Going (and Remaining) Greek at Hillsdale
Written by Doug Goodnough
When I rushed the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity as a freshman, I primarily looked at it as a financial decision.
Joining meant I was able to eat my meals at the house, which was a considerable savings for someone who needed every penny of financial aid to attend Hillsdale. Not to mention I could eventually move into the fraternity house, which meant an additional saving.
However, I soon made fast and lasting friendships with my fraternity brothers and quickly enjoyed the social benefits of the college Greek system. Now, I can’t imagine my Hillsdale experience without it. Years later, the fraternity bonds made during those formative years still continue to bear fruit, especially in my current role as part of the Hillsdale College Alumni Team.
A more recent unexpected benefit of being part of the Greek system is plugging into the experiences of other Hillsdale alumni from different sororities and fraternities. There’s this unspoken kinship that at times is hard to quantify, but I’ll try to do my best.
For example, soon after starting my role at the College, I was introduced to the Phi Sig Pavilion project. More accurately, I was introduced to the Phi Sig alumni leadership, who were passionate about their dream of creating an on-campus gathering place. Trip Banks, Doug McPherson, and Ross Anderson quickly brought me up to speed with not only their project but also their shared experiences as Phi Sigs, who during my time as a student on campus were fading from the College picture before eventually closing the doors for good nearly 40 years ago.
I was honored to help tell their story and show their passion for the project as part of the fundraising push. And when we recently learned that the Phi Sig Pavilion project is moving forward (construction will begin this summer!), I felt some of the same joy and anticipation that the Phi Sigs must have in knowing that their dream will soon become a reality.
It is also a pleasure listening to Alumni Board Co-Historian Ronda Deer talk so fervently about her beloved Chi Omega sorority and the efforts to preserve and advance that organization. I can’t wait to see the Chi-O’s observe their 100th anniversary next year!
And, of course, there’s Alumni Co-Historian Greg McLogan and his advocacy of the Sigma Chi fraternity. It is heartwarming to see the interaction with his fraternity brothers at College events.
Although the Greek system has received a lot of national negative publicity and media coverage over the past few years, my hope is that it will remain a vital part of college life, especially at Hillsdale. While telling the stories of our alumni from around the country, regardless of their era or walk of life, their Greek involvement is often a significant part of their Hillsdale story.
In fact, I would argue Greek life is part of Hillsdale’s institutional DNA. Here’s hoping it will stay that way.
Doug Goodnough, ’90, is Hillsdale’s director of Alumni Marketing. He enjoys connecting with fellow alumni in new and wonderful ways.
Published in June 2023