Grade: Junior
Studying: Political science and public law
Hometown: Shickley
Fraternity: Sigma Phi Epsilon
Position: Chapter president
Why did you join a UNK fraternity?
I joined after I met a SigEp member at an interview for the Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) on campus. He was president at the time, and recruited me that summer. I had a negative perception of Greek Life and he was able to change my perspective on what fraternal life is focused on, rather than media portrayal. He presented it as an opportunity to become a better man, and it has truly been all of that and more.
What’s the best part of Fraternity and Sorority Life?
For me, it’s being around such a great group of people who have similar intentions for their lives. My brothers are some of the most accomplished people I know, and they have pushed me and motivated me to always strive for more. Brotherhood sounds fake from the outside and yet after my FSL experience, I have a new family. I came into FSL expecting to have more leadership opportunities, and while I did have that, I’ll leave FSL with people who will be a part of my life for years to come.
How has Fraternity and Sorority Life impacted your college career?
The FSL community is one of the most involved demographics on campus. I’m part of the American Democracy Project, Honors Program, Thompson Scholars, KLOP and Undergraduate Research Fellows. I work with fellow FSL members in each of these organizations, and most of the time, these fellow FSL members are in leadership positions alongside me. If I wasn’t a part of FSL, I know that I would not be as involved as I have been on this campus, which in turn has generated greater career opportunities following graduation. I know it has impacted my life trajectory immeasurably.
Why should incoming students get involved with Fraternity and Sorority Life?
If you’re coming to UNK for a quality education and to set yourself up for success after graduation, then there’s no better way to surround yourself with like-minded people. I would argue that no other community on campus can offer the opportunities that FSL does. When you step into a job interview after graduation and you’re able to talk about how you ran marketing for a philanthropy, talked to dozens of local businesses and raised thousands for a charity, that is something that will set you apart from other candidates.
DID YOU KNOW?
- About 600 UNK students are members of a fraternity or sorority
- These students complete around 20,000 to 25,000 community service hours annually and raise thousands of dollars for charities
- For the fall 2021 semester, UNK fraternity and sorority members recorded an average GPA of 3.35
- Compared to the overall student population, fraternity and sorority members are more likely to finish their degree at UNK and support the university as alumni
