Nearly 40% of Butler students are members of fraternities and sororities. Through these Greek-letter organizations, students build a sense of belonging, develop leadership skills, participate in service projects, and connect with alumni mentors. Butler’s fraternity and sorority community contributes more than 17,000 service hours each year and raises over $425,000 annually for local and national philanthropies. Through these experiences, students grow as leaders, scholars, and engaged members of their communities.

Kendall Johnson
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Sorority: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

How has your experience in fraternity and sorority life influenced your sense of belonging and connection on campus?
I grew up surrounded by members of my organization and I always admired the community, sisterhood, and work ethic they demonstrated and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. During my time at Butler, and as I grew into my major and leadership roles, I began seeking out other opportunities to make an impact in my community. I looked toward National Pan-Hellenic Council, Delta specifically, to be a conduit for what I wanted to do. Joining my sorority has allowed me to grow and get out of my comfort zone, shaping me into the best leader I can be. It also gave me a new sense of belonging amongst my peers on and off campus. I have been met with new experiences with people and places I would not have encountered otherwise, and for that I am grateful.

In what ways has being involved in your chapter supported or challenged your academic success and personal growth?
My chapter involvement has motivated me to continue working hard on my academics. It has also challenged me to work on my prioritization skills when juggling personal, academic, and sorority responsibilities. I have learned and am still learning how to embrace change and how to pivot when needed. I always strive to work as hard as I can, especially now that I have my letters to represent.

Can you share a moment when your fraternity or sorority experience positively impacted your leadership development?
While challenging, learning how to work in a new environment with a different set of expectations across campus has truly developed my capacity as a leader and a learner. I have always been a team player, but there is always room for improvement. In my sorority, teamwork is the driving force of getting things done, along with conflict resolution and bonding, all of which are skills Delta Sigma Theta has refined.

How would you describe the positive benefits within fraternity and sorority life, and what makes it meaningful for students?
For me, the biggest benefit of being in a sorority organization is the impact you and your sisters can make on your community. Black sororities and fraternities tend to be underrepresented at predominantly white institutions, and many may not be familiar with the profound work that we do to foster community, development, support, and change within the Black community as a whole. Being a part of change fostered by sorority involvement is beyond beneficial because you get to learn about life and other experiences outside of yourself. You get to branch out, and it grants you access to a world that you might not have considered before. On top of that, you get to make new friends, meet new people, and try new things that will enhance your college experience and your overall experience in life. While it is hard work, it is definitely worth it.

What impact do you believe fraternity and sorority life has on the broader campus and local community?
I think that Diving 9 fraternity and sorority life offers diversity amongst Greek organizations on Butler’s campus, which is important for bringing visibility to other identities, experiences, cultures, and even social issues that drive the existence of our organizations. We bring many events and opportunities for students to grow personally, academically, and socially in ways that can boost how they move forward in their interpersonal relationships and their future professional careers. Sorority life opens up new doors and provides opportunities, which is what I think makes the experience so special. I think fraternity and sorority life impacts people’s sense of unity and belonging, and I hope we continue to foster that.