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A greek offensive.
At the Homecoming bonfire, members from greek
houses put on skits. Kappa Kappa Gamma and
their skit took third place in the competition.
(photo by D. Gilbertson)
--
Sound writing.
In addition to social activities, the greek system
places a heavy emphasis on academic achievement.
Betsy Daubert, of Pi Beta Phi, works late
at night on a term paper, with the help of her
"walkman." (photo by M. Touhey)
Changing
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When the Greek system was first founded,
it may have attracted the children of
affluent families, but that was because only
the wealthy could afford to go to college
in those days, said Diane Milhollin,
a UI assistant Greek adviser.
Cook said it's a misconception that it's
much more expensive to live in a fraternity
or sorority than a dormitory. "It's
about $70 more a semester," he said. "We
accept as many people as we can and
we're always looking for more."
Ken Prettyman, president of Delta Chi,
said he was attracted to a fraternity
because it offered a more homelike atmosphere
than other living group
choices. "I never had a brother; now I
have a whole bunch of them," he said.
Fraternity life has helped him socially
he said. "1 used to be really shy, now I'm
just shy," he joked. "It helped me to relax
in social situations."
In Witmer's house and others a social
chairman is responsible for coaching
members in etiquette, such as "standing
up when the housemother comes into the
room." Feeling comfortable in social
situations is something "you'll find useful
later," Witmer said. "When you're eating
with 60 people you have to have table
manners."
Certain social activities are still
manadatory, such as exchanges with
sororities, said Prettyman, but that's how
you learn to feel comfortable around
members of the opposite sex in large
groups, he said.
There was a general consensus that the
most valuable parts of Greek life are the
friendships formed and the emphasis
placed on study. "Academics are stressed,"
said Prettyman.
Witmer said the Greeks have the
highest percentage on campus of students
returning to school. "There's a mandatory
six hours a week at study table," Cook
said, "and we ask members to study at
least 15 hours a week more on their own."
There was agreement that it isn't as
hard to make friends in the Greek system,
although one does have to make an effort
to be compatible with 60 or so other men
and women.
"Friendships are close," Witmer said.
"You become very close with the girls in
the house, she said.
You learn a lot about yourself and other
people when you live in a close group,"
Cook said.
Movies like Animal House don't help
the fraternity image," he said. "Everyone
always thinks it's a big party. But we're
here to go to school just like the other
students."D
Greek Life 141