When people think of sororities often cheesy college comedy movies come to mind with outdated stereotypes. Here at NMU social fraternities and sororities are groups of students committed to philanthropy and getting themselves and others involved in the community.
Alpha Gamma Delta is one of the women’s fraternities available on campus. Fraternity is not only used for men’s organizations, it simply means a feeling or friendship within a group. Junior Speech Language and Hearing Sciences major Chantel LaBlonde has been the president since the beginning of last semester.
“Greek life at NMU is nothing compared to other campuses, so this will definitely not be like in the movies,” LaBlonde said. “There are a lot of casual conversations, fun activities and friendships being fostered. It’s a great way to meet some people and do some fun activities even if you don’t decide Greek life is for you.”
Formal recruitment takes place the week of Sept. 9 and is held by all the social sororities on campus so those looking to join an organization can familiarize themselves with the different personalities and choose the best one for them.
“Joining any organization is a great way to get yourself out there and meet lots of new people,” LaBlonde said. “Greek organizations specifically provide leadership opportunities, scholarship benefits and guidance, volunteer and philanthropic work, networking, sisterhood events and lifelong friendships.”
Like others involved in the Greek scene on campus, LaBlonde has had the opportunity to volunteer at many events with her fraternity on campus and in the community.
“The most rewarding experience that I have had through an Alpha Gamma Delta Philanthropy would be volunteering at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans,” Chantel LaBlonde said.
Some of the other popular events fraternity members have been involved in in the past include Make a Difference Day on campus, the UP 200 Sled Dog race as crowd control, food and pop can drives and many more.
“It is such an amazing feeling to make someone else’s day brighter and that is what the members of Alpha Gamma Delta did that day,” LaBlonde said. “It was an amazing feeling to be able to come together and make a difference.”
Joining a social sorority can provide an array of opportunities for students looking to integrate themselves into the campus community.
“Alpha Gamma Delta has taught me to be a leader, gain confidence, build long lasting relationships, and take action on things that I am passionate about,” LaBlonde. “This organization has provided me with a new family and exposed me to a whole new network of people.”
During her time with Alpha Gamma Delta LaBlonde has held more than three positions in the sorority and attended a Collegiate Officers Academy in Indianapolis with four other sisters. There are three social sororities and three social fraternities at NMU to choose from all with their own traditions.
“I choose Alpha Gamma Delta because I was drawn to how much the members cared about the chapter and each other,” LaBlonde said. “I was surrounded by a driven group of women that were so ready to welcome me into their lives. They showed me how it impacted them and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of. Alpha Gamma Delta is all about becoming your best self and taking action to impact the world around us. We ‘live with purpose.’”
The Zeta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta was established at NMU in 1989. They are among many other chapters spread across universities in the United States and Canada.
“We had quite a few amazing women graduate recently so our numbers are lower than we typically have but we are excited to welcome many new members this fall and continue to grow,” LaBlonde said.
