Greek life showcased at seminar

T.I.’s “Good Life” played in the background, as it related to the theme “Good Life on the Hill.”

Waves of royal blue, yellow, salmon pink, apple green, crimson, cream, black, gold and purple decorated the Grand Ballroom Wednesday night as the Florida A&M University chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. hosted its annual “Meet the Greeks” seminar.

The seminar provided a way for students, specifically freshmen, to get acquainted with the sororities and fraternities on campus.

“Although we are different in colors, we are the same in one thing. We are here to serve mankind,” said Cherline Pierre, event chair of NPHC and member of the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

The implied theme of unity among Greeks was evident as they formed two lines and strolled to the tune of the “Touch It Remix.”

Signature calls and chants from Greek members filled the room in support of fellow organizations.

While some may understand that the Greeks support and respect each other, many non-Greek affiliated students may not have been able to perceive this feeling prior to attending the event.

The Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was the first fraternity to introduce themselves at the event.

Preceding a brief introduction of history and standards, David Gibson Jr., master of ceremony and Beta Nu member, mentioned that some students might have the misconceived perception that members of sororities and fraternities are not approachable.

“We are the same people; we work together, attend the same classes together,” Gibson said. “We just so happen to serve other students on campus.”

“(The Greeks) are real welcoming and friendly,” said Loial Henderson, a junior transfer student.

Henderson, along with another young man, was actually encouraged to join the Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., in a step performance.

“I enjoyed it; it surprised all of us,” Henderson said.The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. shocked the audience when they introduced themselves with a song that made references to Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta.

“That was the first time we have ever received that kind of reaction to that song,” said Stephanie Brown, a fifth-year business administration student from Fort Walton Beach. “Jokes between sororities and fraternities are all in fun,” said Tiffany Williams, a fifth-year business administration student from Hattiesburg, Miss. and president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Many Greeks said the event’s great turnout can be attributed to the influence Greeks have on campus.

“I feel as though (sororities) are very positive and helpful; they have a big influence on girls and how they choose to carry themselves,” said Ashley Johnson, a freshman general studies student from Port St. Lucie.

The evening concluded with the students becoming familiar with the sororities and fraternities on a one-on-one basis, leaving with knowledge as to why they think Greek life is so great on the Hill.