New fraternity and sorority members discuss overall Greek community

The audience listens to Lorrie Bossart at the Greek New Member Convocation in Bowman Hall last night. PHOTO BY LESLIE L. CUSANO | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: DKS Editors

Newly recruited members of fraternities and sororities engaged in a frank discussion with Greek alumni yesterday at Greek New Member Convocation.

The event, which took place in Bowman Hall and included an estimated 300 new members of Kent State’s 17 Greek organizations, aimed to promote a sense of cohesiveness among new Greek members, said Sarah Roman, a senior advertising major and Panhellenic Council new member programmer.

“Right now in their new member period, it’s been with their specific chapter,” Roman said. “This showcases the Greek community.”

The conversation ranged from drinking and hazing to friendships and reputations when new members learned what they can expect from Greek life. Leading the conversation was Lorrie and Steven Bossart, Greek members and Kent State alumni who are married.

“Are you a frat boy or a fraternity man?” said Lorrie, a member of Delta Gamma and 1991 Kent State alumna, during her lecture. “Are you a sorority chick or a sorority woman?”

The lecture turned in-depth when Lorrie took feedback from the new members, who divulged their impressions of each respective fraternity or sorority. Member opinions ranged from “polite” and “respectful” to “snobby” and “bad tempered.”

Both speakers hoped to offer the new members both an honest impression of Greek life and cautionary advice, and urged them to defy sorority and fraternity stereotypes.

“My intent isn’t to glorify what happens on other campuses,” said Steven, a member of Delta Chi and 1990 Kent State alumnus. “But if they don’t make good choices bad things can happen.”

Steven said that, most importantly, Greek life offers life-long memories and friendships to its members.

“So you bought your friends?” Steven said during his lecture. “If I did indeed buy my friends, it was the best money I ever spent.”

Contact news correspondent Jenna Staul at [email protected].