If you were told to name the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Greek life, what would you say? Is it brotherhood or sisterhood, merit or value, community or philanthropy? If not, then more than likely one of the unfortunate stereotypes has sewn itself into the face of what being Greek means. Perhaps red cups have become synonymous with the Greek community; and then, according to Zeta Phi Beta president, Claudette Rolling, "people are just getting an external view of the few, detrimental to the whole."Greek life on Kean is far more active than most of the student body may realize. Last year alone, Greeks on campus raised over $11,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - a research hospital dedicated to finding cures and saving the lives of children. This brings Kean's total to an outstanding +$45,000 within a five year span. The bulk of this contribution stems from the Up Til Dawn event held annually on campus. Kean University is also the very first campus in New Jersey to aid St. Jude's Hospital. In this upcoming school year, the goal for continued contribution has been aimed at $15,000, and with $600 already obtained from pure donation alone at the Meet the Greeks event, the outcome seems optimistic.

The Greek life contribution to St. Jude's is a model example of commitment and involvement, but by far is not the end to all the service put forth. For Alex Louis, advisor of Greek life on campus and assistant director of the center for leadership and service, one of the most memorable experiences to be involved in is the holiday party with the children of Summerset Hills. The best aspect of that visit, Louis says smiling, "is the joy on the kid's faces." The Greek life at Kean has been active with this annual visit for thirteen years.

The service is necessary, but also wholly rewarding to the Greek students involved. Scott Smith, president of Gamma Psi Epsilon, recalls the prolific progress made for young women at the Isaiah House - a non-profit agency for families and children facing rough times and homelessness. "It's nice to give back, because I know what these girls are going through," say Smith.

Zeta Phi Beta shares a similar attachment to the past service when they helped to feed the homeless at a Salvation Army in Elizabeth, NJ. For the celebration of past service and the confident succession of such deeds, the center for leadership and service's department of Greek life has changed their motto to the fitting "Caring for our Community - Educate. Impact. Involve."

There is no question that students involved in Greek life are now giving their all to contribute in ways that are admirable; but what support does their foundation have? The answer is strong and promising. This past Meet the Greeks event attracted some fraternities' and sororities' new member interests upwards to 50+. These are leaders of the Kean endeavor to aid a community in the making. If successful with their process, the new members of these organizations will posses the qualities that some Greek leaders say are essential for the future.

RJ Sobocinski, president of Nu Sigma Phi adds this:"Being Greek can have an immense impact on a college student's future. The primary skills you learn as a Greek are teamwork, leadership and communication. These three skills will help you dominate while you are a student; and their benefits will carry over into your post-college life where employers search for applicants whom possess these traits."

Vallerie Miller, President of Rho Theta Tau, agrees that the character of the individual grows through their process of becoming Greek, but also adds the importance of learning to create that unspoken connection. Miller says, "Becoming a sister allowed me to become a part something bigger than myself."

If the past has been any indication of Kean's Greek life capabilities, the future is more than promising. Should the next time you think of Greek life, may something positive come of that initial thought. Perhaps even, you may someday feel inspired to join the contributions. This one's for you Kean Greeks - wear those letters proudly.