Dear New Students and Families,

As I begin my fifth year as president some of the most enjoyable moments I’ve spent thus far have been meeting with students in our Greek Life chapters. In every instance I have been impressed with their love of Southwestern University, their genuine commitment to Greek life, and the leadership they have consistently displayed.

Greek Life has long been part of the student experience at Southwestern University. The Xi Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order, our first fraternity, was established on campus November 28, 1883, just a decade after the University was established in Georgetown. This also marked the first KA chapter west of the Mississippi River. The Lambda Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was founded at Southwestern University on May 31, 1906, making it the twelfth Zeta Tau Alpha chapter nationwide.

In fact, many of our fraternities and sororities hold single-letter designations, emblematic of the first local chapters in their respective national organizations’ storied annals. For over 140 years, these organizations have continued to produce some of Southwestern’s best students. Our data tells us that students involved in the Greek Life system at Southwestern have impressive GPAs and high graduation rates. SU Greek alumni go on to become pillars of their home communities and remain involved with Southwestern long after graduation. They volunteer as chapter advisors, and they are represented on our Alumni Council, Board of Visitors, and Board of Trustees.

Fraternity and sorority members currently constitute 30% of our student body. Today, Southwestern is home to six national sororities and four national fraternities, all of which are vital members of our campus community.

I hope you will please consider joining one of our Greek organizations this year. The Southwestern University Greek Life experience is unlike any I have seen in my travels around the nation. I think you will find that some of Southwestern’s finest students are involved in our sororities and fraternities and they are excited to welcome new students into their close-knit communities.

Sincerely,

Laura Skandera Trombley

President, Southwestern University