When students think about Greek life at UW-Whitewater, one word comes up again and again: community. For many, joining a fraternity or sorority means finding a home away from home, where support, friendship and opportunity are always close at hand.
“I think about community,” said Kaitlin Geisler, an elementary education major, president of Order of Omega, and member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. “It really doesn’t matter if we’re in the same organization—we all build friendships and relationships across chapters. It feels like home, and I’ll forever be grateful for the network of people I’ve built.”
For Cam Kerber, vice president of Lambda Chi Alpha, those connections go beyond friendship.
“Any time you see someone on campus wearing their letters, it’s an immediate starter to the conversation,” Kerber said. “Even if you don’t know them well, you know you share common experiences.”
For both Geisler and Kerber, joining Greek life was about finding their place at UW-Whitewater. “Coming to campus felt overwhelming at first,” Geisler admitted.
“I wanted to find a place where I belonged, and leadership opportunities were important to me,” Geisler said. “Greek life gave me both.”
Kerber’s decision was influenced by family.
“My dad and cousins were in Greek life and always had great stories,” Kerber said. “When I came to Whitewater, I wanted those deeper connections too—and I immediately found them.”
Leadership, personal growth and service are woven into the Greek experience. Geisler has held several leadership roles, including president of Order of Omega, a Greek honor society. Through Tri Sigma, she also served as the crescent girl for Lambda Chi Alpha.
“All of these opportunities have pushed me to grow socially, academically and personally,” Geisler said.
Kerber agreed, citing that being in Greek life has made him a better person and helped him gain professional experience. He landed a job with Red Bull, which would not have been possible without being in a fraternity.
Both students believe the most significant misunderstanding about Greek life is how it’s perceived.
“People think it’s overwhelming,” Geisler said. “But you get out what you put in. You don’t have to take on leadership roles to gain from the experience.”
Kerber echoed that sentiment.
“It’s not like the movies or social media. We’re students first,” Kerber said. “There’s so much emphasis on academics, networking and professional development that people don’t see.”
Greek life’s influence goes far beyond campus social events. Collectively, members log thousands of community service hours each year. According to Geisler, each member is required to complete 15 hours, which quickly adds up to 24 chapters and more than 700 pages.
From hosting philanthropy events to participating in Make a Difference Day, Greeks make their presence known.
“Lambda Chi Alpha hosts bi-annual blood and food drives, plus events supporting men’s mental health,” Kerber said. “The impact on Whitewater and Walworth County is huge.”
Some of the most meaningful moments in Greek life are also the most personal. Geisler points to the “Big/Little” mentorship process.
“I was nervous at first, but my Big quickly became my best friend,” Geislers said. “Later, when I got my own Little, it was such a full-circle moment.”
For Kerber, winning the Greek Week trophy stands out.
“I was in charge of planning events,” Kerber said. “Seeing everyone’s hard work pay off was incredible.”
As both students reflect on their experiences, they see Greek life continuing to evolve while holding to its purpose.
“We want to give students belonging, academic priority, involvement and personal development,” Geisler said. “That won’t change.”
Kerber added that “with more students joining and our alumni networks growing, I’m excited to see Greek life expand. The opportunities it creates will only keep growing.”
At the end of the day, Greek life at UW-W is about more than letters on a sweatshirt. It’s about finding support, giving back and building lasting relationships that extend beyond graduation.
