While the greek system is known for being alive and well at DePauw, some students might forget that Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council greek organizations are not the only sororities and fraternities on campus.
Multicultural greek organizations on campus pride themselves on including members from a variety of ethnicities, and backgrounds. Many multicultural greek organizations originated as support groups for residential communities. Their purpose is to empower these members.
Lambda Sigma Upsilon is DePauw's first multi-cultural fraternity and the first chapter to form in the Midwest. DePauw's Lambda Sigma Upsilon chapter has four members on campus. Senior John Yates acts as the chapter's vice president, philanthropy chair, academic chair and step-intro captain.
"People from every background are encouraged to join multicultural greek organizations," Yates said. "We embrace each and every culture and we celebrate them as a fraternity together."
Senior Daniella Novas, president of Omega Phi Beta and vice president of DePauw's Multicultural Greek Council, said the 17 female founders for Omega Phi Beta came together for a cause.
"They all possessed a strong passion for fighting against violence toward women," Novas said. "Our founders wanted to create an organization that fought for women's rights, and that's exactly what they did."
Lambda Sigma Upsilon began in the 1970s, when there were many Latino issues arising. A group of people wanted to provide a voice for the Latino community and thus formed Lambda Sigma Upsilon.
While the multicultural fraternity started as a Latino-based organization, it has become the most diverse multicultural fraternity in the nation. Currently, Lambda Sigma Upsilon represents over 80 countries and nationalities.
"Throughout our development, we have not only become the voice for Latinos, but for people all over the world," Yates said.
Novas said that choosing to join a multicultural sorority was inevitable after hearing of Omega Phi Beta's philanthropic cause, raising awareness of human trafficking and ending it.
"The cause impacted me from the very beginning," Novas said. "I'm a feminist, and fighting for an end to all forms of violence against women is something I am very passionate about."
Novas was also motivated to join Omega Phi Beta because of the sisterhood. After three members graduated last May, Novas is currently the only member of Omega Phi Beta on campus.
Novas fills the position for every job of the sorority, including finance chair, philanthropy chair and president.
"Essentially, I'm running a whole chapter by myself," Novas said. "But to be truthful, it doesn't feel like I am."
Novas said that she gets help from members that she's met through multiple conferences and regional retreats and also from members of the other multicultural greek organizations on DePauw's campus.
"I really don't feel alone or overwhelmed," she said.
Yates said that since he has leading roles in his fraternity, he can represent his community and act as support system. He also has the credibility to work with other greek organizations.
"I've always been passionate about my beliefs, but I wanted to share my goals with others," Yates said. "I wanted to join a group of men who are like-minded in their pursuit to improve our community both on campus and at large."
For both Novas and Yates, being part of a multicultural Greek organization directs a focus to individual roots. Multicultural organizations are heavily based on members knowing where they come from, as well as studying other members' backgrounds and teaching about their own culture.
"I'm a Latina myself, which is very important to my identity," Novas said. "I am always referring back to the Dominican Republic's history... but studying my sisters' backgrounds allows me to embrace every culture I learn about."
For those in multicultural Greek organizations, the idea of a small group holding similar passions is a large part of the appeal.
"I considered rushing for one of the other sororities on campus that wasn't a multicultural sorority, but the idea of working in small numbers on campus with a diverse group of women was very attractive to me," Novas said.
Senior Trista Wyman, a Panhellenic sorority member, finds multicultural Greek organizations a small and limited population, but thinks they provide an advantage for certain students.
"I think it's [a] good way for those with strong ethnic backgrounds to keep up with important traditions," Wyman said.
For Yates, being in a multicultural fraternity provides a very different Greek experience.
"I did consider joining a majority fraternity," Yates said. "But for myself, it just didn't work."
Novas and Yates both said they do not frown upon IFC and Panhellenic greek organizations.
"I always support them," Yates said. "If that's what makes you happy, then go for it."