Fraternity/sorority life at Lynchburg College has been in existence since 1992; however, the American college fraternity system is as old as the U.S. with roots stretching back to the founding of Phi Beta Kappa in 1776. Today, there are more fraternity and sorority chapters than ever before with approximately 7,500 in operation. The more than 400,000 undergraduate members who maintain these chapters will eventually join the five million fraternity and sorority alumni around the world.
Currently, there are eleven chapters at Lynchburg College. The five fraternities include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. The six sororities are Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Delta, and Sigma Sigma Sigma.
Scholarship
Fraternity/sorority life supports Lynchburg College's mission of providing a quality education by placing top priority on academics. Each chapter has a scholarship chair who provides programs and support for members. Each governing council recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals and chapters in the area of scholarship. Greek leaders are committed to their education as reflected by the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement to become a member. Several chapters have set higher GPA requirements for membership.
Brotherhood and Sisterhood
Loyal and trusting companionship is one of the founding principles of fraternities and sororities. Greek brothers and sisters share a bond through their chapter rituals and pride themselves on their diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Diversity builds strength and character as it brings members closer together in an effort to embrace each other’s ideals and to learn more about one another. Shared experiences enable members to develop close relationships with each other that serve as supportive friendships for life.
Leadership
Simple facts best explain leadership potential beyond the Greek college experience: 76 percent of all congressmen and senators of the United States, one hundred of the one hundred fifty-eight cabinet members (since 1900), all but two of the United States presidents (since fraternities began in 1825), and forty-three of the fifty largest corporations are led by a fraternity or sorority member.
Fraternity/sorority leaders at Lynchburg College are exposed to a variety of leadership positions within their organizations. Fraternity/sorority leaders are involved with key organizations on campus such as Residence Life, SGA, and Student Activities Board. Members have the opportunity to learn more about themselves and to develop personally in a variety of areas. Leadership skills are learned through working with individual members, committees, college administration, faculty, and staff.
Service
Service opportunities that allow chapters to work together have been a longstanding tradition of the College. Each chapter conducts its own charity fund-raisers, as well as numerous community service projects each semester. Working together on such projects not only benefits worthy causes, but also fosters personal growth and greater unity among chapter members. Recently, fraternity/sorority members at Lynchburg College contributed to the following Community Services:
- Academy of Music
- Adopt-a-School
- Adopt-a-Spot
- American Red Cross Blood Drive
- Battered Women’s Shelter
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Special Olympics
- Camp VA Jaycee
- Child Abuse Prevention Center
- Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
- Craig Springs Camp
- Crisis Line
- Crop Walk for Hunger
- Habitat for Humanity
- MS Telethon/Walk-A-Thon
- Rape Companions
- Relay for Life
In one year, fraternities and sororities contributed 7,165 volunteer hours or 58 percent of LC's total.
Social
Fraternities and sororities provide the opportunity for social development through social activities that help to develop qualities of exemplary manners, confidence, personality, and public speaking skills. Fraternity/sorority life greatly enhances the college experience by providing companionship, brotherhood/sisterhood, and member development opportunities.
We hope that the information provided here is helpful. If you need more information, please feel free to contact us:
The Office of Student Activities
Hundley Hall
1501 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
434/544-8254 Office
434/544-8548 Fax
Or E-Mail Us With Your Questions and Comments!