The typical fraternity or sorority is known to throw big parties often around campus.

However, certain Greek chapters admist the 17 on campus don't believe the party stereotype because each has its own objective, and each represents something different.

"I think that the party stereotype is not true for all sororities and fraternities," Clarissa Barnes, secretary of Sigma Gamma Rho, said. "Sigma Gamma Rho is the smallest Greek organization within the National Pan-Hellenic Council. So we work hard to get things done and to present a positive image on campus. Drinking and partying does not come with upholding a positive image. Maybe some Greek groups do this, but all stereotypes about Greeks partying all the time are not true for every organization."

Although the partying aspect is common, Greek organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha want to demonstrate positive behaviors in the community by focusing on education.

"I believe that all stereotypes have some truth to them," said Rick Daniels, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. "Sure we like to party and have fun, but that's after we finish whatever work we have to do. We have a little saying that goes 'We party hard, we stay up late, but most of all, we graduate.'"

Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate African-American fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University.

To demonstrate and show a positive image throughout Whitewater, most Greek chapters participate in a variety of community services.

"My sorority does a lot to help the community," Barnes said. "We have 'project clean house,' where we go and clean local churches around the Whitewater area. We have helped within the children's area at Roseman Hall. There are also other community service projects that are nationally known."

Sigma Gamma Rho is devoted to offering positive events, such as game nights, movie nights and even study nights.

Daniels said the good things Greek chapters do are overlooked by wild parties and misbehaviors that other organizations do.

The 2006 Greek chapter Status Reports said four hazing hotline calls were made and two chapters were suspended. Three chapters have also been put on probation.

"We do a number of things, including community service and working with children," Daniels said. "We have what's called 'national programs,' where each chapter in the nation is required to complete these programs every year." Such programs include, 'A voteless people is a hopeless people,' The Miss Black and Gold Pageant, and the March of Dimes, which was Saturday in Madison.

"We do so much for the community that is overlooked. We also have the Adopt-a-Lot program on Highway 12, and we clean the highway three times a semester."

Greek organizations, such as Phi Sigma Epsilon, hosted the annual Midnight Madness, an event that showcases the beginning of the men's, women's and wheelchair basketball teams.

Pi Omega Pi is a national society for business education majors. The club recently celebrated it 75th anniversary after years of service and helping students become educators in business.

Alpha Kappa Psi is a co-ed professional business fraternity. It became an official chapter on campus in 2005.

Although some students participate in a Greek chapter to engage in partying, there are other benefits in joining.

"I believe there are many benefits to being in a fraternity," Daniels said. "However, there are two that stand out to me more than anything: networking and brotherhood. There are so many brothers with great careers who are looking to give back in some way."

Despite the benefits, it is tough to keep grades up while in a fraternity or sorority. The average grade point average of students in fraternities and sororities is 2.33. The average G.P.A. for non-Greek students is 2.815. UW-Whitewater athletes have a higher average, at 3.08.

Although each individual chapter is unique in its composition and ideals, becoming a member opens up a world of possibilities, friendships and experiences. Being involved creates social opportunities, lifelong friendships and an appreciation for community service.

This article was provided by: Royal Purple
Written by: Cherome Owens