My Greek organization can help me save money? Sounds crazy, right? Sometimes it can seem like being in your organization is like  being in an unequal relationship: a lot of take and not so much give. Even though the benefits of Greek life are irreplaceable (lifelong friendships, leadership skills, and newfound self-confidence), it’s hard to remember all that when it’s time to pay dues.

However, there are a number of ways you can further use your Greek organization to your advantage. For example, there are a number of discounts out there that will give you more for your dollar. And no, I’m not just talking about Greek apparel and embroidery stores, I mean all sorts of financial benefits (Most of them extend to alumni too, so even if you graduated years ago you’re still eligible).

For example, Textbook Partners (http://textbookpartners.com/) is a company that sells textbooks at discounted prices to sorority and fraternity members and can even help you start fundraisers for your organization. If you’ve ever had to buy textbooks in school, then you know what it’s like to be robbed blind at the beginning of every semester. Why not save some cash and help your sorority or fraternity at the same time?

Also, don’t forget about scholarships! Most organizations have a special section on their websites especially dedicated to scholarships, grants, and other types of academic financial aid. But you can also seek out help not offered specifically through your organization. A good website to check out is: http://www.free-4u.com/fraterni.htm which has a number of non-affiliated scholarships every year for a certain amount of sororities and fraternities. Don’t forget that many individual chapters often have their own annual scholarships as well, so your alumni adviser is often your best resource. Your organization takes enough money from you every year, why not start trying to get some of it back?

Some of the most well-known men from acting, music, politics and business have come from fraternities. For some college men, it’s an ideal setting to be groomed and prepare for life on the other side of school, to create a network of contacts, create lifelong friendships, and find opportunities for career.
Here are several famous fraternity members and their houses:

Alpha Delta Gamma
• Babe Ruth – Athlete
• George Brett – Athlete
• Chuck Norris – Actor

Alpha Delta Phi
• Ben Stein – Actor

Alpha Epsilon Pi
• Wolf Blitzer – Journalist
• Jerry Lewis – Entertainer
• Paul Simon – Musician
• Mark Zuckerburg – Founder of Facebook

Alpha Gamma Rho
• J.C. Penney – Founder of retail store of same name

Alpha Kappa Lambda
• Chuck Woolery – Game Show Host

Alpha Phi Alpha
• Martin Luther King, Jr. – Activist
• Keenan Ivory Wayans – Entertainer
• Lionel Richie – Singer

Alpha Phi Delta
• Frank Sinatra – Singer
• Tony Danza – Actor

Alpha Phi Omega
• Bill Clinton – Former President


Alpha Sigma Phi
• Vincent Price – Actor
• Warren Buffet – Entrepreneur


Beta Theta Pi
• James Arness – Actor

Chi Phi
• Walter Cronkite – Journalist

Chi Psi
• Bill Belichick – NFL Coach

Delta Chi
• Ashton Kutcher – Actor
• Kevin Costner – Actor

Delta Kappa Epsilon
• George H. W. Bush – Former President
• George W. Bush – Former President
• J.P. Morgan – Entrepreneur
• Dick Clark – Entertainer


Delta Tau Delta
• Drew Carey – Entertainer
• Matthew McConaughey – Actor
• Will Ferrell – Actor


Delta Upsilon
• Tommy Hilfiger – Designer

Kappa Sigma
• Edward R. Murrow – Journalist
• Jimmy Buffett – Singer
• Robert Redford – Actor
• Ted Turner – Entrepreneur

Lambda Chi Alpha
• Benjamin Bratt – Actor
• Kenny Chesney – Singer
• Will Forte – Actor

Pi Kappa Alpha
• Colonel Sanders – Founder KFC
• Bobby Bowden – College Football Coach
• Tim McGraw – Singer
• Jeremy Piven – Actor

Phi Gamma Delta
• Jack Nicklaus – Professional Golfer
• Donald Trump – Entrepreneur
• Matthew Fox – Actor
• Johnny Carson – Entertainer

Phi Kappa Tau
• Paul Newman – Actor, Entrepreneur
• Bob Hope, Entertainer

Psi Upsilon
• Bud Wilkenson – College Football Coach

Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• David Spade – Actor
• Fred Savage – Actor
• Nick Lachey – Singer
• Troy Aikman – Former Pro Football Player

Sigma Chi
• Brad Pitt – Actor
• Andy Rooney – Journalist
• David Letterman – Entertainer
• Mike Ditka – Former Pro Football Player
• Tom Selleck – Actor
• Warren Beatty – Actor
• Matt Groening- Simpson’s Creator

Sigma Nu
• Eli Manning – Pro Football Player
• Paul Rudd – Actor

Sigma Phi Epsilon
• Dave Thomas – Founder of Wendy’s
• Dr. Seuss – Author
• James Naismith – Creator of Basketball

Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Elvis Presley – Singer
• Les Paul – Musician
• Willie Nelson – Singer
• Ronald Reagan – Former President

There are many reasons to go Greek, but here a few of the bigger highlights with advice from some of the top universities in the nation. The Top Five Reasons to go Greek:

1. Leadership

There are many opportunities for students of Greek organizations to become leaders. Leadership opportunities are also available in various other campus organizations and activities. Each year, members of Greek organizations are found among the campus leaders and officers in every phase of the University, including Student Government, academic honor societies, and various other organizations. Greek Life enables it members to learn how to live and work within a group environment. It can also help the members gain planning skills and teach you how to manage your time. The leadership knowledge and skills you gain through your experience will prove invaluable and rewarding during your college career and beyond.

2. Scholarship

The mission of the University is to provide a solid learning environment for its students, and Greek organizations provide a network of support to succeed academically. Serious scholarship and academic excellence are encouraged among all students. A variety of incentives and programs are designed to help all members reach their fullest potential. Dedicate yourself first to academics, as its academic rewards will ensure a more enjoyable college experience, as well as a successful future. Greek life is a commitment to scholarship excellence.

3. Community Service

Greek organizations  pride themselves on community service participation; it has been a corner stone of the Greek experience since its founding days. Philanthropy projects are events in which the Greek community as a whole or as individual chapters donates their time and efforts to raise money for a variety of worthwhile causes. Throughout the year, Greek organizations strive to strengthen the relationship with the community by increasing individual member involvement in local causes and events. Participation in such events provide meaningful learning experiences for all.

4. Brotherhood / Sisterhood
Brotherhood / Sisterhood is more than wearing Greek letters, attending meetings, and participating in activities. It is the joining of individuals in love and friendship, striving for similar goals that draw them together as one strong unit. It is the opportunity for you to meet new people and appreciate their individuality while sharing a common bond. You will learn many things about yourself and what it means to have shared lifetime commitments to the same values. Your brothers/sisters will be a part of your life for many years to come and will help you to create some wonderful memories throughout your college career and beyond. Each organization has something unique to offer, just as you have something unique to offer them.

5. Social
Social opportunities are another way for all organizations to come together and interact with others. Some of these activities include Retreats, Greek Week, athletic competitions, alumnae gatherings, mixers with other Greek organizations, step shows, and formals. By interacting with the Greek community, members gain friendships with people from other organizations. This creates a closer bond among the community and helps the organizations support one another’s events. Through these activities, Greek organizations fulfill their goal of bringing together a group of people to build their values, while enjoying the bonds of friendship.