Fraternities add the spice of life to campus

JULIA PAOLITTO/YH A team of Morsels partakes in beer-swilling fun at the DKE-hosted Tang competition.

The media's depiction of fraternities has certainly been less than favorable. Films such as Revenge of the Nerds and Animal House reinforce popular images of frat parties as bacchanalian orgies of beer, babes, rich boys, and jocks. According to former Sigma Nu (SN) President Dave Bercovich, ES '99, this image is prevalent in the minds of Yalies: "A lot of people here view fraternity members as beer-swilling, masculine jerks." While these representations are not entirely true, they have managed to turn many students away from participating in anything fraternity-related. Despite this stigma, fraternities are integral components of the student body and the social scene here at Yale.

Joining a fraternity promises a tradition-filled experience that both incorporates existing Yale traditions and introduces its own. Every frat has its own unique songs, rituals, and rites of passage. Yet only at Yale could one of Alpha Epsilon Pi's (AEP) rush events involve swaying and singing around the tables at Mory's while drinking cups.

Fraternities offer an opportunity to define your own social niche more easily. "Unlike one's residential college, selection of a fraternity is not random," former AEP Master Andrew Morris, BK '99, said. "It is a matter of spending time with those you identify as being appropriate for you."

Some fraternities define their identity through ethnic solidarity. Yale has four ethnic frats: Kappa Alpha Psi, Lambda Epsilon Lambda, Omega Psi Phi, and Alpha Phi Alpha. There is also a co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, that organizes Communiversity Day, a popular outdoor festival that celebrates the Yale-New Haven relationship. In addition, Yale is home to three sororities: Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Pi Beta Phi. Though they don't have as public a presence as their male counterparts, they still provide a source of friendship and traditions.

Alpha Delta Phi founded 1836 61 brothers 23 Lake Place Alpha Epsilon Pi founded 1990 42 brothers 234 Park Street Beta Theta Pi founded 1839 51 brothers 36 Lynwood Place Delta Kappa Epsilon founded 1846 65 brothers 79 Lake Place Sigma Alpha Epsilon founded 1856 65 brothers 35 High Street Sigma Chi founded 1986 33 brothers 33 Lynwood Place Sigma Nu founded 1889 43 brothers 37 High Street Zeta Psi founded 1889 55 brothers 29 Whalley Avenue

Of course, there's more to fraternities than just brotherhood. Frat boys know how to party. Bercovich pointed out that fraternity bashes provide a service to the college. "Let's say a pre-frosh comes to Yale, goes to a frat party and has a great time," he said. "Now let's say the frat didn't throw the party, and the pre-frosh thought Yale's party scene was dead. Most freshmen are looking for a college scene, so frats are making a contribution to the school."

To most freshmen, however, frat parties aren't about selflessly contributing to Mother Yale; they're about having fun. Here are the most prominent traditional bashes and visual cues to help you decide who's a member and who's just taking advantage of free drinks:

Zeta Psi, known for its bizarre location (follow the scent of Popeye's fried chicken and Polo Sport cologne), hosts some popular events. Fall's Purple Cow party offers violet punch and an entertaining T-shirt--cows humping in various positions is a charming favorite. Buffett Bash in the spring is a party filled with margaritas and the melodious musings of Jimmy Buffett. Who are these guys? Stereotype at your own risk, as these brothers are a veritable smorgasbord of athletes.

If you have ever felt eclipsed on a sunny day, chances are you have encountered a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE). "Deke" hosts Tang, a residential college speed-drinking contest, which is one of the most highly attended and fun-filled events of the year for everyone. It also offers the Mortician's Ball, a Halloween bash that attracts plenty of costumed Yalies. Overheard at Deke: "This party makes me feel like we are at a normal college!" Among the alums of this traditionally wild fraternity are former President George Bush, DC '48, Texas Governor George W. Bush, DC '68, and football Hall of Famer Calvin Hill, PC '69.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) hosts signature soirées that make you happy to pay a few bucks. Sex on the Beach in the spring celebrates the aptly named drink. See how much fun you can have in a recliner by attending fall's Kamikaze and having the SAE brothers toss drinks horizontally down your throat until you say "when." Look for the alterna-frat boy with both ears pierced and a wallet chain to let you in.

The flannel- and cargo-clad members of Alpha Delta Phi (ADF) invite the students over for FunnelFest and various late-nights, but not much else. ADF will try to pick up the pace this year, however, after a couple of slow years courtesy of the Dean's Office. Come for the beer and stay for the MTV Party to Go Volume 7 CD.

The predominantly Jewish AEP's claim to fame is the infamous Night of 10,000 Jellos in the fall. You can down as many spiked shots of Jello as your heart desires--after paying, of course. Go and indulge in your favorite flavor.

Come get a cold one in oh so many ways at the lavish Avalanche party thrown by the boys of Beta Theta Pi. Luge without donning a snowsuit by pressing your lips to enormous ice sculptures and guzzling liquor. These pool-fresh swimmers and (soccer) ball-busters are adamant about the entrance fee, but it's worth it for the feeling of walking out of the party with a cold, numb mouth and a warm, fuzzy feeling.

The fraternity scene is alive and well here at Yale, and that is just fine for a lot of people, whether they pledge or just go to parties. Sometimes, you just have to feel like you attend a normal university.

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