Two articles from The Murray State News (Murray, Kentucky) Year of the Greeks series.
First secret society celebrates Murray history
By: Phil Dishon
Issue date: 1/27/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
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When thinking of Greek life on campus, the stereotypes of toga parties and keggers quickly come to mind.
The sisters of Alpha Delta Pi, however, find community service projects and companionship far more entertaining and rewarding.
Joanie Balbach, junior from Louisville and president of Murray State's ADPi chapter, said the sorority was formed nationally May 15, 1851, as the first sorority for women. Nearly a century later, the Murray State chapter was formed, she said.
"We came to Murray State on Feb. 10 in 1968," Balbach said. "From then, we have grown and expanded into the chapter we are today."
The sorority sports a membership of 75 sisters. She said sorority membership is based on several important guidelines that govern the membership of other campus sororities, too.
~and
Fraternity focuses on brotherhood, community
By: Janet Robb
Issue date: 1/27/06 Section: Lifestyles
The Murray State News
~excerpt
Alpha Gamma Rho has the best of both worlds - a fraternal bond and professional interests.
"We're both a social and professional fraternity," said Justin Mason, AGR president. "It's very strong for agriculture students because 75 percent of members are (agriculture) majors."
AGR established a colony in 1959, and Mason, junior from Henderson, said its charter was passed in 1968. Since then, AGR members have remained focused on the fraternity and community involvement.
"They're involved a lot through organizations on campus, and (we) have quite a few leadership roles in those organizations," Mason said. "We're really strong in the (agriculture) department."
Even though the fraternity members involve themselves in numerous organizations, he said they still have to fight against stereotypes dealing with Greeks.