A Look at the Greek Scene on Campus

By Ashley Bell ’08

Greek life is a huge component of the Trinity social scene; anyone who says differently is lying to you. But no matter your social preference, you can choose how much you want to incorporate the Greek scene into your own social life. Even if you never thought that Greek life would ever enter into your own social strata, you might be surprised to find an organization that would fit in with your interests, because if you look around campus, there is generally an organization for everyone. On this campus, the stereotypes of Greek organizations are blurred and there is a diverse range of options when it comes to Greek life.

There is a bit of a divide between the organizations that are recognized by the school and then those that are not. However, since the college mandated that every Greek organization must be co-ed, the technicality of recognition often makes it difficult to pinpoint which organizations are still recognized and which ones are considered “off-campus.” But there is still the stigma among many of the newer organizations, especially the ones that do not have a house yet.

During the weekends, Vernon Street is often packed with students who flock to the fraternities’ late nights. On a Thursday night, usually the Hall and Psi U consistently offer late night, but AD, Pike, and Crow are also known to hold it. Then on Friday and Saturday nights, the Hall, Crow, AD, Psi U, Sigma Nu, and Pike will all generally offer some form of late night. The sororities and Cleo tend to only open up for theme parties where you need a ticket to attend (the same is true for theme party nights at the fraternities).

Alpha Chi Rho/Crow – This fraternity is known for its strong connection to the football team with many of the members being on the team, however its members are also involved in other activities on campus, and this fraternity was one of the key fund-raisers in last year’s Relay for Life. Its house is the red one located near the top of Allen Place, three houses away from the cemetery.

Kappa Kappa Gamma – This sorority’s national chapter is one of the oldest in the country. It consists of approximately 70 girls ranging from sophomores to seniors. Its members are involved in a range of activities throughout the campus, from sports teams to student government to community service. It has a house at the top of Allen Place.

Tri-Delta – Also known as the Ivy Society, this sorority has between 50 and 60 active members and a house in the middle of Allen Place. Although it is no longer affiliated with national headquarters, it’s a tight-knit organization, and these girls get involved in community service on and around campus as a group.

Psi Upsilon – This fraternity has a strong connection to its national chapter, as well as a firm place in community service at Trinity. Last year, the members were heavily involved in Relay for Life, sponsored their own blood drive, and headed the newly created Boys & Girls Club/Trinity Learn to Swim Program. Many of its members are also involved in athletics, especially the ice hockey team.

Sigma Nu – With a house on Allen Place, this smaller fraternity has around 20 members and is nationally recognized. With a strong affiliation to the rugby and ski teams, the members are also involved in an eclectic mix of activities.

Delta Psi/St. Anthony Hall – Dating back to 1850, this organization has both male and female members. With a house at the top of Vernon Street, this organization has a strong connection to its alumni, such as designer C.K. Bradley, and a strong affiliation with the school because of its longevity as an on-campus organization.

Cleo of Alpha Chi – This is a co-ed literary society with a house located on Vernon Street (next to the North Campus dorm). This organization is heavily involved in EROS (the Gay/Straight alliance on campus) and the Cleo house is often the location for many EROS-themed parties. Their members are also involved in Habitat for Humanity, student government, Sexual Assault Task Force, and the Slate Literary Magazine.

Alpha Delta Phi (AD) – Known for extravagant theme parties and black-lit late night, this fraternity has over 50 active members and a house at the top of Vernon Street. Its members are involved in other student organizations and athletics, with many of its members also being on the lacrosse team.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – This fraternity has a membership of just over 30 brothers and a house in the middle of Vernon Street. With several of the brothers being engineering majors, the brothers are also involved in other organizations and athletics, specifically the rugby and Frisbee teams.

Zeta Eta Omega – This recently-founded, co-ed organization was Meghan Boone’s ’06 Tutorial project in 2003. With a specific interest in feminism and community service, this inclusive organization has grown over the past three years to around 50 members.

Alpha Phi Alpha – The first black intercollegiate fraternity, established at Cornell University, this fraternity has a few members at Trinity, and they share a chapter with other members at University of Hartford, University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University and Central Connecticut State University.

Theta Delta Sigma – A multicultural organization on campus, these students, both male and female, come together with a common goal of multicultural awareness and education (their mission being F.A.T.E.—Furthering Awareness Through Education).