Community, Family, and Service: Greek Life at Centenary University

Not many Centenary students are aware of our fast growing Greek life on campus. Sure, we may not have the biggest Greek life presence, but we know how to make our presence known. 

There are currently three sororities and two fraternities on campus: 

Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity (APD) 

Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc (DXN)

Omega Rho Fraternity (OR)

Theta Epsilon Nu Soroirty (OEN)

Each organization has a room on the third floor of the Ferry Building to call its own. In the same building, you can see assorted Greek letters on the windows and walls.

I reached out to each Greek Organization to ask some questions about Greek life:

What is your line name and why was it given to you? 

Erin Cooper, senior independent studies major and sister of ATP: My line name is Cattitude, and it was given to me by one of my sisters who said that I had a cat-like personality.  

John Polukort, sophomore social studies education major and brother of APD: My given line name is Pork. Everyone I know here on campus has been calling me that since day one, and I've had that nickname all the way back to sophomore year of high school.

Taylor Lavin, senior early childhood special education major and sister of DXN: My line name is Sparkles. I was given this name because I have a positive and energetic personality, and I try to bring light and encouragement to the people around me. I also feel that “Sparkles” represents my ability to stand out while still supporting the people around me. I try to bring positivity into everything I do, whether that is within my organization, school, or friendships.

Emma Coronel, senior animal health major and sister of ATP: My line name is Trailblazer. My big, Kayleigh Pitts, gave it to me because of the many roles and responsibilities I take on around campus. 

Amanda Lorenzo, senior criminal justice major and sister of DXN: My line name is Marvel and it was given to me because I like to help others!

Carlee Nigro, senior writing major with a minor in criminal justice, and sister of DXN: My line name is Espresso and it was given to me for multiple reasons. I am a big fan of Sabrina Carpenter who sings the hit song “Espresso” and I have an addiction to coffee, especially espresso. 

Shaina Hall, senior fashion major and sister of OEN: My line name is Crescendo which was given to me by my big. 

Jordan Henderson, senior animal health major and brother of OR: My line name is Prophet, and I was never informed of why I was given this name.

Jacoby Stewart, senior computer science major and brother of OR: My line name is Goliath. I was given this name because my brothers saw great promise in the presence I would develop as a leader on campus. It represents both strength and the responsibility that comes with having a role in influencing the community.

What made you want to join your organization?

Cooper: I joined with a few of my friends because I wanted to join a group who was dedicated to the community just as I was.

Polukort: The first thing I noticed with Alpha Phi Delta was that some of my close friends were in it. Also, as APD is an Italian heritage fraternity and I’m part of the Italian community myself, so it intrigued me.

Lavin: I wanted to join Delta Xi Nu because I was looking for a sense of sisterhood, friendship, and community. I wanted to be a part of something where I could build meaningful relationships with people who would support and encourage me while also giving me opportunities to grow as a person and a leader. Joining has allowed me to meet people who have become important to me and has given me opportunities to become more involved, take on responsibilities, and contribute to something bigger than myself.

Coronel: I decided to join ATP because I have always wanted to be part of Greek life. I always wanted to join a sorority that was more laid-back that still prioritized leadership and sisterhood. 

Lorenzo: When I was in high school, I wasn’t very involved. My high school had a huge bullying problem, so a lot of people flew under the radar there, including me. When I went to college, I wanted to start over and make a name for myself. As a freshman, I kept seeing sisters of DXN everywhere, and I admired how involved they were and wanted to be just like them. Upon learning more about the sorority, I liked DXN more and more. I felt connected to our symbol, since to me butterflies not only represent the sorority, but also represent my little sister who passed away. I felt that the butterfly spoke to me on a deep level, and that was a sign that it was meant to be.

Nigro: I joined DXN because I saw the sisterhood the girls all had and all of the service they do. I never expected to join a sorority at college and I never even knew Centenary had Greek life. However, once I saw what DXN was and what it stood for, I couldn’t pass the opportunity up. 

Hall: I thought the girls in my sorority at the time were cool and I liked what they did as a sorority. 

Henderson: I joined Omega Rho because I felt a sense of community within my line brothers. Everyone was welcoming and inviting with an undying motivation to serve their community and raise the hopes of the less fortunate.

Stewart: I joined my organization because I wanted to be involved with Stepping & Strolling. For me, Step & Stroll isn't some throwaway part of Greek life, but the essence. I've seen Greek life at different universities, and have seen what happens when the culture, history, growth, lessons, and grit behind these organizations become hollow. Without essence, meaning, and a sense of responsibility, Greek can easily be reduced in people's eyes to "edgy cliques," or drinking societies. Step & Stroll is one of the ways we carry forward identity, tradition, pride, and history.

What does Greek life mean to you?

Cooper: Greek life means having a community, family, and a network all in one. 

Polukort: Greek life to me means a unity of people under one family. I've been embraced with open arms by the older brothers from my fraternity—not even just from my chapter. It genuinely feels like a family, and that others have my back, and that I have everyone's back.

Lavin: Greek life means sisterhood, growth, leadership, and community to me. It is more than just being part of an organization or attending events. It means having people who support you, challenge you to become a better version of yourself, and celebrate your accomplishments. Greek life has also taught me the importance of giving back, being responsible for my actions, and being a positive example for others. Most importantly, it has given me a community where I can build lifelong friendships and create memories that I will carry with me beyond college.

Coronel: To me, Greek life means creating new friendships and memories. 

Lorenzo: To me, Greek life is like having a big family, and it also means having a lot of opportunities for growth. When I crossed into DXN, I immediately got connected with so many amazing women that I wouldn’t have met otherwise, including alumni and sisters from my and other chapters. I am so grateful to be welcomed into such a lovely and supportive organization. I have also gained a lot of skills and experience as a sister of DXN. I have met many people through volunteering. For a year, I led the Membership Process to cross two amazing lines. I continue to gain experience in marketing through running the social media; planning and hosting fun events; creating projects with my sorority in collaboration with others clubs, such as the Evergreen Club to help save an endangered species; creating a Pen Pal program for my sisters to connect in an easier and more fun way; and, as President of my sorority, I continue to gain skills every day on how to be a great leader. I have gained so many opportunities through being a sister of DXN, and I am lucky to have sisters who support me and help me to push for greatness.

Nigro: To me, Greek life is a family. Once I crossed, I knew that I gained a group of sisters that I knew would be in my life forever. I also feel a bond with the other sororities and fraternities on campus. We all know what it is to be in this type of organization and it connects us all. I have had a lot of ups and down in my life, and my sisters have been there for me through it all.

Hall: Greek life to me is family away from home. 

Henderson: Greek life is a collection of powerful and driven individuals who are not afraid to take on a spotlight or conduct good deeds in the dark.

Stewart: Greek life is a community of motivated individuals who strive to work together and who are meant to foster the culture, history, and community. Members should be mentors who encourage growth, especially within their own organizations. Greek life should not have to water itself down to appeal to everyone, but should never become a space built on ignorance, hostility, or violence either. There should be standards, expectations, and a purpose behind wearing our letters and representing our organizations.

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If you are interested in joining any of these Greek organizations, visit the Centenary University Greek Life Instagram page, @cu.igc.