An Insight that has Elevated my Furman Experience

After spending three full years at Furman, one of my favorite experiences has been my involvement with Greek Life. I cannot wait to spend my last two semesters with my closest friends who have made Furman special and memorable.

Furman has an active fraternity and sorority student involvement with more than 1,000 members from fourteen organizations. Fraternities and sororities are founded on the principles of academic and engaged learning, leadership and member development, community service and impact, and life-long friendships outside the classroom.

Our fraternities and sororities have deferred recruitment, meaning students are eligible to join in the spring semester of their first year or thereafter. Students can adjust to the academic workload while meeting the members of the organizations. This is an easy way to balance academics  and learn about each organization’s values, beliefs, and ideals. During the fall semester of my freshman, I learned that Greek Life at Furman was different compared to other universities. I was excited to be part of a brotherhood that genuinely cared for me. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. These ideals guided me to an amazing brotherhood that portrayed the same characteristics that I saw in myself.

The fundamental purpose of the Sigma Chi Fraternity is the cultivation and accomplishment of the ideals of friendship, justice, and learning; these values are referred to as The Three Great Aims. Through the emulation of character qualities, Sigma Chi fosters leadership, character building, promotes positive relationship skills, and enables our members to become knowledgeable, productive, and caring people in our families, college, and communities.

Throughout my time in Sigma Chi, I have learned about the alumni network. A specific benefit from the alumni network is the many opportunities to connect with members all over the country. Moreover, undergraduates and recent graduates can take advantage of this resource to find internships, research opportunities, or job placements in various areas. Another integral part of Sigma Chi is the philanthropic efforts with the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It is significant because college students across the world are directly affecting the lives of others through fundraising efforts every year. Our Chapter raised over $28,000 this year through community events such as a Sorority Powder Puff game and a Spring Music Festival. With more than 240 Sigma Chi chapters united to work towards a common goal, being the generation to end cancer, in total we raised over $3.5 million this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have held numerous leadership positions including Tribune (running the social media platforms), the Academic Advising Chair, and my current role as the Social Chair. This past semester, I was in charge of planning and coordinating a plethora of events in downtown Greenville. I coordinate with Greenville venues such as Zen and Radio Room to host live-music themed events such as Ski Bums and ΣΧPN. My favorite was our annual beach formal in Charleston, South Carolina! This is a great opportunity for the Furman community to connect, build friendships, and enjoy college outside of an academic setting.

 

      

 

Joining Sigma Chi has filled my time at Furman with friendships for life, new experiences, and incredible opportunities. My schedule is filled with weekly social events, philanthropy fundraising, and community service opportunities in the Greenville community. Sigma Chi has given me so much, from leadership opportunities to an exceptional alumni network all over the world (with over 350,000 initiates internationally). Throughout the recruitment process and as a member, I have met so many influential and inspiring men that have helped me grow. They have become life-long friends and people I can always turn to. Every day as I walk around campus, I cannot be seen without my happy and smiling face. I am always so excited see friends from either Sigma Chi or other Greek organizations like Kappa Delta!

I ardently recommend that you explore Greek life! I found my home in Sigma Chi, and the men I have met through this have become my second family. Please reach out to me if you have questions about Greek life!

 

-Justin Perez