Investing in Student Potential Through Greek Life at UNL

By Anika Keese

The fraternity and sorority community at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln represents 20% of the student body. Being involved in Greek life has many benefits, but like most things in life it also comes with a trade-off. Students must juggle participating in their Greek chapters, extracurriculars, their academic life and financial responsibilities.

Camryn Kelly, who serves as vice president of academic achievement for the Panhellenic Association Executive Council, has seen how students have been impacted when attempting to balance their lives in college.

“There’s a financial responsibility behind being a fraternity or sorority that adds an extra financial responsibility on top of tuition to a lot of members,” Kelly said.

For many students, juggling the cost of their chapter along with tuition costs can be stressful. Students are willing to make sacrifices to stay in their chapters because of the opportunities they are given through Greek life.

Liem Wills, a sophomore in Delta Gamma, is one student who has felt her life change dramatically since joining her chapter. Without this experience, she would not have had the college experience she had hoped for.

Through her involvement in the chapter, Wills has had the opportunity to take on leadership roles, which she deeply values. Above all, it has provided her with a platform that fosters her self-development.

“Through my chapter, I have had the opportunity to hold two positions: DG Dialogues and CARE chair,” Wills said. “Both roles involve addressing difficult topics and learning how to approach them thoughtfully … Delta Gamma does an exceptional job of finding roles that match each member’s strengths while offering both challenge and growth.”

Through the Fraternity and Sorority Education Fund, donors have helped alleviate the financial stress that may come with being a member of a chapter on campus. Every year, members are selected for academic scholarships and given that award at the Greek Gala.

In turn, students like Wills can be part of something they are proud of.

“There have been situations where students were going to have to drop out of their fraternity and sorority, and those scholarships have allowed them to stay in it,” Kelly said. “For some people, it’s the extra boost they need to stay in college.”

You can make a lasting impact on students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln by donating to the Fraternity and Sorority Education Fund today.