Introduction
Bethany College, located in West Virginia, is a small liberal arts college that offers a variety of student organizations and activities, including Greek life. The college has three national sororities on campus, each with its unique history, traditions, and values. In this essay, I will provide a detailed overview of the sororities at Bethany College, including their history, philanthropic efforts, and sisterhood.
Alpha Xi Delta
Alpha Xi Delta is a national sorority founded in 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. The sorority’s mission is to inspire women to realize their potential and become strong leaders in their communities. Alpha Xi Delta at Bethany College was established in 1947 and has since grown to become a prominent organization on campus. The sorority’s philanthropic efforts are focused on Autism Speaks, which aims to raise awareness and funding for autism research. Alpha Xi Delta’s sisterhood is built on the pillars of leadership, scholarship, service, and sisterhood. Members of Alpha Xi Delta are involved in various campus organizations and activities, including student government, athletics, and community service.
Delta Gamma
Delta Gamma is a national sorority founded in 1873 at the Lewis School for Girls in Oxford, Mississippi. The sorority’s mission is to promote friendship, personal growth, and service to others. Delta Gamma at Bethany College was established in 1895, making it one of the oldest sororities on campus. The sorority’s philanthropic efforts are focused on Service for Sight, which aims to raise awareness and funding for the visually impaired. Delta Gamma’s sisterhood is built on the pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and sisterhood. Members of Delta Gamma are involved in various campus organizations and activities, including athletics, music, and community service.
Alpha Xi Omega
Alpha Xi Omega is a local sorority founded in 1927 at Bethany College. The sorority’s mission is to promote sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Alpha Xi Omega’s philanthropic efforts are focused on a local charity, the Brooke County Animal Shelter. The sorority’s sisterhood is built on the pillars of friendship, scholarship, service, and sisterhood. Members of Alpha Xi Omega are involved in various campus organizations and activities, including student government, theater, and community service.
In addition to their philanthropic efforts and sisterhood, the sororities at Bethany College also offer various leadership opportunities for their members. Each sorority has its own executive board, consisting of elected officers who oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations. Additionally, the sororities participate in the Panhellenic Council, which is the governing body for all Greek organizations on campus. The Panhellenic Council is responsible for promoting Greek unity, coordinating recruitment events, and enforcing Greek policies.
Recruitment for the sororities at Bethany College occurs twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Recruitment is a mutual selection process in which potential new members (PNMs) attend events hosted by each sorority to learn more about their values, traditions, and sisterhood. Similarly, the sororities also get to know the PNMs and determine if they would be a good fit for their organization. The recruitment process culminates in bid day, where PNMs are invited to join the sorority of their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sororities at Bethany College offer a unique experience for its members, built on philanthropic efforts, sisterhood, and leadership opportunities. Each sorority has its own history, traditions, and values, which contribute to the overall diversity of the Greek community at Bethany College.