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Tuesday, 19 September 2006 |
 by LINDSAY TIGAR
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
This spring, Appalachian State University’s organized Greek life celebrates its 35th anniversary.
“Greek life was implemented by the Student Government Association because they recognized the need at ASU,” Aaron Bachenheimer, the assistant director for organizational leadership and Greek advisor, said.
Since its induction in early 1972 with the first sorority and
fraternity, Kappa Delta and Pi Sigma Phi, membership has fluctuated.
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“There was consistent growth in the late 1990s with the largest
percentage of Greek life at 14 percent in 1999,” Bachenheimer said.
“Then in 2001 and 2002, the Greeks saw a significant decrease and now
Greek membership is starting to rise with the current percentage of
Greek life on campus at 8 percent.”
Although Greek life is starting to establish a period of growth,
compared to other North Carolina universities such as Duke with an
active Greek life percentage of 37, Appalachian is still significantly
smaller in terms of numbers.
Bachenheimer attributes Appalachian’s recent growth to a “joiner generation” that wants to be involved on campus.
“Greek life has changed since I was a freshmen in 2003,”
Interfraternity Council President Justin J. Julian said. “This year
1100 males expressed an interest rating of five or higher on a
ten-point scale in joining a fraternity.”
Greek life also may be growing due to the first generation of active
alumni support. Senior psychology and human service development major
Justin W. Johnson and his father, 1976 special education graduate Herb
L. Johnson, are one example of the new legacy Appalachian alumni are
leaving.
Herb was one of the first members of Pi Kappa Phi at Appalachian and now his son is a current member.
“I was never pressured to join a fraternity,” Justin said. “But I would
see the members of my Dad’s fraternity every homecoming and Christmas
and recognized the bond they had.”
Appalachian is chartering of the fraternity Delta Tau Delta this year.
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