Scholarly Articles...

Going Greek by Marianne Rachel Sanua

"Going Greek" offers an unprecedented look at the relationship between American Jewish students and fraternity life during its heyday in the first half of the twentieth century. More than secret social clubs, fraternities and sororities profoundly shaped the lives of members long after they left college -- often dictating choices in marriage as well as business alliances. Widely viewed as a key to success, membership in these self-governing, sectarian organizations was desirable but not easily accessible, especially to non-Protestants and nonwhites. In "Going Greek" Marianne Sanua examines the founding of Jewish fraternities in light of such topics as antisemitism, the unique challenges faced by Jewish students on campuses across the United States, responses to World War II, and questions pertaining to assimilation and/or identity reinforcement.

This article a vast array of information, from the many famous people who belonged to Jewish fraternities to the songs they sang. Snobbery within the fraternities -- what behavior constituted the "proper image" for an American Jew -- comes up for discussion, but so does the increasing awareness of Jewish students toward issues of social justice. For several generations of leaders in the national Jewish community, fraternities were central to their lives. "Going Greek" thus provides historians and biographers with a window onto an important aspect of American Jewish cultural experience.

Black Greek 101 by Walter M. Kimbrough

Black Greek 101 provides an analysis of the customs, culture, and challenges facing historically Black fraternal organizations. The text initially provides a history of Black Greek organizations beyond the nine major organizations. Next, the pledging practice of the organizations is chronicled, noting the abuses associated with it, and a recent research study assesses the policies implemented to curb hazing in the organizations. The text highlights the growth of fraternalism outside of the mainstream organizations, with particular emphasis on African fraternal organizations. Then, the vivid culture and practices of the groups is documented, providing a historical grounding of the visible aspects of the groups. Finally, several challenges for the future are highlighted. Readers are also provided with an annotated bibliography of articles, news stories, and books related to Black fraternalism, as well as a chronicle of hazing cases over the past twelve years

The Eleusis

The Eleusis is the official publication of Chi Omega Fraternity. In continuous publication since 1899, its mission is to connect Chi Omegas to the national organization by promoting our common experiences, communicating the state of the Fraternity, affirming our values and purposes, highlighting our success stories, and providing resources for the development of women.

Director of Communications: Jessica deGraffenreid, Epsilon Lambda/Furman University

Editor: Christine Thomas Barnicki, Phi/University of Southern California

Editorial Board of The Eleusis
Joellyn Forrester Sullivan, S.K.A., Kappa Beta/Rhodes College
Nancy Carle Bizjack, Epsilon Gamma/University of Tulsa
Casey Regan Braun, Xi/Northwestern University
Martha White Crise, Epsilon Gamma/University of Tulsa
Barbara Procter Drake, Mu Delta/Bradley University