GreekRank is zeroing in on the sororities and fraternities across the country that embody what makes Greek life great. In our Profile series, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about local chapters and what makes them unique. This week, we highlight the Gamma Rho chapter of Alpha Phi at Pennsylvania State.
The Gamma Rho Chapter of just over 160 Alpha Phi’s at PSU is known to put scholarship and academic support first. “You’re never alone academically,” remarked one Alpha Phi. "It’s always easy to find someone who shares your major or is in one of your classes, and so it’s easy to get help from a sister."
Alpha Phi supports their own philanthropy, the Alpha Phi Foundation, founded in 1956, as well as philanthropies of other fraternities and sororities. The Alpha Phi Foundation donates towards women’s heart health and cardiac care, and through the chapter’s biggest fundraiser, the Red Dress Gala, the organization is able to raise thousands of dollars. At the Gala each spring, sisters are able to invite friends and families to the event, providing an opportunity for parents to meet sorority members and see what the chapter’s values encompass.
Other fundraising events are held throughout the year, including our favorite: the Munchkin Munch-Off, a donut-eating contest. Groups of three team up against each other in hopes of winning prizes, all generously donated from different stores and restaurants in downtown State College.
Alpha Phi also participates in Penn State’s own Dance Marathon, simply called THON. Last year, the sorority ranked in the top three amongst the entire Greek Community and raised $217,813 “For The Kids.”
And the chapter has won awards this year.
According to a letter from the current chapter’s president, Caroline Fish, “because of the continued time and effort our members spend giving back, Alpha Phi was named a Chapter of Excellence on campus this past year.”
Learn more about the chapter on their website.
