Senior Rowan Jolkwoski gives a speech to all the new Greek Life members.
Doane University ushered in a new cohort of Greek fraternity and sorority members in February. While it was initially cold and snowy, many students prevailed through the elements and did their bridge crossings, marches around campus and other Greek initiation rituals, with some of those initiation rituals being a secret to non-Greek life members.
“Being in Greek life we can’t share much about what we do during the month however I can share some baseline information. Overall the month is created to help educate the new members so they can understand the values and traditions that our group holds,” Junior and social chair for Alpha Omega Fraternity Jacob Eacker said. “A lot of information is transferred so they understand and uphold the legacy that is placed upon them from past generations. Our new members also had the opportunity to meet all four of the sororities and got to understand more about their values. It’s a long month for new members but to see their growth is one of the most rewarding moments of Greek month.”
Greek life at Doane has seen a bit of a resurgence, as many groups brought forth large cohorts of students as opposed to previous years and is a return to a Greek life culture that previously existed at Doane, however Eacker believes it stems from the fact that students wish for a unique connection with Doane, other students and alumni.
“I think each group offers something completely different for people but the main reason is to gain connections and meet new people. From personal experience I can say that I’ve become friends with so many people in other groups that I would have never thought of if it hadn’t been for Greek life,” Eacker said. “It’s also the Alumni connections that groups hold that I think can be very intriguing. Lastly, the way groups will build you as a person and a leader, the pillars of each group I think hold deep into the members in which they try to display.”
While Greek month may have ended, many of the groups will be active in the coming months, whether it’s with fundraisers or with formals for both fraternities and sororities.
