Does Sorority Matter in 2024? The Case for Sorority

WRITTEN BY TRI DELTA

You’re out with new friends, you strike up a conversation with the women around you and discover they’re also sorority women. Instantly, a connection is made. No need for introductions; the shared identity sparks laughter, story-swapping and experiences being compared. It’s not just a chat; it’s a unique moment, a bond exclusive to those who are Panhellenic members.

But are sororities still relevant in 2024? 

Ask anyone unfamiliar with the Greek system and they’ll tell you belonging to a sorority or fraternity is akin to buying your friends. Open any publication and you’ll find a negative article depicting Greek life as an example of poor behavior, partying, hazing or worse. Why is it so difficult to convey the Greek experience to those who are not part of it? Why does membership seem so different from its reality to others? How do we communicate the need and relevancy of membership? 

Perhaps the answer comes in sharing what these organizations are doing right.

According to a Gallup poll commissioned by two advocacy organizations, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), fraternity and sorority members are more likely to form relationships with mentors and professors and engage in internships relevant to their college classes. In addition, over half of fraternity and sorority alumni secured a job immediately after or within two months of graduating, compared to only 36% of unaffiliated graduates. Greek alumni report feeling more engaged in their current jobs and more satisfied with their lives. 

Mandy Chick, Rose-Hulman, student, race car driver and Tri Delta member featured on the esteemed 33 Under 33, attributes much of her success—on and off the track—to Tri Delta. She credits her sorority for connecting her with valuable internships, particularly at General Motors. Mandy’s chapter sisters are her biggest fans, consistently cheering for her and providing unwavering support. Leadership skills gained, strengthened and honed by being her collegiate chapter’s president are also part of what has set Mandy up for a successful future. 

The results of the Gallup survey also underscore strong connections between fraternity and sorority membership and feelings of preparation for life after college.

Today’s college students, grappling with increasing isolation and loneliness, are actively searching for meaningful connections. A striking 75% report mental distress, with 40% seeking counseling. While sorority women face similar challenges, they express feeling more connected to their peers and are open to discussing mental health with a sister.


80% of sorority women feel supported by their sisters both personally and regarding their health and wellness.

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Sororities provide many opportunities for members to stay involved for a lifetime and give back to the organizations that have been so influential in their lives. Sorority women tell us that joining their local alumnae chapter helps them stay connected and involved while building upon the bonds and community they found in their sorority. The benefits of joining alumnae chapters including making connections in a new city or town, job searching and networking, engagement with the local college chapter and fun and engaging sisterhood activities and events. Katerina Simunkova agrees.

An old Tri Delta advisor encouraged her to check out her local alumnae chapter. “Here I am, eight years later, and the women I met at that first event are now my best friends. My sisters. We’ve gone on trips to Europe together, been to each other’s weddings, and attended baby showers. They’ve helped me look at houses, make important life decisions, and move across the country”. She adds that it was less scary moving across the country because she immediately reached out to the alumnae chapter and was immediately welcomed into the group. “Tri Delta is what you make of it. I’m glad I embraced it because it has made my life indescribably better”.

By participating in philanthropic activities, members build empathy and compassion. They experience personal growth and character development while also learning valuable leadership and organizational skills. It often takes many members to successfully pull off a single fundraising effort, so members learn how to work together, communicate with each other and give back.

Philanthropy involvement spreads to local and national organizations. Sorority members provide invaluable support to organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation, Girl Scouts of America and Susan G. Koman, just to name a few. 

In June 2024, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital made a historic announcement that in 25 years of partnership, Tri Delta has raised $100 million for the families of St. Jude! Tri Delta is the first non-profit partner to raise $100 million for St. Jude and the fifth corporate partner to achieve this milestone. Tri Delta joins the ranks of Dominos, Best Buy, Chilis and Signet Jewelers in this $100 million partner category.

Dr. Bill Hardgrave, president of the University of Memphis, shared in his keynote at the Fraternity Communications Association 2024 Annual Conference that three factors—living on campus, making friends and joining an affinity group—all contribute to student retention in a time when college enrollment is shrinking. All three factors are obtained through Greek life, making our organizations vital partners with their university and college communities. 

To many, stereotypical comments about Greek life observed only from movies and the news can be difficult to hear and equally difficult to defend—but let the research speak for itself. Members reap rewards from their affiliations, more likely to have friends outside of the classroom, participate in extracurricular activities, gain valuable job experience and feel satisfied with their overall college experiences. And after college, the benefits continue. A majority of affiliated alumni are thriving in various aspects of their wellbeing, with 62% feeling positive about their career wellbeing, 66% in community wellbeing, 51% in financial wellbeing, 53% in physical wellbeing and 62% in social wellbeing.


While the negative aspects and criticisms surrounding Greek life may persist, it is evident from research and findings that for those who diligently strive to harness the positive aspects, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Sorority members excel academically, develop strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate higher rates of lifelong civic engagement compared to their non-affiliated peers. Furthermore, the lifelong friendships and sense of belonging fostered within Greek communities are invaluable assets that contribute to overall well-being long after graduation. While acknowledging the challenges, it’s imperative to recognize and celebrate the positive impact that Greek life can have on individuals, campus life and society as a whole. 

The value of sororities as a space available for women to grow, explore and support each other in the world is important now more than ever. Sororities provide the ultimate affinity space where women can feel safe to develop leadership skills, become strong and confident, and build lifelong sisterhood.

When asked, sorority members echo the multitude of benefits sorority provides from professional successes and leadership experience to philanthropic engagement, assistance with their careers and fun through their local alumnae chapter. Some members have zig-zagged their ways through adult life, but they always find their way back to the sorority, constantly reminded of their sorority values that have always been a guiding compass in their lives. More importantly, these women credit their membership in their organization as the driving force behind it.

TRI DELTA
Thank you to Tri Delta for providing this article. Visit the Tri Delta website to learn more about the organization.
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