said Greek organizations also offer similar benefits, but only to people who are willing to pay for them.
“Essentially, students pay money to be a part of a friendship or a brotherhood, instead of trying to make their own connections in life without using money to do so,” said Rojo.
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