Why So Many Greek Letter Orgs?

Originally Posted by MysticCat

But I'd bet that when most of them were founded, their founders saw a niche or a need that they didn't think was being filled and they went for it.

Maybe it is a simple answer after all.

Source

From 1900-1905, however, enrollment at Syracuse doubled. This is what led Dr. Coddington to discuss the need for more organizations with Marguerite Shepard, class of 1905.

Another article from the Alpha Gam Quarterly speaks further of our Syracuse Triad and "Dr. Coddy":

It is not known how much, if any, of her experience in Alpha Phi Helen Dodge drew upon when she founded Gamma Phi Beta. Or how much or how little Professor Coddy carried from Alpha Phi to Alpha Gamma Delta. Or what portion of Professor Coddy's and Chancellor Haven's experience in Phi Nu Theta might have been incorporated into all three women's groups. The monogram pins are practically indistinguishable until you get your nose in her bosom. We can see that. They are all the superimposed Greek letters, which, by the way, distinguishes most fraternities founded in the East from those founded in the West or South, which generally have emblem badges. But just to be sure, next time you see a Gamma Phi Beta or an Alpha Phi, give a wink. We may all be sisters under the badge.