Famous Greeks!

Babe Ruth, Frank Sinatra, Donald Trump, Brad Pitt, Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King, Jr.; Condoleezza Rice, Rosa Parks, Katie Couric, Kate Spade, Carrie Underwood.

Katie Couric, ΔΔΔ 

Carrie Underwood, ΣΣΣ 

What do all of these names have in common? Other than the fact that these men and women have each made a name for themselves in their respective fields, they have all pledged for Greek-lettered organizations.

76% of the U.S. senators, 71% of the men listed in Who’s Who in America, 85% of the Fortune 500 executives, 120 of the Forbes’ 500 CEOs, and 85% of the U.S. Supreme Court justices since 1910—all members of fraternities and sororities. If you think Greeks have a large presence in college, I think it suffices to say they also continue to dominate the real world outside of university.

Condoleezza Rice, AXΩ

I don’t know why, but when I first heard these statistics I was a little more than surprised. Maybe it’s because the Greek life stereotypes of partying, drinking and mayhem don’t exactly align with the ultra-poised persona of Condoleezza Rice, our national security advisor. When I think National Security Advisor I think prestige, power and control; “frat party” makes me think crazy, stupid, love.

Greeks have gained a reputation for being reckless and careless, yet somehow a large percentage of respectable men and women of today’s society have emerged from the very institution that inspired movies like Animal House, Accepted, and Revenge of the Nerds. Are Rosa Parks, MLK and Katie Couric mere exceptions to the larger Greek population that perpetuates the endless partying and booze? Or could it be that there is something about the Greek culture that evokes the leadership and confidence for Greek men and women to go on and become the forerunners of our society?

MLK, AΦA 

My opinion rests with the latter. One of the unique features of Greek life is that it places young adults into a world that, on a small scale, can be said to mimic real life. Pledging teaches new members the importance of collaboration and humility. The hierarchical system of pledges, actives, and cabinet members is much like the corporate ladder—everyone starts from the bottom and must earn their way to the top. Leadership positions within the Greek system require a large amount of responsibility and organizations; not only are chapter presidents constantly in contact with a myriad of university authorities, but they also must garner the patience to sit through the politics and dramatics that are inevitable within a group full of guys or girls.

Once initiated into the system, Greek members are bonded for life. This means that connections made in college will carry weight in the workforce; fellow members will undoubtedly preference their qualified “brothers” or “sisters” over a random applicant. Greek life builds a network of connections and support that continues well beyond college.

Fraternity and sorority culture has the ability to produce many determined, goal-oriented individuals, as evident in the numbers of influential Greeks that already exist. The traditions of the Greek system can definitely be geared toward shaping individuals into strong leaders of our society, but too often we focus our attention on the backdrop of booze and partying that can be attributed to any number of college-age students.

(Other notable men and women in the Greek system, if you’re curious.)