Update (Sept. 10, 11:05 a.m.)

Emerson fraternities may not be as popular at Emerson as they are at state schools, but they still are able to support the community in immense ways.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

Consisting of 21 brothers, ΣΑΕ is an organization dedicated to loyalty within their brotherhood, as well as giving back to the community, according to President Sean Dever. After the fraternity was suspended in November 2014, ΣΑΕ is now returning to campus after appealing and receiving an early lift from their suspension. According to Dever, this means that the fraternity has had time to reflect and plan ahead for a better future for the fraternity. 

“We have a really strong foundation right now,” said the senior writing, literature, and publishing major. “And that is going to help us move forward and give back strongly to the community.”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s website defines the fraternity as one of the oldest and largest in the country. Their creed, entitled, “The True Gentleman,” defines how the brothers are to act and portray the fraternity. 

“I am always fifteen minutes early to everything,” Dever said about these honorable teachings. “In ΣΑΕ, if you are not fifteen minutes early, you are not on time, and this helps give us a leg up in the professional world.”  

The brothers in ΣΑΕ are going to be giving back to the community a lot this year, as they already have numerous community service events planned. Their first event is a walk to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in October.

Zeta Phi Eta (ΖΦΗ)

Zeta Phi Eta is a co-ed fraternity focusing on communicative arts and sciences. President, Brianne Kowalski said her fraternity focuses on strengthening ones’ professional skills for their fields.

“We use our own individual craft and skills to benefit and motivate each other to succeed,” said the senior theater education major.

The 35-member fraternity is looking for members that have a positive outlook for both their communities and their futures, according to Kowalski. This semester has big things in store for Zeta Pi Eta. The organization will be hosting three upcoming events, including a poetry slam at the end of October, and a night filled with paint lessons and food on Nov. 20, where the proceeds will be donated to a selected charity.

 Phi Alpha Tau (ΦΑΤ)

As the oldest communication arts fraternity in the nation, Phi Alpha Tau has much experience in leadership and professionalism to pass down to brothers.

“What we like to do is help our members excel professionally while still focusing on having a strong brotherly bond” said senior marketing communications major and Phi Alpha Tau President, Christopher Dobens. Phi Alpha Tau had many successful events last year, including the event Bartering Burritos, where Emersonians could trade clothing items for burritos.

“We ended up donating so items, and it ended up being a lot of fun,” Dobens said.

Dobens said that Phi Alpha Tau is looking for new brothers who have a lot of “drive” for their futures , and care for the people around them.

Alpha Pi Theta (ΑΠΘ) 

According to Emerson’s website, Alpha Pi Theta is a local social fraternity. To combat veteran and Alpha Pi Theta President, Shea Frasier, Alpha Pi Theta is a strong brotherhood that reminds him of the relationship he had between his fellow soldiers. 

“Our philanthropic events hold a special place in our hearts,” said the senior visual and media arts major. “Especially when we are able to raise a decent donation to children’s cancer funds and veteran organizations.” The fraternity will be celebrating their 70th anniversary in the spring, according to Emerson’s website, and is also now the sole local social fraternity on campus. Because of this, Frasier is excited to see an increase in brothers this year. 

“Anyone that is interested in rushing for Alpha Pi Theta is more than welcome to do so,” said Frasier. “We simply ask that you come to us with an open mind and heart, and we shall do the same.” 

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) 

Recognized as a petitioning group, or group petitioning to be a chapter, in January 2014, Alpha Phi Omega is the newest greek organization on campus. According to Emerson’s website, they are also the only co-ed community service fraternity on campus. To APO President, Ariana Colozzo, the fraternity is important because it teaches its members about leadership and connecting with others, as well as how to be an outstanding member of the community through service and giving back. 

“I think a lot of potential members are put off by the amount of work they think our service will take up,” said the senior writing literature publishing major, “but we’re really good with working with everyone’s schedules.”

Consisting of six brothers, APO is a fairly small fraternity, “but that just makes us closer,” said Colozzo. 

Last year, the group hosted a mental health week on campus that Colozzo said APO was really proud of. This year, the group hopes to help many different organizations, like Cradles to Crayons, which brings necessities to Boston children in need. They also hope to bring in more brothers who are just as passionate about serving others as they are. 

“We also want motivated people who want to improve their leadership skills,” said Colozzo. “We have lots of opportunities.”

Correction, Sept. 10 A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Zeta Phi Eta’s name as Zeta Phi Theta. 

Editor-in-Chief Claire Nobles, managing editor Hunter Harris, and deputy photo editor Evan Walsh, members of Greek Life, did not contribute to this report.