Since their inception, fraternities have become a signifying part of the college experience. With over a dozen fraternity chapters at Sacramento State alone, their reach is widespread across the nation.

While many fraternities pride themselves on their philanthropic efforts and creating a close-knit brotherhood amongst those who pledge, those qualities tend to be overshadowed by the perceived image of hard-partying 20-year-old men, whose only care is getting as many intoxicated girls as they can into bed.

For 23-year-old social work senior Nino Hoder, who belongs to Phi Kappa Alpha, the rumors and stereotypes that surround his fraternities as well as many others, are sometimes based off of misinterpretations.

“ … We know what we want, we know what we want to do, and we know where we’re going. So, we’re extremely focused, and we don’t let little things like rumors, or any kind of drama, stop us from achieving what we’re trying to do as a fraternity,” Hoder said. “We have ambition, and we know where we want to go, so we’re not going to be stopped [getting] to that goal.”

Bryan Delgado, a 21-year-old government senior who is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, explains that many of the stereotypes associated with fraternities have become generalized, with many pointing believing that every fraternity is the same.

Delgado is quick to point out that while there are some truths to the various stereotypes about fraternities, every sector is different.

Ugochukwo Kas-Osoka, a 22-year-old government major who belongs to Phi Beta Sigma, believes the various stereotypes surrounding his fraternity are typically based off hearsay and are, therefore, baseless.

Kas-Osoka cites a long-standing family history as the reasoning behind his wanting to join a fraternity, pointing out Phi Beta Sigma’s commitment to community as his reasoning for joining his particular fraternity.

“They call this fraternity, the ‘people’s frat,’ so this fraternity is able to branch out to a lot different types of people, and yet, become interconnected to one another, and that opens up the world to a lot of things,” Kas-Osoka said.

Though many people are steadfast in their perception of what a fraternity is about, Hoder believes the philanthropic work done by Phi Kappa Alpha greatly outweighs the negative stereotypes that sometimes surround it.

Hoder pointed out the fraternity raised $5,000 for UC Davis’ burn institute during their philanthropic efforts last spring. They are also hoping to raise $10,000 this semester in which the profits will go towards Cycle for Life, a foundation geared towards finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

One fraternity that is a clear break from the routine is showcased by the actions of a newer fraternity: Delta Lambda Phi.

Delta Lambda Phi has only been at Sac State for four semesters and is considered a colony as they are in the process of receiving their charter. However, they have already broken from the status quo as the fraternity is geared toward gay, bisexual, and progressive men, a group of people that have had a tense history with greek organizations.

DaVaughn Smith, a 21-year-old communication studies senior who is a member of the fraternity, believes fraternities are valuable resources as they help many members establish strong connections to school and surrounding communities, as well as providing a place where members can forge friendships with like-minded people.

“ … Our fraternity has created a safe space for people to come and express themselves freely, and express themselves how they will, and I’ve seen a lot of people grow from being in a fraternity,” Smith said.

Though most members of fraternities acknowledge that rumors concerning them will always exist, they urge people to do their own research before making finalized conclusions.

“If you really want to see what we’re all about, come to our events, come support, so you’ll see what we do,” Kas-Osoka said. “All of what you think about fraternities, are based on assumptions, so I would really encourage whoever to come talk to us, and come see what we do so you know, so there are no questions left behind.”

Homer echoes the same comments and just hopes people will keep an open mind when it comes to thinking about joining greek organizations.

“Look into joining a fraternity or a sorority. It wouldn’t hurt just to see what it’s about. [and] get some [information] before you disregard it for something it’s actually not,” Hoder said. “Give it a shot before you make your rumors and your assumptions about. It may serve you well in the long run.”