Michael Jordan, Bill Cosby, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dr. Seuss. Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Sheryl Crow, Kirstie Alley and Neil Armstrong. An interesting, diverse list of distinguished individuals who are all affiliated with a Greek organization.Studies have shown that Greeks hold several leadership positions throughout the United States from politics to business to entertainment. According to the Interfraternity Council, since 1825 all except two U.S. Presidents were Greek, and 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives belong to a Greek organization.

Stephen Hulbert, University president, said his affiliation with Lambda Chi Alpha has resulted in friendships throughout the country.

“Over my years as a university administrator, I have met Lambda Chi members and alums in education, business and government. On each occasion there has been an immediate connection,” Hulbert said. “There have always been positive and negative aspects of fraternity involvement, but for me clearly the greatest benefit has been in the life-long friendships that have resulted from that membership.”

Charles Caillouet, mayor of Thibodaux and Phi Kappa Theta alumnus, said being involved in Greek activities was a great networking opportunity for him and his fraternity brothers.

“Greek life is a great opportunity to meet people socially and professionally,” Caillouet said. “It is also a great aid to achieving academic success and provides great networking opportunities after you finish college.”

Caillouet said several of his fraternity brothers and friends he made with members of different fraternity members still live and work in the area. Several members of the bar when he began his political career were Phi Kappa Theta alumni.

Deborah Raziano said she has used her Greek experience in serving as the director of Alumni Affairs at Nicholls for 24 years and currently serving as Delta Zeta’s national president.

“From the time I pledged as a DZ to the time I graduated as a DZ, my membership in DZ has enhanced my career and only furthered my involvement as a Greek,” she said. “Being a Greek has only enhanced the leadership opportunities that were available to me.”

Former U.S. Representative Billy Tauzin Jr. (R-La.) is also a Nicholls Greek alumnus, who pledged Tau Kappa Epsilon.