Twenty-nine percent of the student population at the University of Tennessee are involved in Greek life. Every individual has their own reason for deciding to join a Greek organization. Whether it be for connections, philanthropy or personal reasons, there can be a place for every person in one of these organizations on campus.
Religion is also a reason why some choose to participate in Greek life. There are several organizations surrounding campus that are religiously affiliated in the Greek community. These organizations are for individuals who want to further their religious goals and can use these outlets to help shape their identities.
Alpha Epsilon Pi is an organization that falls under the Interfraternity Council whose founding principles were Jewish. This fraternity strives to develop the next generation of leaders in Jewish communities. They demonstrate those abilities through brotherhood, Tzedakah, social awareness, and support for Jewish communities and Israel.
“I have focused on keeping our chapter connected with the surrounding Knoxville Jewish community as well as a strong Jewish presence on campus,” Jewish identity chair of Alpha Epsilon Pi Jonah Hodes, a sophomore nursing student, said.
He continued by saying how he has helped his brothers and new members to find spaces to practice their religion within the Knoxville community and within their personal brotherhood.
“It feels great to have something in common with your brothers — especially your religion. It keeps us close, as there is a very small Jewish community on campus,” Hodes said.
They have promoted their Jewish beliefs and planned various events to help others on campus have a space to carry out their beliefs as well, including a Shabbat at their fraternity house, days to spend Shabbat with local congregations and a vigil to commemorate one year since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
Beta Upsilon Chi, or BYX, is another organization that falls under the UT Interfraternity Council. BYX is a national Christian fraternity that strives to establish bonds of brotherhood and unity among college men based on the shared identity in faith in Jesus Christ.
“BYX has shaped my life by providing me with a group of men who all have their eyes set on the same ultimate goal — the salvation offered through Jesus Christ on Calvary,” A’darius Parrish, a sophomore studying political science, said.
BYX holds various events such as Second Thursday, which is a worship night on the second Thursday of each month, or Bible studies that develop the identities of the brothers in the fraternity. Parrish continued to say that he has become a better friend, student, son, brother and disciple because of his involvement in BYX.
Sigma Phi Lambda, or Phi Lamb, is a sorority on campus that does not fall under one of the four larger councils at the university, but uses the Greek letters to symbolize their organization. Phi Lamb is built on the principles of glorifying God by providing a source of fellowship for Christian college women.
Phi Lamb is a non-denominational organization of sisters who strive to grow in unity with each other because of their shared belief in their God. This identity in Christ is what brings them together as a sisterhood to create a space for their members to freely express their religious beliefs and surround themselves with others who share similar values and goals for their lives.
These are just several examples of organizations on campus that help to shape student’s identities on campus. There are many different areas to get involved around campus and find the place where character and identity growth can occur within and be maintained throughout life.
