Alpha Phi women prove contrary to sorority stereotypes

 

By Aleisha Allen

Being stereotyped is often a common part of being in a sorority. Thanks to movies like “Sorority Row” and television shows like “GREEK”, sorority women have gotten somewhat of a bad rap. While some may believe these rumors of promiscuity and wild parties to be accurate, the simple truth is: they are false.

The sorority women on UNK’s campus are a unique group of driven, hard-working women who come together to better their school. Among the different sororities is one particular group of women who prove the stereotypes wrong: the women of Alpha Phi.

“Alpha Phi has shown me that it’s about much more than just meeting people and having fun,” said Katie Elder former vice president of marketing for Alpha Phi. “It’s about having a support system through good times and bad and being able to grow as an individual.”

The women of Alpha Phi have proven that they are a support system, not only for each other, but for the entire Greek system and campus as a whole. Last year, when the Greek community lost one of it’s beloved members, the Phis banded together and made sure they were there for everyone no matter when they needed them.

“I would have to say campus involvement is our number one achievement,” said Ariane Aten, Alpha Phi president.

The women of Alpha Phi busy themselves with volunteer work, philanthropy event planning and studying. They have successfully put on six Alpha Phi Red Dress Poker Tournaments to raise money for the Alpha Phi Foundation and women’s cardiac care. Last year they also planned another philanthropy event, The Alpha Phiesta Taco Feed, and this year raised over $2,000 to benefit the S.A.F.E Center of Kearney.

“We are always willing to help the campus and community out in any way we can,” Elder said.

Alpha Phi, along with accomplishing things on campus as a whole, helps its members in accomplishing their own individual goals. Many of the women use leadership positions within the house to further themselves in their education and their career goals as well.

“I’ve become more comfortable with working with people, and also more confident in myself, “ Elder said. Elder is an elementary education major and has used her leadership positions within the house to become more comfortable in front of people.

The women of Alpha Phi are constantly being challenged academically. Not only have they won highest sorority GPA at the Greek scholarship banquet the past 15 out of 20 semesters, they also voted to raise their minimum GPA from a 2.5 to 2.75 a semester. Meaning, every member must have at least a 2.75 GPA every semester to be in good standing with the sorority.

Recruitment is a huge part of Alpha Phi. A freshman pledge class of 40 new members this year put Alpha Phi’s total number at 103 women.

The women of Alpha Phi feel that they have had a huge impact on UNK’s campus and  continue to work hard to better themselves and their school.

“Being in Alpha Phi, I see that it is not about what the movies portray,” said Aten. “It is about getting ahead scholastically, helping the community and most importantly developing lasting friendships.”

Category: Features