Dear Parents,
We are delighted that your son has taken interest in our fraternal organization
at Hillsdale. We believe that being a brother in a fraternity is an integral
part of a college education. It is reasonable that you have some apprehensions
about his interest and potential involvement. Today, the institution of the
fraternity has been scarred by the acts of few. The media has portrayed fraternities
in a dismal light, as shown by the movie "Animal House." Negative
publicity stereotypes many Greek-letter organizations. The publicized actions
of a few members of fraternities on a few campuses throughout the country
worries many parents, for they feel these offensive practices are widespread.
On the contrary, these isolated, offensive activities are as rare as those
reported in other facets of daily life. In fact, statistics prove that thousands
of chapters of fraternities flourish at college and universities in the United
States and Canada; this fact alone should assure any concerned, thoughtful
parent that the publicized actions of a handful do not, and should not, reflect
on others. What is not normally publicized is the fact that those chapters
who have committed these acts have been punished by their universities and
by their national organizations by being placed on probation or by having
their charters revoked.
There are many positive aspects of a fraternity, especially Sigma Chi. What
is important to know is that fraternities have existed for over two hundred
years, beginning at William & Mary with Phi Beta Kappa. First, fraternities
are composed of men, like your son, who are experiencing a most critical time
in their lives. Sigma Chi has dedicated leadership at the national leve that
has a close working relationship with every chapter. Our brotherhood is in
charge of it's own budget, which teaches us to stick to sound financial principles.
The friendships your son makes while being an activewill last a lifetime;
additionally, your son is learning leadership qualities that he can use in
his life after college. The principles taught by all fraternities are designed
to make their members better men. The years living in a fraternity atmosphere
certainly benefit most individuals, and this is especially true in Sigma Chi
here at Hillsdale.
Here are some reasons why your son should join a fraternity:
• Scholarship
Studies conducted across the United States reveals that 71 percent of all
fraternity men go on to graduate, while just 50 percent of all non-fraternity
men graduate. For the past five semester, our chapter has ranked first among
fraternities in GPA, exceeding the male average and all male Greek average.
• Leadership
The college fraternity has been referred to as "a laboratory for human
relations." In a fraternity you can hold positions of high responsibility;
you can develop your talents and skills in public relations, membership recruitment,
education, writing, speaking, athletics, and other activities. Since fraternities
have diverse memberships, you will learn to deal with diverse people in diverse
situations. You will carry the leadership skills you develop during your fraternity
experience throughout your post-college career.
• Friendship
The friends you make during your college years become your lifelong friends.
They will become closer to you than any of your previous friends, they will
be your brothers. You will share with these men a common set of ideals, a
set of guidelines for a quality life. You will learn and grow with them through
college, and because of the nature of your fraternal relationship, you will
keep in touch with many of them beyond your college years.
• Community Service
The betterment of society is one goal of higher education, and fraternity
membership can be an excellent vehicle for men to develop the character traits
necessary to become better, more responsible citizens. Nationally, Sigma Chi
has raised and donated $2,059,479 for Children's Miracle Network since 1992.
Our philanthropy is Derby Days and helps the St. Jude's Children Hospital.
Though only 2 percent of the US population is Greek, being a brother has many
benefits. Approximately 85% of the top executives in Fortune 500 are fraternity
men. 71% of men listed in Who's Who in America are fraternity men. 76% of
the current United States Senators and Congressmen are fraternity men. 40
of the 47 Supreme Court Justices since 1910 have been fraternity men. All
but 3 United States Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men.
We hope that this may have cleared up some of your misconceptions and strengthened
your support for your son. If you have any further questions, please explore
our website or contact our Recruitment Chairman, Edmund
Konsen at 517-439-8641 or our President, Rob
Hufnagel at 439-8750.
Sincerely,
The Brothers of Alpha Kappa
