Niagara University is a private Catholic university located in Niagara, New York. While Greek life is not a dominant aspect of campus culture at Niagara, there are two sororities on campus: Delta Epsilon Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha. In this answer, we will focus specifically on these sororities at Niagara University.
Delta Epsilon Sigma (DES) is a national Catholic honor society founded in 1939. The Niagara University chapter, Gamma Eta, was established in 1976. DES’s mission is to “promote scholarly activities and to recognize academic accomplishments while encouraging a sense of intellectual community among its members.” Members of DES are selected based on their academic achievement, and the society provides opportunities for members to participate in scholarly activities, such as research conferences and publications.
Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA) was founded in 1901 at Longwood University in Virginia. The Niagara University chapter, Theta Xi, was established in 1962. ASA’s mission is to “promote high ideals and standards for its members throughout their lives by emphasizing balance among the four aims of intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social development.” The sorority’s core values include learning, leadership, sisterhood, and service. ASA members participate in a variety of philanthropic and community service projects, including supporting the Special Olympics, the sorority’s national philanthropy.
Each sorority has its own recruitment process, which typically occurs at the beginning of the fall semester. During recruitment, potential new members have the opportunity to meet current members, learn about the sororities’ values and traditions, and decide which sorority they would like to join. Once a new member accepts a bid from a sorority, she begins a new member education program, during which she learns more about the sorority and its history, participates in philanthropic and community service projects, and develops relationships with her new sisters.
In addition to participating in philanthropic and community service projects, sorority members at Niagara University also have the opportunity to participate in social events, leadership development programs, and academic support programs. Sororities also provide opportunities for members to develop leadership skills through officer positions and committee work.
Overall, while Greek life may not be a dominant aspect of campus culture at Niagara University, the sororities on campus provide students with opportunities for personal growth, community service, and leadership development. Each sorority has its own unique history, values, and traditions, but all are committed to promoting sisterhood, scholarship, and service to their communities. If you are a student at Niagara University and are interested in joining a sorority, we encourage you to attend recruitment events and learn more about the sororities on campus.