By Caleb Callaway | When one thinks of service organizations, fraternities and sororities aren’t usually the first things that come to mind. However, that is exactly what Howard Payne University’s Greek Life organizations seek to be.
HPU has a number of Greek Life organizations, both local and nationally affiliated. While HPU’s local fraternities and sororities are extremely well known for their service efforts within the community, the HPU chapters of the national fraternities Kappa Kappa Psi (ΚΚΨ) and Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ), and sorority Tau Beta Sigma (ΤΒΣ) also go to great lengths to serve the Brownwood and Howard Payne communities, specifically the music and theatre departments.
ΚΚΨ and ΤΒΣ are both national Greek leadership and service organizations affiliated with university band, and ΑΨΩ is a national leadership and service Greek organization affiliated with university theatre programs.
While these organizations exist to provide a place of fun and community, their primary objective is service.
“ΤΒΣ is a crucial aspect of what allows our university bands and music program to function. We aim to always lend a cheerful (and musical) hand with anything that we do,” said Arabella Douglas, a sophomore member of ΤΒΣ.
Not only do the HPU chapters of national Greek organizations seek to serve their respective departments, but also the entire HPU campus as a whole.
“Something that I would like the rest of campus to know about our organization is that while we are primarily set up to serve the band, we are also here to serve the school in any way we can,” said Laurel Glass, a sophomore member of ΚΚΨ.
At HPU, students also seek to incorporate their faith into their Greek Life structure.
“Alpha Psi Omega’s motto is ‘Seek a Life Useful’ which very closely ties into the theatre department naming itself the Servant Artist program. Our goal in Alpha Psi is to serve the Lord humbly through excellence on stage and off,” Sara Heinrichs, a senior ΑΨΩ member.
While service may be the main purpose for these national Greek organizations, members benefit from a tight-knit community that is formed through service.
“These people are my home. Coming to HPU was a big culture shock for me; the first year I felt very lost. Joining band and ΤΒΣ has shown me who I am. Who would’ve thought I would be where I am today. ΤΒΣ has helped me through a lot of things in my life.” said Gabi Cook, the president of ΤΒΣ.
Leslie Ramirez, a freshman potential new member of ΤΒΣ, added, “We are a really close group. I didn’t realize how close we could get over such a short amount of time.”
Another benefit of being a member of these national Greek organizations is the preparation they provide for life beyond the college experience.
“I have been able to learn and take confident steps in my personal growth, my major, and my career, all thanks to the Sisterhood, both locally and nationally,” said Douglas.
“Joining ΤΒΣ is really beneficial for people going into music profession. It stands out on a resume because it sets you apart as a hard worker. Nationally, there are so many people who are a part of the organization. It is really cool meeting people across the nation who are a part of ΤΒΣ. It’s also great for networking. It is definitely something to strive for, and it will help you later in life,” Cook added.
Joining organizations that are program specific also helps members to improve their skill set.
“Alpha Psi has helped me become a better person because it has helped me become more disciplined in my craft and has helped me reach out to the theatre community in powerful ways,” Sara Heinrichs said.
HPU students, especially those within the music and theatre departments, are invited and encouraged to join these outstanding Greek organizations.
Arabella Douglas said while considering new members ΤΒΣ seeks for those with hearts and minds aligned with serving those around them and bettering HPU’s band program.
“There are a ton of great benefits to joining ΚΚΨ – friendships, getting to know alumni that work in my career path, service opportunities, and so much more,” added Glass.
Some organizations, such as ΑΨΩ, so do not even require members to be a part of a specific department.
“Although there are some requirements to joining Alpha Psi, you don’t have to be a theatre major or minor to join! If you’re interested in fine arts, there’s definitely a place for you in our family,” Heinrichs said.
While they are chapters of large national organizations, ΚΚΨ, ΑΨΩ, and ΤΒΣ are essential organizations to HPU. The fruits of their service can be seen throughout campus, and their members model outstanding leadership qualities to their fellow students.