Fraternity Life Beyond the Party Scene
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Hampden-Sydney students sign their presence at the 4th Annual Kappa Sigma Golf Tournament in honor of Allen West
Merriam-Webster.com states that the word fraternity can be defined as “a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure.” Nearly 70 percent of the Hampden-Sydney student body that is non-active in Greek Life may see Fraternities as simple promoters to party and have fun. This may be true at other colleges, but while all 10 active fraternities on the Hampden-Sydney campus engage and host weekend social activities, they also contribute significantly to the common good of Hampden- Sydney College and our community.
Due to past incidents around the nation and public awareness on campus, the Inner Fraternity Council, along with H-SC faculty and staff have constantly been working to improve the portrayal and safety around the campus. Hampden-Sydney College is currently promoting the “No More Campaign,” while the Inner Fraternity Council has also presented a committee called “Project Hercules.” The “No More Campaign” seeks to promote public awareness around the campus about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. Meanwhile, Project Hercules primarily focuses on eliminating the flaws among the Fraternities through replacing negative fines and student relations with a more positive system and environment. Fraternities on campus are in support of both programs and concerned with increasing public awareness for students’ safety, whether down at Fraternity Circle or anywhere around campus.
Aside from the recently developed campaigns and committees on Hampden Sydney’s campus, the Hampden-Sydney Fraternities also display concern for and contribute to the College through various fundraisers and memorial events. On September 17, 2010, Kappa Alpha Order held an Oyster Roast in honor of deceased member of the 2014 class and Kappa Alpha Order, Blake Hill. The Oyster Roast provided a great chance for students and parents to contribute on the Saturday of Parents Weekend. The event ultimately raised over $3,000, which was donated towards a Blake Hill Memorial Scholarship.
Theta Chi brother Ned Horton added, “Theta Chi has been sponsoring a bi-annual blood drive every year since I’ve been here; once during Macon week, and once during Greek week. We generally beat Macon per capita in the blood drive as we did this year. The Greek Week blood drive is a great way to give back during the College’s most well-known week of festivities.”
Across Fraternity Circle, William Cronly, a brother at Kappa Sigma, spoke about the Annual Kappa Sigma Golf Tournament held in honor of Kappa Sigma brother Allen West, who passed away in 2007. He informed, “the 5th Annual Golf Tournament will be held in the spring of this year, and the money raised is donated towards a scholarship in honor of Allen West. This scholarship is then awarded to a student who displays superb academic and athletic characteristics. The Tournament raised over $7,000 and was held at the Manor Golf Course. As Kappa Sigma plans to hold this event again, we encourage everyone to attend, support, and embrace the event.”
There may be no denying that fraternities on campus direct a good portion of their focus on partying and meeting hosting social events, but one should understand that behind the common stereotype, each fraternity takes initiative in contributing to the Hampden-Sydney College Community. And for those who don’t hold faith in the fraternities, the Inner Fraternity Council Vice Chairman, William Kitchen, advises to “be on the look-out next semester as the IFC plans on coming together and participating in a unified initiative of continued support towards the surrounding community.”
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