Invasion of Privacy: A look into Greek life with Liz Allegro

Photo courtesy of SUNY Geneseo website

Greek life is more than the myths that surround it; pictured is a member of Delta Kappa Tau placing flags in remembrance of Sept. 11.

In the midst of rush season, The Lamron talked with Liz Allegro, Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life at SUNY Geneseo. Saturday, Feb. 7, is the campus-wide Bid Day of the spring semester. As Allegro explains, “Bid Day is a tradition in which Greek letter organizations extend invitations to students to join their chapters, and students celebrate and officially accept their bids.” As Coordinator, Allegro expressed her eagerness to “see how excited new members are as they fill out their acceptance forms.” 

SUNY Geneseo is host to 14 social sororities, 10 social fraternities, and four co-ed professional fraternities. Many of these groups are plagued by the myths that surround Greek life, which is greatly aided by anonymous Yik Yak rumors swirling amongst student communities. A core belief of the college is belonging, and Allegro points out that those involved in Greek life look “for community, belonging, and friendship” like any other student, suggesting that the rumors may be unfair assumptions. 

A common misconception Allegro noted is “the tendency to lump them [students in Greek life] together.” She then added that she “think[s] students are sometimes unfairly judged based solely on their organization, which doesn't reflect who they are as individuals.” Many believe fraternities and sororities participate in herd mentality, but this is entirely debunked by Allegro; she claims, “Every student I have worked with is a unique individual who brings different strengths, perspectives, and talents to our campus.” 

When The Lamron asked Allegro what she wished students knew about Greek life—aside from debunked myths—she said: “I wish students knew there is a lot more going on! We have events every month and some are open to non-Greek students.” Allegro followed this with an upcoming event on Feb. 25, the Greek God Competition, in which ticket money is donated to the winning contestant’s charity of choice. Allegro emphatically added, “Any Geneseo student can come and watch!” 

As Coordinator, Allegro plays an integral role in supervising, supporting, and advising the fraternities and sororities on campus. Allegro said that being Coordinator “is truly [her] favorite thing,” and that “[a]s a Geneseo alum, [she] care[s] deeply about the students here, their experiences, their growth, and the parts of being a Geneseo student that they will carry with them long after graduation.” 

Allegro also shared her experience of stepping into the role as Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life at SUNY Geneseo. She told The Lamron that it all began with an internship at the volunteer office in her senior year at Geneseo, and when the Coordinator position was set to open the same year, it was “almost like it was meant to be.” Allegro then said, “I directly attribute much of my happiness and fulfillment in my current career to the opportunity I was given as a student,” and that her own experiences kindled her passion for “employing student interns in [her] office today.” 

When asked what she most enjoys about being Coordinator, Allegro answered, “My favorite part of my position is getting to truly know the student leaders within each organization and collaborating with my interns to plan large Greek community events.” She mentioned being “inspired by” the students she works with, saying, “they bring fresh energy, new perspectives, and often teach me as much as I teach them.”

In a discussion of her favorite aspects of the role, Allegro also brought up the enjoyment of “creating and executing events for the community.” One of the favorite events of this Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life? Turns out it was the sorority Powder Puff Flag Football game that took place last semester. Though the game was played in the rain, students still showed up to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House.  

The Lamron would like to leave readers with one of Liz Allegro’s statements, which greatly reflects the importance of getting involved on campus—whether it is Greek life or another organization: “So much of the growth you have as a student and a person happens within your experiences in student organizations.”