Finding home away from home in UA's Greek community

Among the numerous activities at The University of Akron (UA), fraternity and sorority life stand out as a vibrant community fostering camaraderie, support, and personal and professional growth.

Led by passionate individuals such as coordinator Ben Collopy, staff within UA’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life champion diversity within the Greek community, challenging stereotypes to ensure every student finds their place.

“I like to say that our community isn’t a ‘typical’ Greek community,” said Collopy. “We have chapter members from all over the country and across the globe; we have members with majors ranging from education all the way to chemical engineering; we have members of all different races and ethnicities, and members with all different interests.”

There are nearly 600 students involved in sororities and fraternities at UA.

For Izzy Boscarello, joining a sorority meant entering a realm of tight bonds and mutual experiences. Boscarello, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, sees her journey as one underscoring the support of the sisterhood’s profound influence on her socialness.

“Coming into college, I was very nervous to meet new people, and then I had an experience that I was proud of and excited to share with my friends and family,” said Boscarello. “Joining a sorority helped me to meet some of my best friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life, helped make networking connections for my future, offered leadership experience and gave me opportunities that I know I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else.”

Similarly, Khatonia Ford, National Panhellenic Council president and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, found solace within her sorority during a difficult time when friends matter most.

“During a challenging period recently, I faced a horrific loss,” Ford shared. “My sorority sisters and fellow members of the Greek community provided unwavering support with comfort and encouragement. Even now, they continue to check in on me, ensuring that I am maintaining a levelheaded mindset and providing a sense of belonging during my healing process.”

Beyond fostering friendships and providing support, sorority and fraternity organizations at UA are dedicated to making a difference in the community. Chapters rally together to raise funds for philanthropic causes, embodying the spirit of service and social responsibility.

Last year, UA’s fraternity and sorority chapters raised more than $62,000 for philanthropic partners, and members completed 9,600 service hours.

Andy Feltman, a member of Phi Delta Theta, emphasizes the role of Greek life in personal and
professional growth.

“My involvement has taught me how important it is to be a team leader,” said Feltman. “Motivating members of the group to work together and complete their responsibilities is not easy. Communicating is necessary to ensure that everyone is on the same page with our goals as a group. And this involves being a good listener.”

Greek life and its impact as a “home” on students extends far beyond campus borders, with members realizing how their traditions and experiences can continue far into their lives with the lessons learned from their peers.

For Feltman, that means being empowered with skills he can use in a future role as a social worker.

“Social workers will often work on large community change,” he said. “I had the opportunity to do that in college with the fraternity system. I wanted to see the community at The University of Akron be better off than when I came into it.”

And for Ford, these experiences helped fuel her aspirations of working in law and federal government. “By holding many executive positions, I’ve learned the importance of responsibility and effective time management, which will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career endeavors. Additionally, as I aspire to become an attorney and eventually a congresswoman, my experiences in my sorority, particularly attending the nation’s capital conference as a delegate, have provided me with firsthand knowledge of how Congress operates and what it takes to succeed in such positions. This exposure has further fueled my aspirations and motivated me to strive for excellence, knowing that one day I can make a meaningful impact in similar roles.” 

Story by Alex Knisely