A saying that most women and men who are part of Sororities and Fraternities are familiar with is, “It’s not four years, it’s for life,” which is very true. Joining a Sorority and Fraternity Life organization can help to network into careers and opportunities to better oneself. There are many examples of women and men, which have been involved in Greek Life, bettering themselves and the world around them.
The first example, Harper Lee, famous author, was a member of Chi Omega and lived in her chapter house for one year. On the other side of the spectrum, another famous member is Blanche Lincoln. She is a U.S. senator from Arkansas, and was the youngest woman to sit on Senate at age 38. One of Phi Kappa Theta’s honorary members is the famous John F. Kennedy. He was the 35th president of the United States. How cool to be in the same organization as John F. Kennedy. Two Pi Beta Phi’s who heavily influenced society are Anna Fisher, a physician and NASA astronaut and former First Lady Barbara Bush.
Phi Gamma Delta, or FIJI as they are often know, also have some really cool alumni. Who loves coffee? Who would die without Starbucks? Yep, that’s right. One of FIJI’s alumnus is the founder and president of Starbucks, John A. Rogers. E.B. White author of Charlotte’s Web is also an alumnus of the fraternity, which I think is the greatest. Just an FYI this was my favorite children’s novel. Another famous alumnus was Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States.
Sigma Chi added Brad Pitt and Luke Bryan to their list of some awesome alumni. Another really awesome alumnus of Sigma Chi is William DeVries. He works as a doctor and was the first to perform the “Total Artificial heart” surgery. Thank you for your contribution to society.
Delta Gamma, another sorority, hosts famous alumna, Carol Bellamy, who was the executive director of UNICEF and worked as the Director of the Peace Corps for some time. What an inspiration for us all to be a better person and make a difference. Mark Zuckerberg, creator of the legendary Facebook, is also Greek. He was in Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Taking it a little closer to home, there are some cool celebs that are not only celebs, but also went to Ohio University. The Beta Theta Pi OU chapters alumni include the CEO of Dairy Queen, John P. Gainor. Ed O’Neill, the actor who played Jay Pritchard in Modern Family was a Delta Tau Delta brother during his year at OU.
These are only a few of some legendary men and women who have served society. They demonstrate how great sorority and fraternity life is and how the stereotypes of sororities and fraternities are untrue. They are only the beginning of what sororities and fraternities can and will do. Be inspired and reach for the stars because you will represent Greek letters the way they do.
Go Greek.
Erin Franczak is a sophomore studying journalism with a focus in news and information at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you know of any famous alumni of Greek life? Let Erin know by emailing her at ef441614@ohio.edu.
