Veronica Orozco, LV Life Editor
Being a part of any organization on campus comes with the responsibility of making sure it is well represented, but Greek organizations go through this most of all.
They get scrutinized for every little mistake that is made but never recognized for the efforts they take to help out.
People hear gossip about what one member did and generalize the entire Greek community for it, or they are only remembered for the parties they throw, but what is never mentioned is that the proceeds from that party go to charity.
I myself am in an organization, so I have seen both sides of this situation and have judged Greeks for their past and not noted them for anything else, much less for giving back.
Greek presence on the La Verne campus is noted more than any other campus because it is such a small school.
If looked closely at the ASULV and CAB roster, more than 75 percent of them are in a Greek organization.
If past pictures
of Orientation Week Leaders and Spotlight Leaders were looked at it would be obvious that a large fraction of them are Greek as well.
When looking at each organization individually, it is evident that they have raised money and awareness for their philanthropy every year, be it through a comedy show, a rock-a-thon or sitting on a teeter-totter for 24 hours.
One thing is for sure about their events, they are never boring.
Organizations have made a point to educate the community about different causes such as Autism, Alzheimer, Arthritis Research and Education and ALS may it be as a group with other organizations or amongst themselves.
Greek unity is promoted by having the six organizations trade their philanthropies in a challenge to see who promotes it best.
There have also been instances where all organizations band together to raise awareness for a common cause such as College Panhellenic Association’s breast cancer awareness event last fall.
Efforts have been made by all the six organizations on campus to help the La Verne community by joining other clubs, attaining leadership positions, or just taking part in school sponsored events like intramurals or Adopt-a-Spot.
A big attraction for the University is the unity it has and the fact that everyone involved on campus is so close and a big part of that is due to organizations.
It is time to shine a light on all of the things Greeks do for this campus because they make up such a big part of the La Verne experience.
Veronica Orozco, a sophomore journalism major, is LV Life editor for the Campus Times. She can be reached by email at veronica.orozco@laverne.edu.
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My full respects to the author to this author for putting her perspective on what is feels is unjustified. I have seen many events, actions, and many other things that have gone through without recognition by the University body, I speak from a personal perspective. But one should not expect recognition for a good deed; respect and good graces are earned by those actions. Just because I don’t recognized does not mean it should prevent me from the work I do, nor does it hurt my self esteem.
When it comes to the perspective of fraternities and sororities, I will say that they are not something I am against, but I would just never join a fraternity. Those who do, I have nothing against them. It is their choice, and I believe that all students should make the best of their experiences wherever they go, and if students choose the path of a sorority or a fraternity, more power to them.
With that said, you yourself have shown the presence and power of the Greek system on our own campus, where daily activities that provide ‘entertainment’ to the student body, and possesses great influence that can really shape this University. Students, faculty, and staff are aware of their presence, but there seems of be a greater focus on the very entertainment that you hardly talk about, rather than the philanthropic efforts.
Your definition of fun is not something all readers can agree with. It all depends on who comes, why they come, and what they want from the event (free food, free stuff in general). Students should definitely be entertained, but not to the point where the focus is only on that very entertainment. The Panhellenic Association should refer to the students and see what they want, to get a better idea of what should be one on campus.
If you see the opinions on our campus about the very fraternities and sororities you talk about, opinions vary significantly. I know of the philanthropic work done by fraternities and sororities, and commend the Greek organizations for what they have done to help a number of communities, but are heavily outweighed by the publicity, attention, focus, and intention, of the regular entertaining events, that are not even close to informative, unless it is purely philanthropic. Maybe a greater focus on philanthropic events, and greater community engagement, is necessary. No one said those events can’t be fun! You can grow gardens, do cleaning projects, go to community kitchens and help with preparing and serving food, and so much more.
My final point is in regard to the attention and community among the different organizations and clubs in terms of fraternities and sororities. I take leadership in more than a single club and would like to know the reach-out levels that the Greek organizations have had with these others clubs on campus, with or without having a member of that Greek org in that very same club or organizations. I am sorry to say that this is simply baseless. I have worked with many clubs that shown a FAULT THEREOF their participation or collaboration, to the point that ASULV and CAB are also accountable for, because even they, at times, do not put that focus forward.
Please do not take offense to my response, but a good deed never goes to waste. If your intention is to find attention for the fact that you got it, that is quite deplorable and insulting to me, and the community of people that volunteer on our campus who simply want to make a difference and put a positive impact on the communities that take great pride in being a part of. Do it for the smiling child or adult you help, not for the picture of your smiling face to be in a paper, or the mention of our group or individual name to be recognized. You will earn the good fruit of your labor in due time.