Letters Today Leaders Tomorrow- Greeks on Campus

While only 1.9 percent of the Utah State University population belongs to a fraternity or sorority, 21.7 percent of the Associated Students of Utah State University are Greek. ASUSU is Utah State’s student government. ASUSU consists of an executive board, student senate and student traditions and activities board.

Erik Mikkelsen is president of both ASUSU and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Hannah Blackburn, ASUSU’s public relations chair is also a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Zach Larsen, programming chair is a Sigma Chi.

Blackburn says that has helped her with being on ASUSU. “I have the best people serve as my volunteers,” Blackburn said. “I can count on my Greek sisters to do what they say they will do. It’s helpful to have people I know will be there.”

Blackburn also said that Greeks are good ASUSU candidates because they have experience in leadership and programming through Greek life. Many Greeks volunteer at ASUSU events and hold some sort of position on an ASUSU committee, such as president, or an event volunteer.

“When it comes time for ASUSU elections, the Greek candidate has the most experience and knowledge of the position he or she is running for,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn said holding an elected or appointed position is a sort of internship. “Any skills, technical and leadership, can be directly applied into another leadership position on campus or my future career,” Blackburn said.

According to Michigan State's Collegiate Employment Research Institute, employers look for career-related work experiences, leadership experiences, and problem-solving skills rather than memorization of coursework.

Being a member of the Greek community can help build résumé’s by giving members experience in all of those things.

“Being Greek definitely helped get me to where I am,” Kylie Martinez said. Martinez is the Alpha Chi Omega president and ASUSU tradition’s director. “I’ve gained so much event planning experience and people skills being Greek and all of that helps me with my ASUSU position,” Martinez said.

Being involved on campus also helps Greeks give back to the campus that gave so much to them. “It’s motivated me to better myself in classes, and given me motivation for everything I do. It makes me want to be an active student rather than a passive student,” said Delta Sigma Phi member Conor Reese.