Getting to know the seven Greek fraternities on campus

Greek fraternities at Nicholls State University contribute to the community in different ways while all standing for brotherhood.

Whether you’re involved in Greek life or not, there is much more to each fraternity than meets the eye. This list explains each fraternity’s philanthropy and what they look for in their brothers.

Alpha Phi Alpha

Alpha Phi Alpha was brought to Nicholls State University on March 22, 1975. It was the first African American fraternity on campus. They seek to develop leaders by promoting brotherhood and academics, while providing service and advocacy for their communities. Their national philanthropy is the March of Dimes, which funds lifesaving research to end premature birth, birth defects, and infant morality. Their motto is “First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all.”

Kappa Alpha Order

Kappa Alpha Order was brought to Nicholls on Feb. 19, 1977. KA has one of the highest GPAs on campus and they look for “Southern Gentlemen” who want to be successful.

“We are one of the smaller ones on campus. We stress quality over quantity,” Brennan Dugas, business administration sophomore from Ama, said.

KA’s national philanthropy is the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Each year, they have the Muscular Dystrophy Association walk where members of KA interact with children who suffer from muscular dystrophy. According to the Mayo Clinic, muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Kappa Sigma

Kappa Sigma was brought to Nicholls State University on April 28, 2007. Kappa Sigma’s national philanthropy is the Military Heroes Campaign. According to Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the campaign helps military veterans and families throughout the U.S. and Canada. Locally, Kappa Sigma participates in Relay for Life, which benefits all cancer research, and Race for a Cure, which benefits breast cancer research. They raise money by cooking and selling various foods. All the proceeds go towards Relay for Life and Race for a Cure.

“We don’t look for a specific guy,” Ian Shows, mass communications senior from Houma, said. “We want someone who is not afraid to be a leader or be a backbone member.”

Omega Psi Phi

Omega Psi Phi came to Nicholls in the fall of 1978 and was the second African American Greek organization.  Their chapter name is Omega Kappa and their motto is “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” They look for members who want to come in and uphold their cardinal principles that are “Manhood, Scholarship, Perserverance and Uplift.”

“We are men striving for a common goal and just want to be successful in our lives,” Michael Powell, marketing junior from Port Sulphur, said.

Phi Kappa Theta

Phi Kappa Theta was brought to Nicholls State University on April 22, 1967. They are the oldest Greek fraternity on Nicholls campus. PKT’s national philanthropy is Children’s Miracle Network and they have two big fundraising events every year. Not only do they help with their national philanthropy, but they also help in their community. Their members collect goods to help out the people in Baton Rouge.

“We want students to know that we are basically a whole new group of guys that are on an upswing and are working to better Phi Kappa Theta,” Taylor Tauzier, interdisciplinary studies senior from New Orleans, said.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Sigma Alpha Epsilon was brought to Nicholls on March 24, 2004. SAE’s national philanthropy is the Children’s Miracle Network. SAE’s donations go to the local children’s hospital in New Orleans. They host two philanthropy events each year: The Chili Bowl and Donut Dash. This year, the Chili Bowl’s profits will benefit the Upside Downs instead of the Children’s Miracle Network. Upside Downs is a new local philanthropy that helps provide support and assistance to families in the area who have children that suffer from Down syndrome. SAE looks for scholars, leaders, athletes and gentlemen in prospective members to contribute to the community.

“When we host a philanthropy event, it is not just Greek we want to get involved, we want anyone and everyone to come out and support,” BJ Gros, biology pre-medicine senior from Raceland, said.

Tau Kappa Epsilon

Tau Kappa Epsilon was brought to Nicholls on March 8, 1969. TKE’s national philanthropy is the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. One of the events they participate in is No Shave November, where members of the community and fellow students donate money to the TKE members who don’t shave throughout the month of November. All proceeds go to St. Jude. They strive to have a great brotherhood and they are very active not only on campus, but in the community.

“We are trying to get to a level in which we are recognized more and more on campus; We want to be great,” Gage Broussard, maritime management senior from Houston, Texas, said.
Although Nicholls State University offers many options for brotherhood, the choice cannot be taken lightly.

“Don’t join a fraternity just because of where your friends are going. Join where you feel you fit in,” Will Carothers, international business sophomore from Pierre Part, said. “This is what you are not only for four years, but for the rest of your life.”