Senior Greeks Reflect on Their Experiences at Temple

By Joseph Williams
Greek life can play an important role on any college campus. Here at Temple, there are 31
active chapters of fraternities and sororities. With Greek life seemingly gaining momentum
with every rush, seniors apart of these organizations feel it is important to share their
experiences to potential new members.
Its hard for some to walk around campus and not see somebody sporting some article of
clothing representing their organization, but what exactly is expected of a student once they
join? Every organization has different values, but most, if not all, are based around
community service.
We do a lot with Relay for Life, t-shirt sales and host grill-a-thons to raise money, said
Lawrence Watling, a senior brother in Alpha Epsilon Pi.
While these organizations are somewhat notorious for can shakes at the bell tower or
Liacouras Walk, John Larson, a senior brother in Alpha Kappa Lambda, explains that can
shakes are a small part of a larger process.
Can shaking is just one way to raise money, but weve worked soup kitchens and done
clothing drives in the past for example. Theres a big commitment to volunteer work.
While joining a Greek organization can bring a social aspect to ones academic career, two
current members say they joined for reasons than to simply socialize.
Many Greeks join because they want to make a difference in their community and school,
said Hassan Dixon, a senior brother in Omega Psi Phi.
Ariane Pepsin, a senior sister in Alpha Epsilon Phi, also joined for different reasons.
Of course everyone in Greek life likes to have fun, but from a personal standpoint I pledged
to become a part of something bigger than myself and to form a bond with my sisters, she
said.
Students who pledge as undergraduates also believe that the relationships they have
created during their time at Temple will continue post-graduation.
Everything Ive gone through with the brothers is something that I wont forget about after I
graduate. Aside from my blood family, these are the most important guys in my life. Ill
definitely be in communication with them, said Justin Diaz, President of Sigma Alpha Mu.
Melanie Lodge, a senior sister in Delta Phi Epsilon, believes her sisters will continue to be a
part of her life.

My best friends are in my pledge class and I know some will be in my wedding, some will
be there as we raise our kids, and we will always continue to grow and help each other find
our place in life, she said.
While joining a Greek organization can be a very rewarding experience, Diaz warns that
research should be required prior to recruitment.
Greek life is not for everybody. This is not a party club, but if you pledge it could play a very
huge role in your life, she said.
Watling agrees.
Greek life provides a large support network that will carry on into your professional career,
theres so much support involved, and it can be a great experience.