By Reshelle Bihasa, Guest Writer

Xavier University is in the process of starting Panhellenic Greek life, but there is already Greek life on campus. 

Unlike large universities with Greek life that are socially focused with a partying stigma, Xavier centers its Greek life foundation on connections, community, cultural diversity, business and leadership. 

Our university includes a distinct business fraternity known as Delta Sigma Pi, the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) consists of nine historically African American Greek organizations commonly known as the Divine Nine (D9).

Newswire sat down with members of these organizations to hear the impact Greek life has had on their life.

What makes DSP different from other business organizations on campus?

“DSP is the only business fraternity on campus, however, there are other clubs that focus on specific business majors and do different things. DSP is the only one where you have to rush and go through the recruitment process,”  Sophomore management and marketing, and Brother in Delta Sigma Pi, Abigail Judy said. 

How does the fraternity live out its mission and values day-to-day and what are those values?

“The four pillars of DSP, our brotherhood, professionalism, scholarship and service, so I’d say we live out those values by planning events catered towards these pillars. For example, we may further our brotherhood with a social event playing pickle ball or do a service project by picking up trash at a local park,” Judy said.

What is your favorite part of DSP or event?

“My favorite event is Rose Ball, which happens every spring semester and is one of the biggest DSP events of the year. It’s a great time to all come together and celebrate our accomplishments and for the brothers to let loose a little and have fun,” Judy said.

Furthermore, Olivia Ratliff, a senior nursing major, and present member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Psi Chapter at Xavier University, gladly shares her experience being in her sorority at Xavier University.

What is your sorority’s purpose and day-to-day values?

“The purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards. To promote unity and friendship among college women. To study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature. To maintain a progressive interest in college life. And to be of supreme service to ALL mankind,” Ratliff said.

What is your favorite thing about being in NPHC?

“My favorite thing about NPHC is having never ending support from like-minded individuals in the Divine 9 community. Sometimes, being a black student at a predominantly white university, it can be difficult finding a space where you feel you fit in and can be yourself. Having the opportunity to join Alpha Kappa Alpha and become a part of the Divine 9 introduced me to a whole new group of friends and mentors, many of which have now become family. I am grateful I have a network of like-minded individuals who look like me and have shared similar life experiences. It makes the transition to the real world much smoother when you have amazing sisters who are in your corner,” Ratliff said.

Why should other people join NPHC? 

“I always encourage people to thoroughly do their research before deciding to join an NPHC organization. Although organizations in the Divine 9 share many values they are each unique. You have to find where you would fit in best. Unlike Panhellenic or IFC organizations, NPHC orgs (the Divine 9) are sororities and fraternities rooted in sisterhood/brotherhood, service, and scholarship and they are life long commitments. It does not end after your undergraduate experience. This being said, that is also the beauty of it. You will have a network for a lifetime with individuals that will go out of their way to help you and get you connected with the right people. The divine 9 is a beautiful community to be apart of and I am so honored I had the opportunity to join” Ratliff said. 

Currently Xavier has not announced when they will introduce Panhellenic sororities and fraternities. Greek Life is a community on campus filled with students with different interests,  and perspectives.