When talking about sororities and their houses, the actress Reese Witherspoon pops up in memory in the role of Elle Woods in the popular comedy Legally Blonde. So, Losangeleska will tell about what kind of sororities and fraternities there are at the University of California and what their history is.
Chi Alpha Delta
It is the oldest Asian-American cultural sorority in the United States, registered at the University of California, Los Angeles. The sorority was founded in 1928 with the assistance of Helen Tomio Mizuhara and Alyce Asahi. On April 5, 1929, the sorority was recognized.
At the time of its establishment, the sorority had only 14 students, and a year later, it was recognized by UCLA. As of 2002, the number of members increased to 65 people. The goal of the sisterhood was to protect against racism and segregation so that all members could feel at home at the university. This purpose, principles and traditions have been passed down through generations.
The girls who are part of the sorority express their Asian-American identity through fashion, food and traditions.
It should be added that during the Second World War, the sorority was inactive because most members could not attend the institution. After the end of World War II, the sorority was reorganized in September 1946.
Sorority’s symbols and philanthropy
The official colors of this sorority are lavender and green. Lavender means gracefulness and green color represents thoughtfulness.
At the heart of the women’s club is the Center for Pacific Asian Family, a women’s shelter that helps women who have suffered domestic or sexual abuse.
The sorority has an official website that regularly updates information about the following events:
- information evenings
- public and secular evenings
- garden parties.
After graduating, sisterhood members say that they met not only friends for life but also future bridesmaids. Unforgettable memories will stay with UCLA graduates for the rest of their lives.
The sorority motto is “It is better to be than seem to be”.
Theta Kappa Phi
It is an Asian sorority founded exclusively at the University of California in Los Angeles. Allison Wu, president of the sorority in 2023, talked about her journey. For example, there were fears, just like other students, about not having friends. The sorority changed everything because the girl found sisters who became a real family.
From the moment of foundation
Theta Kappa Phi was founded on June 4, 1959. It is the first Asian sorority at the University of California and one of four members of the UCLA Asian Greek Council.
Therefore, this sorority appeared after World War II. The founder was Margaret O’Hara, who was awarded a Panhellenic Scholarship because she was mistaken for a girl of Irish descent. It did not discourage Margaret, as the girl gained the support of eight of the same ambitious students and continued to implement her views and desires.
Margaret O’Hara, enlisting the help of her friends, established a genuine sorority with important values.
The sisterhood purpose
Simple words that unite sisters are faith, love and trust. This is the heart and essence of Theta Kappa Phi sorority.
Sisterhood events include:
- big and little family dinners
- revelations potluck
- sisterhood retreat
- road trips to Las Vegas
- music festivals
- ski trip
- sleepovers
- date night
- movie nights
- boba runs.
One aspect of the sisterhood is community service, such as annual charity events on breast cancer awareness. Philanthropic efforts also involve beach clean-ups, Volunteer Day and fundraising for charitable purposes.
Omega Sigma Tau
There is also something to be said about the first Asian-American fraternity, which was founded in Los Angeles. It was established on March 10, 1966. Then the fraternity agreed on the following key principles: Brotherhood, Confidence, Diversity and Excellence.
Initially, three young men gathered together, found a group of like-minded people and headed a men’s community. The goal was to bridge differences, if any, club members sought to raise awareness by seeking recognition of their rights by the university as well as the Greek system.
Interestingly, public works are the main activity of the fraternity. They organize fundraising and participate in volunteering.
Lambda Phi Epsilon
On February 25, 1981, nineteen dedicated people, led by Master Craig Ishigo, established the fraternity at the University of California in Los Angeles. After nine years, the brotherhood already had 6 chapters. Then Lambda Phi Epsilon representatives met on campus for the annual National Convention. The event traditionally takes place on Memorial Day weekend.
In 1995, the fraternity became a California non-profit organization.
Striking events in the fraternity’s life
- In 1999, the Greek community for students was expanded
- On April 28, 2003, a cultural talent show was held, which became a huge hit. In addition, there were ballroom dances, loud cheers and singing. It was a kind of response to various talented student performers. In the same year, the brotherhood received active status as the Alpha Zeta chapter.
- In 2004, the fraternity managed to obtain international status and create a chapter at a higher educational institution in Toronto. It is the first Asian-interest fraternity founded in Canada.
- Another great moment of 2004 was the Chinatown street fair.
Interesting facts about sororities and fraternities
These are social organizations that mostly consist of undergraduate students. They are united by the same hobbies and interests. Here are interesting facts about such communities that are worth knowing.
- Typically, sororities and fraternities are same-sex organizations. Its members live in private houses, different from university dormitories. It is surprising that over 100 people can live in one such house.
- Organizations accept new members into their community through a hasty process and commitment. Recruits must attend public events, which is to pass probation.
- Membership is a lifetime commitment, so members of graduates’ families inherit it, receiving benefits upon enrollment.
- Sororities and fraternities are famous for their parties. However, this is a small part of life because it is also volunteering, public works, numerous assistance projects, fundraising and donations.
- Some sisterhoods and brotherhoods still practice illegal and outdated hazing rituals. Alarmingly, students affected by bullying do not consider it a harmless prank.
- A connection has been established between success in a fraternity and sorority and subsequent employment. For example, members of such organizations head the world’s largest corporations.
- Eighteen former presidents of the US are fraternity members. Thomas Jefferson, George W. Bush, George H. W. Bush, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and others top the ranking.
Thus, there are four Asian-American sororities and fraternities at the University of California, each with its own history and characteristics. They are not just sisters and brothers but young people who have become each other’s support and family.
