To the Editor,
I was informed of the alleged theft of The Free Press through several of the students still attending school there. I agree, it was unfortunate. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, perhaps not. The DA felt there was not enough evidence to pursue the case, but this does not prove their innocence, or their guilt.
This is not the sole reason for my letter, however, merely the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back.”
I have been a follower of The Free Press for years. When I began reading it you were probably studying for your Presidential Fitness Exam in the 7th grade. I have seen editors come and go. Some more objective than others. All talented in their own right.
One thing, however, has remained constant: the unfavorable light in which Greeks are portrayed.
While I admit much of this is deserved, I hope you will concede that much of the activity does not differ from that of other students. Sports teams often house together off-campus. I attended many keg parties off campus at the baseball house. Fraternities are forbidden to hold them, and in my tenure they were not held. We did, however, hold food and toy drives for the Gorham Welfare Department in conjunction with the Fire Department, book drives for the Jaycees and Lion’s Clubs, food drives for Good Will, and fund-raisers for the Boy Scouts of America, to name a few. I didn’t see those on the front page, though. If you would like to print these articles, I would be more than happy to supply you with the thank you letters.
When you leave college, what remains? Will you retain life-long friendships with your fellow students? Every summer I return for a weekend reunion with brothers from as far back as the 60’s. It is a family event, not a keg party. These are friends I will have forever.
A fraternity is not a four-year drunk; it is an eternal friendship.
School gives you the information you need to do your job. It inspires thought, teaches discipline, and gives you a piece of paper that says you took all the necessary classes. A fraternity teaches you tolerance. It teaches you there is good in everyone, and if you don’t find it you will never have a productive relationship with that person. You are forced to find common ground with people that on the outside may seem to be your complete opposite. These are also skills necessary for success.
I offer a suggestion. Take the time to get to know a Greek. Not superficially, but really know that person. Take the time to talk to an alumnus. Ask a 40-year-old Greek what benefits he or she obtained. How Greek life continues to affect him or her. I too believed the stereotype you perpetuate. I became a brother for the booze and chicks. Little did I know…
Ask me, I’ll tell you.
Geoffrey D. Allen
Delta Chi