Most people assume that fraternity and sorority life is all about the parties, having fun and living the real-life “Animal House.” However, there is more to be found in Greek life, such as high standards in academics, leadership opportunities, and most importantly service and philanthropy. 

At UNCW there are 27 Greek-affiliated organizations and each fraternity or sorority has an individual philanthropy that is particularly special to their organization. In the 2009-2010 school year alone these groups raised over $45,000 to be donated to philanthropy groups and contributed over 15,000 hours of community service.

Alpha Tau Omega spent an entire week in October living in a replica shanty town in front of Wagoner Dining Hall as a way to gain awareness for the millions of people living homeless in the world. They collected cans of food, clothing and spare change for the Good Shepherd Center of Wilmington.

Several Greek organizations are joining the fight against breast cancer this month. Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be selling their breast cancer awareness shirts and raffling off a pair of Susan G. Komen New Balance shoes. Also, National Pan-Hellenic’s Delta Sigma Theta will be holding Reds Go Pink for a Cause to give students information about breast cancer awareness.

Alpha Xi Delta will be raising money for Autism Speaks through their AmaXing Challenge Oct. 25, and Alpha Gamma Delta will host their annual Mr. and Ms. Greek Contest to benefit the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation.

In November, Delta Zeta will team up with their local charity the Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program and hold a Ride-A-Thon to help with therapeutic riding lessons for children. There will also be a barn clean-up to help the staff clean the stables. Then Sigma Sigma Sigma will hold a Rock-a-Thon in the campus amphitheater to raise funds for their national cause.

According to Greek Speak at George Washington University, “The Greek system is the largest network of volunteers in the United States, with members donating over 10 million hours of volunteer service each year.”

With 1,160 members, or about 10.1% of the UNCW community, involved in a Greek organization on campus the numbers add up quickly.  Each fraternity and sorority takes pride in their individual philanthropy groups and are making a difference in peoples’ everyday lives. As one Greek community they are changing the stereotype here at UNCW.