BELOW: Pi Alpha Theta joined Eastern’s other sororities in a building a float for the Homecoming competition. Alpha Pi Kappa rushees place a penny in the fountain in hopes that their wishes will come true. The men of Sigma Chi Delta rally before a football game in a show of school spirit.
∙1967∙ GREEK LIFE COMES TO CAMPUS It may be hard to imagine today, but as late as 1963, the Progress student newspaper was asking why Eastern did not have Greek-letter social fraternities and sororities, as rivals Western and Murray did. Pressure mounted, but we would have to wait until the 1966–67 term to bring Greek life to campus. After a 16-month study by the faculty, regents gave the go-ahead, bringing a new wave of student involvement. By 1967, several Greek fraternities and sororities had been established — with local status initially before they went national a year or two later. The number of nationally chartered sororities and fraternities at EKU has continued to grow over the years. The change on campus was palpable when Greeks first arrived, recalled Alan Krueger, ’71, who went on years later to become Alumni Officer of the Year with Sigma Nu. One noticeable outcome, he said, was increased campus spirit, especially at weekend athletics events. Krueger fondly remembers the annual powderpuff football games, which served as fundraisers, and the many friendly competitions. ABOVE, FROM TOP: Sigma Chi
Delta president Ron Pinsenschaum supervises a powderpuff football game, 1967. Pledges earn money by shining shoes. Beta Omicron Chi’s mascot provides an interesting sidelight at the Findlay game.
The national charters brought further changes to EKU’s Greek community, including greater oversight and support, additional reporting requirements, and tighter rules and regulations. Although much has changed nationally and locally over the past 50 years, the impact of the decision to bring Greek life to EKU has made a lasting impression on campus, with a highly engaged student and alumni population.
EKU MAGAZINE 35