Introduction
Sororities are a significant part of college life in the United States. These organizations provide a sense of belonging, sisterhood, and lifelong friendships for their members. St. Thomas Aquinas College, located in Sparkill, New York, is home to several sororities. These sororities offer a variety of social, academic, and philanthropic opportunities to their members. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College, exploring their history, values, and contributions to the college community.
History of Sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Sororities have been a part of St. Thomas Aquinas College since the 1960s. The first sorority to establish a chapter at the college was Alpha Delta Epsilon (ADE), which was founded in 1963. Since then, several other sororities have joined the St. Thomas Aquinas College community, including Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA), Delta Phi Epsilon (DPE), and Sigma Gamma Rho (SGR).
Each sorority at St. Thomas Aquinas College has its own unique history and traditions. For example, Alpha Delta Epsilon was founded on the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Their motto, “Together We Can,” reflects their commitment to working together to achieve their goals. Delta Phi Epsilon was founded at New York University in 1917 and has since expanded to over 100 chapters nationwide. Their philanthropic efforts focus on supporting the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). Sigma Gamma Rho, founded in 1922 at Butler University, is a historically Black sorority that emphasizes scholarship, sisterhood, and service.
Values of Sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College
The sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College share a commitment to several core values, including sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Sisterhood is the bond that brings sorority members together. It is a lifelong commitment to supporting one another and celebrating each other’s successes. Scholarship is also a core value of sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Members are encouraged to excel academically and to support each other’s academic endeavors. Many sororities also offer scholarships and other academic resources to their members.
Service is another core value of sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Each sorority has its own philanthropic focus, but all share a commitment to giving back to the community. For example, Alpha Delta Epsilon supports organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Delta Phi Epsilon’s philanthropic efforts focus on raising awareness and support for ANAD. Sigma Gamma Rho’s national programs focus on education, health, and community service.
Contribution of Sororities to St. Thomas Aquinas College
Sororities play a significant role in the life of St. Thomas Aquinas College. They provide a sense of community and belonging for their members, as well as opportunities for personal and academic growth. Sororities also contribute to the larger college community through their philanthropic efforts and involvement in campus events.
Many sororities at St. Thomas Aquinas College host events throughout the year, such as formal dances, fundraisers, and community service events. These events provide opportunities for members to connect with each other and with the larger college community. For example, Alpha Delta Epsilon hosts an annual breast cancer walk and supports the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Delta Phi Epsilon hosts a “Deepher Dude” male beauty pageant to raise money for ANAD, as well as a “Sincerely Yours” letter writing campaign to support mental health initiatives.
Recruitment and Membership Process
Each sorority at St. Thomas Aquinas College has its own recruitment and membership process. Typically, recruitment takes place at the beginning of each academic year and involves several rounds of events and interviews. Interested students are encouraged to attend recruitment events to learn more about each sorority and meet current members. After the recruitment process is complete, potential new members receive an invitation to join the sorority of their choice. Once a student becomes a member, they are expected to uphold the values and traditions of their sorority and contribute to the larger college community through service and involvement.
Benefits of Joining a Sorority
Joining a sorority at St. Thomas Aquinas College can have many benefits for students. First and foremost, sororities provide a sense of belonging and sisterhood. Members often form close friendships with their fellow sorority sisters that last a lifetime. Sororities also offer many opportunities for personal and academic growth, including leadership positions, academic resources, and networking opportunities. Additionally, sororities provide a platform for community service and philanthropic efforts, allowing members to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Sororities
While sororities have many positive attributes, they are not without their criticisms and controversies. Some critics argue that sororities perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exclusionary practices, such as hazing and discriminatory membership requirements. Others argue that sororities reinforce patriarchal and sexist attitudes by promoting traditional gender roles and expectations. It is important to acknowledge these criticisms and work to address them within the sorority community. Many sororities have implemented policies and initiatives to combat hazing and promote inclusivity and diversity among their members.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sororities are a significant part of college life at St. Thomas Aquinas College. They provide a sense of community, sisterhood, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Sororities also contribute to the larger college community through their philanthropic efforts and involvement in campus events. While sororities are not without their criticisms and controversies, they remain an important and valuable aspect of college life for many students.