Help Diversify Your Greek Life With MGC

HELP DIVERSIFY YOUR GREEK LIFE WITH THE MGC

BY BIANCA ALVAREZ

We all know Greek life on campus is a big thing for most students to take part in. Most people associate Greek life as your stereotypical Brad and Chad college image — which is often affiliated with the Interfraternity Council for men-only fraternities and the Panhellenic Council for female-only sororities.

Many universities nationwide offer students the chance to join these councils which hold a variety of fraternity and sorority chapters. While we may only see this stereotypical lifestyle in movies and on TV, there are many more councils offered to college students at numerous campuses, and Penn State is one of them. These councils include the National Pan-Hellenic Council as well as the Multicultural Greek Council.

The Multicultural Greek Council, commonly referred to as the MGC, is “the governing body for culturally-based fraternity and sorority chapters,” according to Penn State Student Affairs.

“Having an MGC on campus brings about cultural diversity to the campus, and this, in my opinion, enriches the educational experience,” Sriram Iyengar, treasurer and social chair of Delta Sigma Iota, says. “I honestly think that MGC is critical to making Greek life more relatable and approachable to a lot of students, especially those coming from minority groups and also international students.”

The MGC currently offers four sororities and four fraternities for various cultural groups. These fraternities and sororities offer a home to the Latinx, Asian and South Asian students and their communities.

CHALLENGES

For many students, finding their place on campus can be daunting. With the help of clubs and organizations, many are able to connect with those similar to themselves — and that’s exactly what the MGC provides.

“MGC provided a home at Penn State where I can immerse myself in my culture and not be afraid to express myself anyway I could,” President of the MGC, Eduardo Melendez says. “I guarantee that many of MGCs members have had similar experiences or agree with the fact that MGC is a home away from home.”

With small numbers, members within chapters are able to form close-knit groups emphasizing one of the main key components of Greek life: sisterhood and brotherhood.

However, with small numbers come big responsibilities — things your typical Greek life wouldn’t necessarily deal with.

Silvia Barboza, vice president and secretary of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, explained that oftentimes, members within each Greek council share a variety of executive roles to help one another and take on tasks to keep each thriving. Many students are unaware of the opportunity to join cultural clubs. With a lack of recognition, these chapters face misconception of what these multicultural Greek chapters have to offer. “A big thing I’ve noticed, especially if I wear my letters out or to class is that people still have that stigma about what mainstream fraternities and sororities are and what they entail,” Brian Paspuel, president of the Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated says. “It’s different for us, we are more than just that. We have these goals, we have to meet every single day, and we need to be that voice and that leader for the community.”

IMPACT

Culture. Culture. Culture. Penn State being a predominantly white institution (PWI) often lacks what many would call “flavor.” If you’re on TikTok, you might’ve heard the viral audio “Where’s the flavor?” Well, these MGC chapters are bringing that to campus.

“It was a culture shock coming from a diverse area in New York to Penn State. It was relieving to see that there are organizations and others that felt the exact same way I felt coming in,” Jahnia Marimon, recruitment and retention chair for Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated says. “This not only gives you a safe haven but also gives you a platform … It gives you a voice because it is easy to get lost at a PWI.”

For some students, conformity and a lack of identity are struggles one may face, especially at an institution where the student body may seem and feel very homogenous.

“Coming from a predominantly caucasian town and high school, Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. and MGC, to a greater degree, helped me reconnect with my culture and more,” Akash Samad, vice president of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc. says. “I found people who liked similar things and related to the “lostness” I felt coming to Penn State. It’s safe to say that feeling is far gone, and I have fully embraced my cultural identity.”

While members of these chapters see the benefit their involvement has within their fraternity or sorority, the opportunity to continue growing on campus has also increased. Opening the door, student involvement within the MGC and their affiliated chapters has led to other opportunities on campus including executive roles in the Latino Caucus and other cultural organizations.

Following a member’s time on campus, these Greek chapters continue to provide for their members, whether it’s networking or retaining the sisterhood or brotherhood aspect.

While Greek life might not be for all, it’s important to recognize how beneficial it can be to others and how inclusive it can be regardless of the council or chapter you wish to join.

“My message to Penn State students is to never stop learning and to keep an open mind,” Melendez says. “These multicultural organizations may give someone a perspective that they never thought about. This allows that individual to be more appreciative and compassionate towards someone. If students are looking for organizations that align with their values, then I would encourage them to research these clubs at Penn State. Getting involved in college surely makes the college experience worthwhile, and if you join the right club, you will have opportunities given to you and perhaps even make lifelong friends.”