Kappa Sigma fraternity looks to expand their mark on campus

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Jul 19, 2010, 6:19 AM MST |

Last Updated Jul 21, 3:08 PM MST

Randyl-Neilsen--(1)-wbcopy — Members of UVU’s new Greek organization stand tall and proud. Randyl Neilsen / UVU Review

When Rhett Dalley came to UVU, he felt an odd sense of disconnection from his university. While the education he was receiving was one of the best in the state, he never felt like a “Wolverine.” There was a lack of home or community for the Kaysville native. That was until he helped found a colony of the Kappa Sigma International Fraternity, UVU’s first Greek fraternity. Now Dalley not only feels like he is enjoying the full college experience, but also a connection to his university.

While it is hard to shake the negative stereotype of Greek life as portrayed by movies such as Animal House, the reality could not be further from the truth. Fraternities and sororities offer students a support system of brothers and sisters dedicated to helping one another through school and life.

While most clubs and organizations on campus are based around academics, service or socialization, fraternities and sororities offer the complete package. Many national and international fraternities and sororities are based on the ideas of service to the community and excellence in academics, as well as a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that lasts well after students graduate.

But above everything else, Greek life offers students a place to belong.

“It’s what got me involved in the school,” stated Dalley, the colony’s acting president. “It’s what got me to love the school.”

Because of UVU’s commuter college status, it’s hard to feel a connection to the university. Dalley plans on having Kappa Sigma take away the commuter college mentality and replace it with a strong sense of belonging. When asked to sum up what it means to be Greek, Dalley replied, “From the outside you don’t understand it but from the inside you can’t explain it.”

The Kappa Sigma International Fraternity was founded on Dec. 10, 1869, at the University of Virginia. The five founders pledged to support one another through a brotherhood based on four pillars: fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service.