Being a part of fraternity and sorority life at CU Boulder can offer lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, academic support and opportunities to give back. Additionally, these chapters place a significant importance on their philanthropic and volunteer work. Read on to learn more about what some are doing to stay connected and make an impact.
Brother’s at Beta Theta Pi set up on campus to sell tickets to Blue Heart Gala to raise funds for The Blue Bench. (Photo taken prior to COVID-19 public health orders and guidelines.)
Choosing a cause
Sororities and fraternities prioritize community service and making a difference. Most chapters support a set of causes and have recurring events to help raise funds or bring awareness to the issue. The issue or organization often reflects the values they uphold as a chapter.
“During our founding year, the chapter sat down and had a discussion about who/what we wanted to help try and make a difference for in the community. We came to the conclusion that we wanted to help battle against the sexual assaults seen associated with the fraternity image and campus as a whole,” said Marcus Vess, a mechanical engineering major from Beta Theta Pi. His fraternity chose to support The Blue Bench, Denver’s comprehensive sexual assault survivor aid and intervention program.
Alpha Delta Chi, a sorority at CU, chose to partner with Restore Innocence. This non-profit organization provides holistic care for human trafficking victims through resource bags, mentorship programs, family support groups and more. “This organization has been our chapter’s philanthropy since spring of 2017 and is important to us because it not only provides resources to victims, but it provides continued support and counseling long after their rescue,” said Carly Callan, an integrative physiology major and member of Alpha Delta Chi.
The Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity supports The Judy Fund, a nonprofit within the Alzheimer’s Association dedicated to raising money for Alzheimer’s research. The organization was started by a fraternity brother. “This is an issue that has personally affected many brothers, past and present,” said Callum Pattillo, a Russian and German language major and member of Sigma Alpha Mu. The chapter has raised over $800 dollars and is looking forward to working with the CU Against Alzheimer’s Club.
Succeeding in adverse times
One of the greatest attributes of these chapters is their determination to give back, even in uncertain times. This past year, chapters found new ways to continue their work despite challenges.
Last semester, Alpha Delta Chi had a virtual crafting event where they made holiday cards for patients at the Colorado Children’s Hospital. This semester they hosted a virtual cooking class and sold custom-designed spatulas to help raise money for Restore Innocence.
Sigma Alpha Mu hosted several livestream events on Twitch in which they competed in video games and interacted with the audience, all while raising money for The Judy Fund.
Beta Theta Pi created Beta’s Blue Heart Gala, an event that was originally scheduled to be held in the Arrow Touchdown Club at Farrand Field in April 2020. The fraternity reached out to local businesses, collecting items they were willing to donate to include in an auction the night of the gala. Even though the gala had to be postponed, the brothers were able to raise just over $7,000 from pre-ticket sales for The Blue Bench.
Brothers at Sigma Alpha Mu play online games while interacting with the audience and raise funds for the Judy Fund. (Photo taken prior to COVID-19 public health orders and guidelines.)
Sisters at Alpha Delta Chi pose for a picture at Alpha Delta Chi National Convention in 2020. (Photo taken prior to COVID-19 public health orders and guidelines.)
Making connections and positive experiences
Members of fraternities and sororities find value in their participation, between leadership opportunities, philanthropy and making connections with fellow Buffs.
“Being part of an affiliated fraternity has made a huge impact on my experience at CU, from increased social life, to opportunities for service and philanthropy, and allowing me to exercise my leadership abilities,” said Vess.
Each fraternity and sorority chapter has its own values, traditions and philanthropic affiliations. With over 25 fraternities and sororities at CU Boulder, there’s something for everyone. “When I came to college, I had a mindset that fraternity life wasn’t for me and had a negative mindset about it. Ever since I was approached to start a new chapter, I thought I could start something new in regards to fraternity life,” said Pattillo.
Fraternities and sororities are one way to make strong connections and find your niche on a larger campus. “I am so encouraged by my sisters and their passion to love and serve each other well,” said Callan. “I know leaving CU that I have lifelong friends, memories and experiences to take with me into my next chapter.”
If you’re interested in giving back or meeting new people, fraternities and sororities are a great way to get involved. Through these organizations, you can:
- Build connections and find community
- Participate in philanthropic and community service opportunities
- Take advantage of networking opportunities
- Gain leadership experience
- Make lifelong friends
To learn more about fraternity and sorority life at CU Boulder, visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life website and explore the different chapters to discover what could be right for you!