Throughout campus and across the river in Boston and Brookline, MIT hosts a vibrant network of 43 fraternities and sororities, with more than 35 percent of undergraduate students belonging to one of these value-based communities. Each fraternity and sorority is a unique community that not only fosters leadership and builds lifelong friendships, but also takes its role in giving back seriously.
Keeping up a 143-year-long tradition of philanthropy, several fraternities and sororities raised funds for a variety of local charities this fall, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, and Dignity Matters of Boston.
With donations still coming in, Liz Jason, associate dean of Fraternities, Sororities and Independent Living Groups (FSILG) at MIT, says, “Philanthropy is a defining tradition within our FSILG community; it’s where values become action. When chapters give back, they strengthen their bonds, uplift others, and demonstrate what it truly means to be part of MIT: using talent, passion, and collective effort to make a real difference.”
To raise money, the fraternities and sororities hosted a variety of fun, clever, and even unique events and challenges over the course of the fall semester.
Sorority Alpha Chi Omega held an event called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, where participants donned heels for a relay race-style event to raise awareness of gender stereotypes, domestic violence, and sexual assault. They also held a bake sale at the event, with funds going to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) hosted a Greek Carnival on Kresge Oval in October to benefit the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and to raise awareness about sexual violence. They held a variety of games and activities, including a dunk tank, a bake sale, a tug-of-war competition, and other field-day games.
“In my own chapter, Delta Tau Delta, I’ve seen an interest in increasing our philanthropic efforts, and as a member of the IFC Executive Board, I realized we could take the initiative to reduce barriers to entry for all chapters through a single large fundraising event,” says senior Luc Gaitskell.
In mid-November, the MIT Panhellenic Association created an event in which members of the community donated clothing, and then Panhel used the clothing to set up a one-time thrift shop where community members could come buy second-hand clothes at discounted prices. All the money raised was donated to Dignity Matters.
“Service has always been at the heart of what MIT Panhel does,” says senior Sabrina Chen. “We chose to partner with Dignity Matters because their mission of helping individuals stay healthy and regain self-confidence resonates with our commitment to supporting women and advancing equity. Our thrift shop was a perfect way to raise money for the organization while encouraging affordable, sustainable fashion.”
Division of Student Life vice chancellor Suzy Nelson explains, “Our students are committed to a range of causes; their dedication reflects not only their generosity, but also the spirit of engaging the MIT community in giving back through philanthropy.”
Students interested in joining a fraternity, sorority, or an independent living group can find more information on the Division of Student Life website.
