A common theme in Greek mythology is lasting strength, which can be seen in some of the long-lasting Greek organizations.
Leaders in the campus’ Greek community find the organizations responsible for the beer-drinking, party-loving stereotype haven’t lasted very long, while those pushing morale building and community involvement have lasted decades, said President of Alpha Gamma Delta Brooke Poggi.
Alpha Gamma Delta recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, she said. Poggi thinks being part of a sorority in Chico means you’re constantly fighting stereotypes and she and her sisters are always striving to overcome them.
They are all involved in various philanthropic organizations as well as other campus groups such as sports and student government, she said.
“We try to contribute to the community as much as possible,” Poggi said.
The reason Alpha Gamma Delta has lasted so long is because of their strong ideals and goals, she said.
“We work hard to maintain a strong sisterhood and abide by everything set forth in the Alpha Gamma Delta purpose,” she said.
Members feel really honored to be part of a sisterhood that has only gotten stronger through the years, Poggi said.
“Our traditions really bond us as a chapter and it’s really cool to be connected to women all over the country from ages 18 to 80,” she said.
Among other organizations that have lasted through the years is the fraternity Theta Chi, which has been in Chico for nearly three decades.
External Vice President Andrew Chalmers thinks they’ve made it so long because of the type of people they look for, he said.
“We’re all about bringing in men who are strong leaders that care about community involvement,” Chalmers said.
Having a cause and pushing to move away from a party-boy image are top priorities for Theta Chi, he said.
The sorority house of Alpha Chi has also been a fixture in Chico over the years.
Established in 1918, Alpha Chi sisters have been around for nearly one hundred years, making it one of the oldest sororities in town. But today, they choose not to be recognized on the list of school-approved sororities.
For President Sara Johnson, the sorority’s decision to not be affiliated with Chico State has nothing to do with the school itself but is simply a personal choice, she said. All sisters are students, but the sorority is not listed as a campus-recognized organization.
Like the other groups, Alpha Chi is all about community involvement and changing stereotypes, Johnson said.
“We work with the American Heart Association, we’ve had canned food drives and we always have a booth at the Fun Without Alcohol Fair on campus,” she said.
Making it known that sororities and fraternities are not always partying is a cause close to Johnson’s heart, she said.
Johnson also thinks the sisterhood that comes with Greek organizations is a bonding experience like no other, she said.
“I’m closest with the girls that were in my pledge class, but really all of these women are friends that I’ll have for the rest of my life,” she said.
As far as making the most of the experiences, Johnson thinks contributing everything she can to her sorority is a good investment, she said.
“It’s true that you get what you give,” Johnson said. “I’ve enjoyed every experience I’ve had and it’s been the best time of my life.”
Lexi Brister can be reached at
lbrister@theorion.com
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