Greek Life
Why Go Greek?
 Your first year at the university, either as a freshman or transfer, you are surrounded by a sea of new faces, names and challenges that may make you feel a little lost, especially without the many friends you had enjoyed all throughout your high school years. Fraternities and Sororities have many strong ties with the past and have grown through the years because of the enduring strength of traditions; leadership, scholarship, brotherhood and sisterhood, service, and social events. Penn State Altoona is home to
four fraternities and two sororities. The fraternities are: Acacia, Phi Sigma Kappa, Sigma Pi,
and Sigma Tau Gamma. The sororities are
Alpha Sigma Tau and Gamma Phi Beta.
LEADERSHIP
Greek living is an education in itself. Each chapter has a responsibility of services to its members, the college and the community. It is well known that fraternity members enjoy a much higher level of involvement in campus and community life than non-Greeks. For this reason there are more than enough challenges to keep every member active in the daily operations of the chapter. Whether it is organizing a winning intramural team, balancing the chapter books, or helping a brother or sister with homework, all the jobs are important to the chapter. In addition they help you develop leadership skills through experiences. Helping each member discover and cultivate his particular talents develops strong individuals.
SCHOLARSHIP
A study conducted by the Department of Health and Welfare has shown that “Fraternity membership has been clearly associated with persistence to graduation.” Numerous other studies have shown that a greater percentage of Greeks receive degrees than their independent counterparts.
BROTHERHOOD and SISTERHOOD
Still questioning the value of a Fraternity? To many outsiders, Greek membership is viewed as just a short four-year experience before embarking on a professional career. The bond of Greek friendship that is begun as an undergraduate remains unbroken throughout the years. To those of you yet to experience this deep and lasting friendship, that we more often refer to as brotherhood, it undoubtedly remains intangible.
SERVICE
Community service is a key component to the mission of a Greek-letter organization. Many chapters work on behalf of organizations in Altoona, such as the American Red Cross Blood Drives, Operation Safe Trick or Treat for local children, the Bounce Marathon for Easter Seals, as well as supporting national charities.
Every year the Greek Community sponsors Bounce Marathon benefiting Easter Seals
of Central of Pennsylvania. This past year, the Greeks raised $28,343 in
just three days! These fundraisers, chapter-wide volunteering days, and community service events are all ways that fraternities and sororities make a difference.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Joining a fraternity or sorority can open new avenues in your social experience at Penn State Altoona. Most chapters have their own parties, formals, football tailgates-and also join in all-Greek events. Being a part of it gives you the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with people from all walks of life.
Not only will you have the opportunity to meet people within your organization, but you will meet people from other organizations as well. Sororities and fraternities often work together in a number of settings, ranging from community service activities to social events, which provide a chance to develop friendships with people throughout the Greek system. This vast social network will keep you connected and involved with the Penn State Altoona community.
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