U. Nebraska Greek system stays positive despite recent events

Despite recent concern about the vitality of Greek life on the University of Nebraska campus, officials say the system is stronger now than it was in years past.

Linda Schwartzkopf, director of Greek Affairs since 1997, said there have been dramatic positive changes within the Greek system during the past four years.

Because of strong leadership within the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association, Schwartzkopf said, the system will continue to gain prominence and accept responsibility at the university.

"The Office of Greek Affairs wants to take the burden off of the university and give it back to the Greek system," she said.

In recent years, Schwartzkopf said, there also has been an increase in the number of students pledging the fraternities and sororities.

Kirstin Maurstad, president of the Panhellenic Association, said the pure numbers may not tell the whole story.

"We look for quality over quantity," she said.

Nikki Wiener, the organization’s recruitment chairwoman, said many Greek houses also are more involved in campus and community activities such as student government and volunteering at local schools than they were in the past.

"The impact we have within the community of Lincoln (Neb.) is underestimated," she said. "The amount of money and hours we put in is off the charts,"Wiener said.

Greeks account for 16 to 17 percent of the undergraduate population, Schwartzkopf said, and are overrepresented in almost every area of campus activity.

Mitch Walden, president of the Interfraternity Council, said he thought the Greek system will continue to gain strength in the future because of greater cooperation between individual fraternity chapters and between fraternities and sororities.

"It used to be us vs. administration," Walden said. "Now we realize the need for internal changes."
Presently, the Office of Greek Affairs is working with the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association to improve the state of the Greek community by promoting further chapter unity, improving relationships with the campus and administration and working more closely with Student Judicial Affairs, Schwartzkopf said.

Although the recent hazing incident has helped foster the negative stereotypical image of the "frat boy," Walden said, the public only hears about the negative things that happen within the Greek community.

"The negative events are so sensational that they attract a lot of attention," Walden said. "Good things are continually happening so they are not always newsworthy. When you get past the stereotypes, you really have some great stuff."