Courtney Cooper Contributing Writer

Today marks the conclusion of the five-day sorority recruitment process, signaling the beginning of a lifetime of greek affiliation for over eight hundred young women. But in the rush to get to this point, did they stop to wonder what they might be getting themselves into?

Beware new members: Greek life at the University of Arizona is often subject to intense criticism on campus. This is nothing new ÷ the greek system has been under attack since its conception in 1750. The truth is that greeks are easy targets. For years, sorority women have been written off as airheads with no goal more pressing than matching their pedicure to the color of their Rocket Dogs, fraternity men as conformists only able to find their way to the gym and to bars and back, and both groups as lazy students with little ambition beyond finding a good party.

Yes, perpetually negative stereotypes have plagued the greek system for decades. The poor image of the greek community won't improve by continuing to permit these generalizations to exist. Perhaps it is time to finally call a truce between the community and its critics.

The UA greek system is not the all-white, rich, elitist club it has often been made out to be, but rather a community that stresses the importance of shared values ÷ scholarship and service ÷ that help students prepare to become responsible members of the community. These organizations produce graduates who become assets to the society in which we live. In addition to many of our key administrators and faculty, notables such as Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor; Dr. Seuss; Aretha Franklin; Katie Couric; Rosa Parks; Nelson Mandela and the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, share the common thread of being greek alumni.

Involvement in such an institution shapes who you are and helps to . . . provide leadership opportunities and role models to emulate.

Greeks comprise 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives, 76 percent of U.S. Congressmen, all but two U.S. Presidents and two Vice Presidents since 1825, 85 percent of U.S. Supreme Court Justices since 1910, 63 percent of U.S. Presidential cabinet members since 1900 and 76 percent of UA honorary members. Furthermore, they hold the majority of leadership positions on campus. Over 10 percent of UA greeks have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, compared to 7 percent of the general student population, and fraternity and sorority members graduate from college at a higher rate than non-members. Annually, greeks on campus raise over $50,000 and donate over 18,000 hours of community service to benefit both local and national organizations.

Today, greeks should at the very least be respected for their commendable commitment to community service, involvement in campus events and spirit.

Most portrayals of the greek system are unduly critical, yet not all the negative attention is unwarranted. Controversy abounds over hazing, underage drinking and inter-fraternal fighting. Though serious allegations, these issues are not confined solely to greeks and shouldn't be considered defining characteristics of the greek system.

Contrary to what many believe, the purpose of the greek system is not to promote underage drinking or to provide instant friends, but instead to unite young people nationwide in a supportive student and alumni community. Involvement in such an institution shapes who you are and helps to improve communication, to provide leadership opportunities and role models to emulate, to promote organizational habits, to foster time management skills and to build self esteem, all while enriching the college experience.

In addition, any Greek organizations such as GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol), ANGLE (Advocates for National Greek Leadership and Education) and the Greek Judicial Board are dedicated specifically to educating and developing students on campus and to enforcing the UA Code of Conduct.

Since 1915, Greek Life has been a valuable part of campus life and has also kept this university alive, active and exciting ÷ not just for greeks, but for other students and alumni as well. Homecoming, Spring Fling and Family Weekend thrive because of greek activity. It is essential to maintain the integrity of greek chapters on campus so that students and chapter members may benefit from the leadership opportunities and life experiences they have the chance to gain as a result of being a part of them. To help maintain the integrity of the system, greeks must take action to debunk their negative image. That is the only way that the potential such an association is intrinsically capable of can be achieved.

As this uphill battle persists, UA greeks need to continually strive to challenge themselves to find new ways to be useful and positive additions to both the greek and campus communities. Though under intense scrutiny, we must continue to struggle collectively, as dedicated and involved individuals, toward the perfect balance of supporting fellow students and giving back to the university and the community, all while having a hell of a time.

To all new greeks: Wear your letters proud, but make us proud to have you as a part of the greek community.

Courtney Cooper is a political science senior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.