Over the past month, each chapter on this campus has ventured through the trials and tribulations of recruitment. No one ever said it was easy to add another commitment to the thousand and one commitments that already sat on many of our plates, but all the effort has been worth it. At the end of recruitment the greek community welcomed 30 new women and a couple of hundred new men. I would like to welcome each and every one of these remarkable women and men who have chosen to join in the rich tradition of greek life on the Rensselaer campus that has existed for over 135 years. All of these individuals have joined the time-honored traditions of leadership, service, scholarship, and sisterhood/brotherhood.
Over the next few weeks, each new member will have a chance to get to know his or her house better. They should take advantage of this time to learn as much as they can about the chapter they have chosen and the people that have chosen them. You really do not truly understand what a greek organization is like until you take the opportunity to walk among its ranks.
As you take the time to become acquainted with your chapter you will realize the things that make your chapter unique and why the brothers and sisters love being a part of it. You will grow as an individual and become part of a greater whole.
I hope that each of you will take pride in your organization by wearing items of clothing which identify your house proudly and helping to promote greek life to all that still don’t understand it.
There are many people who don’t see the positives of "going greek." Unfortunately over the years greek life has received a bad reputation from many sources. This is why it is extremely important that every one of us, new and old members alike, make a conscious effort to demonstrate what greek life is really about.
Make sure to always show friendship and service to others and to each other above all else.
The time-honored tradition of greek life will enrich the college lives of many of you. Remember that these next few weeks and years will be bettered by your greek experience. I wish each of you the best of luck on your journey into greek life.
