Click here to go see photos from the 2004 Greek Awards Banquet Appalachian State University established its first national Greek-lettered fraternity and sorority in 1972. This academic year marks the 30th anniversary of the current fraternity and sorority system at Appalachian. Much has changed since that first visionary group of student leaders established their organizations. But, one thing has remained constant. Fraternities and sororities at Appalachian are committed to developing excellence in leadership, community service, citizenship, academic success, and a sense of responsibility and accountability in their members.

Greek life is an important part of the co-curricular experience of the students at Appalachian. Students who are involved outside the classroom do better academically, report a more satisfying educational experience, and persist to graduation in greater numbers than their counterparts who choose not to become involved. Greek life is built upon a commitment to the ritualistic values of their organizations, a commitment to service, an understanding of their responsibility for being a contributing member of the community, and to the personal and professional development of members.

From that early beginning of two organizations with approximately 20 members each, the Greek system at Appalachian has grown to 15 fraternities and 8 sororities with total membership exceeding 1,000 students. Greeks serve in leadership roles in various other organizations on campus and in the community. They sponsor numerous service projects and donate thousands of dollars and hours to the community. They strive to promote excellence in the classroom and have in place support systems to assist students in their academic pursuits. Greek alumni make up some of the most important and involved alumni at Appalachian.