There are typically two types of Greek students: 1) the ones who go to college knowing they are going to join a fraternity or sorority and 2) the ones that had no plan to seek out Greek organizations, but ended up making a connection. I strongly fall into the latter category. With that being said, I can’t imagine a college experience for me that doesn’t involve Greek Life. My fraternity has given me a second family, an opportunity to see how leadership is developed, and greater expectations involving service, philanthropy, and scholarship. Greek Life at CofC has given me a network of inspiring individuals that share similar expectations and care about their organization as much as I care about mine. I joke with my parents that I double major in Business and Greek Life, but there is no question I will graduate with two degrees.

Sam Orelove  ’11, Business Administration

If you were to approach me three years ago and tell me I will pledge a fraternity in college, I most likely would have laughed in your face in the politest way possible; however, now I can honestly say that pledging Sigma Nu has been the best decision of my college career. Despite coming to Charleston with a fairly sizable safety net, I roomed with my best friend since 1^st grade and my grandparents are twenty minutes away in Summerville, I decided to rush. When I met the brothers of Sigma Nu I came to realize that they had the same ambitions and values that I did and still do, and even though they might seem homogeneous to the outsider, they are actually very diverse. Greek life has since given me opportunities I never could have imagined. For the first time I was a member of a completely member run organization, and I whether I liked it or not, I was thrust in feet first. Being required to lead my peers with minimal adult support is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I have learned more from it than any other outside the classroom experience. As I became a brother of Sigma Nu I was simultaneously welcomed as a member of the Greek community in which I have made countless friends and had irreplaceable experiences. Essentially, my Greek story one of taking a chance and being rewarded exponentially.

Will Munce  ’12, Business Administration

When I came to CofC, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, an organization based on strong values that would help me develop as a person.  Being in a Greek organization has given me that opportunity.  By being a member of Greek Life and more specifically, The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), I have had the chance to establish many relationships through numerous social events, give back to the community through service projects, and become a much more confident and effective leader.  My fraternity has helped push me to a higher academic standard, contribute more to the school as well as the surrounding area, and provided me with an inseparable bond of brotherhood with those men that will excel in the careers they choose to pursue while maintaining a high degree of excellence in all other aspects of life. Proud to be a Phi Gam!

Dan Heredia ’12, Business Administration

As an incoming freshman to the College of Charleston in August of 2007, I did not know a single other person nor had I ever been to Charleston aside from orientation. I was placed in College Lodge with an unfavorable roommate. I was every parents nightmare, as I had nothing good to say about my new situation. Before school started, considering the fact I didn’t know anyone, I decided the best way to go about making new friends was to immerse myself into the campus and what better way than Greek Life. Although I had no interest in joining a fraternity, I went to a few Greek events including the Greek fair (Cougar Carnival) behind Addlestone library. It was at this point in time that I first saw a glimpse of an environment and group of people that I could see myself associating with. I met so many “stand up”, genuine people from multiple different fraternities/sororities that I was intrigued to give rush a try. From there I went from knowing no one and having nothing to do, to meeting hundreds of people; many of which were calling/texting me to come hang out. Although to many this may have seemed like a facade, this gave me a hospitable and welcoming experience. Within the first two weeks of school I went from hating college to believing it was the best thing since sliced bread. Since then my involvement and affiliation in Greek life here at the college has taken the snowball effect. I have met more and more people, learned of and participated in events I wouldn’t have otherwise, and stepped outside of myself. It has also provided many opportunities to assume leadership positions within my fraternity, our internal events, or school sponsored events. In many ways the influences of SigEp have acted as stepping stones towards higher education and self awareness. Observing the accomplishments of surrounding brothers, taking on responsibility in leadership roles, and team/group oriented events have all driven me to act and become a more qualified and knowledgeable individual. In my three years of experience, I have taken away countless lessons that can and will easily be applied to life after college. I was a three season varsity sport athlete in high school. Therefore, coming to college and having roughly three hours of class Monday through Friday left me with more free time than I had ever previously experienced. With such a flexible schedule, the need for organization and determination disappeared. As such, I needed to fill in the gap and did so by joining SigEp. My involvement in SigEp essentially acted like a year round varsity sport, as it had a large time commitment and reaped endless rewards. Simply stated, SigEp keeps me motivated and driven as it structures my free time effectively and efficiently providing me with worthy challenges and goals. If it hadn’t been for SigEp, I probably would have transferred within the first month.

– Bob Pruett ’11, Economics