Chris Banyas
Staff Writer
Sororities and fraternities offer students additional sources of support, networking opportunities and different ways to become more involved on campus.
Idaho State University is home to two official sororities: Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Alpha Xi Delta.
These organizations choose one main cause or philanthropy and work to serve that purpose throughout the year.
Alpha Xi Delta’s supported philanthropy is Autism Speaks.
“Every year we do what’s called the AmaXIng Challenge. It’s out on the quad usually, and we do a 3k/5k fun run and all the proceeds go to Autism Speaks,” said ISU chapter president Keanne Lambertson.
Alpha Xi Delta also runs bake sales several times throughout the year and spends time reading to children in the Early Learning Center.
Being a member of Alpha Xi Delta has helped Lambertson in many ways. She said the main benefit of being in the sorority for her was the realization of potential.
Having to choose between two sororities at ISU, Lambertson felt a connection which helped her choose.
“Both sororities are really great and I really related a lot to both of them but something just pulled on my heart to go to Alphi Xi Delta. Also a lot of my friends were in Alpha Xi Delta,” said Lambertson.
Sigma Sigma Sigma is the other sorority available to female students at ISU.
“Our philanthropy is Robbie Paige Memorial,” said ISU chapter president Elizabeth Witt. “It originally supported polio research projects because our fourth national president’s son had polio, but once a cure was found we changed our philanthropy to raise money for play therapy.”
Sigma Sigma Sigma holds several fundraising events throughout the year.
“We host a swing-a-thon to raise money for our philanthropy. That is where we sit on a swing for 26 hours straight and ask for donations,” said Witt.
Other events include a soccer tournament called Sigma Shoot and raffles. Taco Johns and Panda Express fundraisers have been held in the past.
Contact Keanne Lambertson with Alpha Xi Delta at ude.usinull@2aekbmal, or Elizabeth Witt with Sigma Sigma Sigma at ude.usinull@zilettiw for more information.
