New Haven’s National Panhellenic Council emphasizes the importance of sisterhood

At the University of New Haven, Greek life is encouraged to enrich the personal development of its students. Personal growth, community engagement, brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarship and lifelong involvement are all basic objectives that Greek life at New Haven is dedicated to achieving.

The National Panhellenic Council (NPC), a women’s-only organization founded at New Haven in 2013, is made up of four chapters including: Delta Phi Epsilon, Phi Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Chi Kappa Rho. Transparency, accountability and mutual respect are the key values of NPCs.

Secretary for Alpha Sigma Alpha (ΑΣΑ), Rianna Colombie said “Being a part of the National Panhellenic Council means to me that everyone involved is working towards a common goal: to enhance the sorority experience to make the biggest impact possible.”

Fundraising Chair of Chi Kappa Rho (XKP), Ashley Fiorianti said “It is nice still knowing even though we are small, we are still supported.”

Public Relations Chairman for Alpha Sigma Alpha, Nicole Detlefs, joined her organization to gain close friendships she saw others achieving. She praised her sorority’s sisterhood bond, saying she loves getting to know everyone better.

“One core value I relate to the most is relationships because I’ve always wanted a bond that a sorority holds and I found that in (ΑΣΑ),” Detlefs said, “I also thought it was cool how our founders were all best friends and made (ΑΣΑ) because they all wanted to be in a sorority together.”

Delta Phi Epsilon (ΔΦΕ) President Julie Dextraze, explained how the NPC sororities on campus are connected and that they can always work together. Dextraze says that ΔΦΕ stands out due to the passion seen between the sisters. Her chapter has even had the opportunity to “surpass some amazing fundraising goals and help change the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis or eating disorders.”

“My best memory so far was seeing the entire Greek community come together and help with the Camp Cedarcrest clean-ups!” said Dextraze.

Regardless of being from three different sororities, the four interviewees all shared similar experiences while being a part of Greek life. They are happy for their sisterhoods, enjoy the volunteer work, praise the value of positive support systems for womanhood and are thankful to be a part of their unique chapters within the National Panhellenic Council.

The Greek Life community at the University of New Haven is a positive experience for students to get involved more and make lifelong connections, no matter what council you’re in.

Panhellenic Council recruitment was held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5.

Phi Sigma Sigma chose not to comment to The Charger Bulletin’s request for comments.