Fraternity and Sorority Life
The Multicultural Greek Council is the governing body for the Multicultural, Black, and Latino/Latina Fraternities and Sororities. Member chapters are generally members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, or independently governed. The primary purpose and focus of member organizations is community awareness and action through educational, economic, cultural, and service activities.
Multicultural Greek Council Chapters:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The first intercollegiate fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood between African Americans. The visionary founders, known as the "Jewels" of the Fraternity, are: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle and Vertner Woodson Tandy. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students at Cornell. During those beginning days, the Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity worked to lay a solid foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character and the uplifting of humanity. The organization has national programs with Brother’s Keeper, A Voteless People is a Homeless People, Go-to-High-School. Go-to-College, and Project Alpha.
In 1983, the need for that form of social and academic contact was again desired by a group of eight men. These men went on to pledge through the graduate chapter in Albany, NY. By doing so, they established Union College's first black fraternity.
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., established on December 26, 1931, is the oldest Latino Fraternity in existence, and works to motivate people, develop leaders, and create innovative ways to unite the Latino community. Phi Iota Alpha was established here at Union in May 1991. The brotherhood is composed of undergraduate, graduate, and professional men committed towards the empowerment of the Latin American community by providing intensive social and cultural programs and activities geared towards the appreciation, promotion and preservation of Latin American culture. Their philanthropy is National Hispanic institute (NHI).
Delta Sigma theta sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. The “Deltas” purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. As a sisterhood comprised primarily of Black, college-educated women, the Sorority seriously considers the issues impacting the Black community and boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. The Xi Pi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is a city wide chapter at Union College, SUNY Albany, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As a service sorority, The Deltas have many charitable partners that include National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. American Diabetes Association, National Council of Negro Women, UNICEF, and Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF).
Sigma Gamma rho sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was established on November 12th, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service. Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” The sorority has a proud history of providing positive and proactive community outreach nationally and internationally. The programs, partnerships, and sponsorships represent Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to promoting the greater good in education, service, and leadership development.