Being apart of the Greek Life here on the campus of California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) isn’t just all about building bonds that could last a lifetime.

Stan State has over 15 sororities and fraternities here on campus, as of the 2016-2017 school year. One of the biggest components of being apart of Greek life is that they partake in all forms of charity work. It is considered an impactful way to bond with one another and to build character.

“Being able to go out there at the end of the day knowing that you made something better than not doing nothing at all, we are really trying to break down the stereotype that surrounds Greek life,” Tylor King (junior, English) said.

This is King’s second year being a brother of Theta Chi. Their organization’s philanthropy focuses on the United States Organization (USO), which is an organization whose mission is to help military families to assure they feel supported.

One of their biggest events this semester is GI Theta Chi, an event that raises money for the USO ran on campus. GI Theta Chi is an event where multiple girls face various challenges the fraternity conducts. They will be carrying out the event Nov. 14.

Since a former brother from the fraternity passed away from an asthma attack, Theta Chi decided to begin a new tradition of a Row-A-Thon event in the reflection pond last year. The Row-A-Thon raises money for Breathe California, an organization dedicated to addressing health challenges involving the lungs.

The men raise the money for this event through reaching out to businesses and local hospitals for donations. The support from the last Row-A-Thon has truly made an impact on King.

“We got to spend time with fellow brothers on the waters for almost 48 hours,” said King. “The support we received from the entire campus through it all was really cool.”

Philanthropy and community work is something that is also close to Alpha Xi Delta’s President Charisse Narain’s (senior, Business) heart. She has been apart of Alpha Xi Delta for over two years and has grown to love their philanthropy, Autism Speaks.

Each year, Alpha Xi Delta sponsors the Autism Walk that is hosted by Autism Speaks. This year, you can expect to see the women on Oct. 15 at MJC’s West Campus supporting their philanthropy. They also host other events that raise money towards their charity, like XI man, which will take place from Nov. 7 to 11.

“Raising awareness for Autism Speaks not only affects others but it makes me feel good about the work we do as a sorority,” Narain said.

Through all the charity work that a member of the Greek community goes through, it makes someone like Narain really proud to be apart of the process.

“It feels amazing to directly impact so many kids and families, it only makes me want to work hard to be an outlet of hope for those individuals,” Narain said.

The brothers of Kappa Sigma support the Military Heroes Campaign, which exudes through their average donations of nearly $2,000 every year. However, they don’t limit themselves to just their own philanthropy, the men always find time to go  throughout the community to lend a helping hand. Being able to give back like this is makes President of the chapter here at Stan State, Jonathan Low (senior, Criminal Justice) very proud.

“We are always ready to pitch in,” Low said. “They [Kappa Sigma] love the idea of helping someone outside of their own circles and make an impact on the lives of those in our community.”

The next event on their schedule will be at a Breast Cancer Awareness walk on Oct. 16 in Sacramento.

Phi Sigma Sigma is planning on hosting a Kicks for Kids kickball tournament event on Oct. 16. The official philanthropy they dedicate their time to is the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation which is partnered with the Kids in Need Foundation.  The organization assists children in America by providing school supplies.

“We all joined this organization to raise awareness for a fundraiser cause that is very close to our hearts,” Jennifer Galena-Vasquez (junior, Communication Studies) said, the sorority’s Philanthropy chair.

The women are also the organizers of an annual Easter Egg hunt in the Spring semester and Mr. Phi Significant, where any male can run to be their sweetheart. All of the profits from these events also go towards the Kids in Need Foundation.

For more information on other Greek organizations at Stan State, head over to the Student Leadership and Development office in the University Student Union or head over to Stan State’s website.