Current Students > Division of Student Life > Greek Life > Being Greek at Thiel > History and Future

HISTORY AND FUTURE

The beginnings of Greek-letter organizations start back in 1776 with the Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity at the College of William and Mary.  The majority of Greek-letter organizations were founded between 1865 and 1900. The American college fraternity spread quickly across the United States and Canada in the 20th Century.  Many a times fraternities and sororities are often just thought of as "social" organizations, although these organizations were founded as a way of giving oneself structure in experiences outside the classroom and a way of networking with other peers.

Greek Life at Thiel College dates back to 1872 when Phi Gamma Delta developed a local chapter of their fraternity on our campus, surrendering its charter when the Board of Trustees voted to ban fraternities in 1874.  Since then, more than 10 social sororities and fraternities have recruited members from our student population.  Our oldest active chapter on campus dates back to 1915 when Delta Sigma Phi colonized a chapter here in Greenville.

Now organized into two separate governing bodies, or “Councils,” at Thiel College, Greek Life can offer a home to just about anyone. At the moment there are 8 sorority or fraternity chapters at Thiel that belong to one of the two councils. Each chapter and council has its own distinct personality and offers a different twist on the common values of scholarship, leadership, service, and social (also referred to as brotherhood and sisterhood).

Looking into the future, the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils anticipate to keep offering ways of improving the lives and quality of our members through diverse programs and activities.  In a time of change for colleges and universities across America, we anticipate not just to continue with the rest, but to set the pace.