Service sorority on campus shows positive side to Greek life

February 20, 2019

Throughout Gannon University’s campus, an abundance of students can be seen in Greek letters.
Whether they are social, honors or a particular major, Greek life is everywhere on campus.
Although Greek life offers service opportunities, there is one chapter on campus that focuses mainly on service: Gamma Sigma Sigma.
The sorority was founded nationally in 1952, but Gannon started the Eta Pi chapter in 2011.
Gamma Sigma Sigma seeks to serve the campus and the surrounding community through volunteerism and philanthropic support.
Gamma Sigma Sigma works with five national service partners: American Red Cross, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Alex’s Lemonade Stand, American Cancer Society and March of Dimes.
However, the Gannon chapter specifically has created significant partnerships around the Erie community with Bayfront Maritime Center, Alzheimer’s Association and the Erie Children’s Museum.
Currently, Gamma Sigma Sigma is working on its two weeks of service.
These organized events include tabling for Alex’s Lemonade Stand and the Alzheimer’s Association, collecting school supplies for the local school drive, making blankets for Shriners Hospital, and soon its members are going to spend time with residents at the Soldiers and Sailors home.
“We plan to have some type of booth at Relay and everyone will be supporting each other during this amazing event that Gannon holds,” said Samantha Brown, a senior occupational therapy major and president of Gamma Sigma Sigma.
Similar to social sororities, Gamma Sigma Sigma holds social events, formals and the big and little relationships, but its main commitment to helping out the community is what sets it apart.
“Every member is required to do at least 20 hours of service every semester,” Brown said.
“Although, most of our members go way above that requirement.”
On top of all the service opportunities, Gamma Sigma Sigma also offers various leadership positions.
The chapter has a 12-person executive board, which includes a president, service vice president, membership vice president and much more.
The e-board allows for members to discuss matters within the sorority before presenting it to the general assembly, which allows members to all openly share ideas and opinions.
Each member in Gamma Sigma Sigma has her own reason for joining.
Aurora Brown, a junior occupational therapy major and vice president of Gamma Sigma Sigma’s service and philanthropy, joined Gamma Sigma Sigma fall of my sophomore year.
“I saw it as great opportunity to meet new people and get more involved throughout the campus and the Erie community,” Brown said.
For anyone looking to join Gamma Sigma Sigma, all are welcome to attend recruitment events during the fall and spring semesters.