Stepping onto a university campus can be nerve-wracking but these multicultural greek organizations ensure that all students feel welcome and find their home away from home.
This year, Bradley University reported that the recently admitted freshman class was the biggest diversity class they’ve had so far. And Bradley predicts that the diversity in its class will only increase from here on out.
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., and Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc., are Multicultural Greek organizations here on campus and were interviewed to talk about and reflect on this school year on the diversity wave.
Osvaldo Guzman, president of Sigma Lambda Beta International, Inc., talked about his experience coming onto campus and how he first felt trying to find a home.
“When it came to Bradley, I didn’t know anybody. I saw some members of this organization at the Latinx mixers and met other organizations that were there too. After then I slowly began to be more interested in learning more about SLB. Being that the university was small, I wanted to be a leader on campus. I feel that the freshman feel that too, trying to find a place here at Bradley” he said.
The presidents of Sigma Lambda Gamma National, Inc., and Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. commented on how they think their organization handled the wave of diversity here at Bradley University.
“Even though we are a part of Greek Life, I feel like we made ourselves more present as individuals to interact with more people socially, academically and just make those connections with more people rather than focusing on Greek life. I feel like we’ve been able to feel more comfortable and at home” Aylea Mendoza, president of Sigma Lambda Gamma National, Inc. said.
“I actually don’t think we’ve necessarily changed much. Mainly because the pursuit of our purposes as an organization hasn’t changed. If anything it is more exciting because there is more diversity so maybe there are more interactions that will happen and more events. Unfortunately, It’s a matter of waiting. It’s been a let’s get to know all these people sort of thing. You can’t do much if you don’t know them and they don’t know the campus so being there as a resource is something else we did” Carlo Castellanos, president of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. said.
These organizations have made countless efforts to make their presence known here on campus as resources for incoming students. We asked if the university had opened them to opportunities to make this effort easier.
“I think there is always room for growth, I think even though the campus and the university has been trying to be more diverse and highlight our organizations this can be done in a way where we are not shown as a token or a showpiece but rather one with the campus” Aylea said.
Carlo mentions a spring incident that occurred with the multicultural Greek organizations and the national panhellenic council against Bradley admissions and traditionally white sororities and fraternities.
“I think looking back at last year in the spring and because of those events, we were given a lot of opportunities and maybe not right away but we are getting a little bit more recognized. Even more than we were before. However, it was clear we weren’t a priority and the traditional fraternities and sororities were” Carlo said.
Bradley University, as shown, has made the effort for these multicultural greek organizations to be able to highlight themselves and be a resource on campus, especially with the prediction of more diverse admitted classes. However, the presidents feel that there is more room for improvement and the small steps made by both parties will affect the campus for the greater good of its diversity and equity.
