News > April 17, 2008

By Jen Kimbal | Assistant news editor

A few university students are standing out by serving their community, and making others question exactly what is “typical” of Greek organizations. Negative stereotypes of fraternity members are prevalent not only in the media, but on college campuses across the country.

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Kappa Sigma Mitchell Buder, Kappa Alpha Pete Pryor, and Theta Chi Taylor Donner are just a few university Greeks who defy negative stereotypes about Greek life by serving their community. (Haowei Tong/Old Gold & Black)

Strong coverage of fraternity hazing and underage drinking perpetuate the idea that fraternities are dangerous institutions that encourage dangerous and illegal activities.

Fraternities have been referred to as “exclusive drinking clubs for privileged students”.

However, there are several fraternity members on the university’s campus that are defying these negative stereotypes. Three individuals in particular are using their fraternities as a platform for positive change both on campus and in the community.

Taylor Donner, a sophomore in Theta Chi, has worked with his fraternity and the Inter Fraternity Council to plan a campus-wide golf tournament to support the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund.

“I’m positive we can make the tournament a success with the help of the IFC and the brothers of our fraternity,” Donner said.

The tournament is planned for Oct. 4, but preparations have already begun.

“I spoke to the National Executive Director of Theta Chi and he’s going to be coming down for the tournament. We are also hoping to get Dr. Hatch involved,” Donner said.

Donner transferred to the university at the start of his sophomore year.

“I went around to several different fraternities but liked that Theta Chi was so well-rounded academically, socially and athletically,” Donner said. “I just kept getting more and more involved.”

Mitchell Buder, a junior Kappa Sigma, has invested ample time into planning the annual Mark Pruitt Run for the McKay Foundation.

“I am co-chairing this run. It was an event that our fraternity did in the ‘80s where members ran from the old Wake Forest campus to the current campus,” Buder said. The run is 120 miles and takes about 20 hours to complete. Fraternity members are divided into groups and each runs a “leg” of the route. “Everyone’s excited to do this, it’s a big thing,” Buder said.

Buder and co-chairs juniors Mark Harbaugh, Ryan Morrison and Mike Zapiec have sought out donations from local businesses, family, alumni and friends of the fraternity. This event is set to take place April 24.

Another event that Kappa Sigma sponsored was the St. Baldrick’s event, which was organized by junior TJ Groner. Ten brothers got their heads shaved to recognize the struggle individuals going through chemotherapy endure. As a chemistry major and member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and the pre-med honors society, Buder is able to relate his interest in medicine to his involvement in his fraternity. “It’s a good cause. My interest in medicine contributes to my interest in philanthropy,” Buder said.

Buder also addresses the negative stereotyping that many fraternity members face. “A lot has to do with the media,” Buder said. “I would like to say that these stereotypes are wrong. Whenever people are talking about fraternity life they stop at the social scene and forget about the brotherhood.”

Each fraternity has traditions that range from social to philanthropic. “The social aspect is definitely there. We just had beach weekend in Myrtle Beach. Everyone had a really great time,” Buder said. Buder, like many fraternity members, appreciates the traditions and opportunities a fraternity has to offer. Pete Pryor, a junior in Kappa Alpha, has been involved in philanthropy with his fraternity since his freshman year. Pryor headed Kappa Alpha’s North Hills, a tutoring program that works with a local elementary school.

“I decided that (volunteering for North Hills) would be a great way to get involved and give back to younger children in the community,” Pryor said. Pryor has also served as sergeant at arms, head of risk management and philanthropy chair for his fraternity. “I have set up a philanthropy committee of brothers who are leaders with similar goals,” Pryor said.

Pryor recently co-chaired “KA Sounds at Campus Grounds” to benefit the Gail Perkins Memorial Walk for Ovarian Cancer with junior Scott Chalkley. The fraternity felt very close to this cause as two brothers’ mothers recently passed away from cancer. Pryor is currently working with the local American Red Cross to set up “Operation Crimson Gift,” Kappa Alpha’s annual blood drive.Pryor’s dedication to philanthropy stems from a strong desire to better the campus and community.

“I chose to get involved because I wanted to do something to help the community and my fraternity seemed like a great place to get started,” Pryor said.

“From there I have done my best to make a difference in my community.”

In regards to the negative stereotypes frequently associated with fraternities, “Fraternity life is more about the bonds of brotherhood than it is about partying,” Pryor said.

“There is an old saying in my fraternity that these are the friends who will carry your casket when you die — I believe this symbolizes the bond of friendship that is the crux of being in a fraternity.”

Despite the negative associations people have with fraternities, these individuals have shown how their involvement in fraternity life has bettered the lives of individuals on campus and in various parts of the community.