Fraternities add spice, alcohol to campus life

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 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 social scene here at Yale.

Frats promise 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 coed 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 are still a source of friendship and tradition.

Of course, there's more to fraternities than just brotherhood. Frat boys party, providing a service to the college. "Let's say a pre-frosh comes to Yale, goes to a frat party and has a great time," Bercovich 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 fall's Purple Cow party, with violet punch and an entertaining T-shirt—cows humping in various positions is a frequent incarnation. Held in the spring, Buffett Bash is a party filled with margaritas and the melodious musings of Jimmy Buffett. Who are these guys? Stereotype at your own risk, as the brothers form 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 that is one of the most highly attended and fun-filled events of the year. 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 and Presidential Candidate 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. In the spring, Sex on the Beach 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 Jell-Os in the fall. You can down as many spiked shots of Jell-O 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 Beta Theta Pi. Luge without a snowsuit by pressing your lips to ice sculptures and guzzle liquor. These pool-fresh swimmers and (soccer) ball-busters are strict 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.

Party seeker, know thy frats

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