For Fraternity and Sorority Life, when spring term rolls around, it means it’s time for philanthropy. Many fraternities and sororities hold signature philanthropy events in the spring that various chapters around campus participate in. Everything from football tournaments to dance contests are used to raise money for non-profit organizations.

Philanthropies remind us of the positive effect that fraternity and sorority life has on the community because these events aren’t merely social events. These events raise thousands of dollars for good causes, and the number of funds raised by fraternities and sororities at the University of Oregon is staggering. Sigma Chi raised more than $60,000 with their Derby Days philanthropy last term. Delta Gamma raised $32,000 with their Anchor Splash philanthropy last year and are raising the bar even higher this year.

It’s difficult to argue that philanthropy does not bring out the best in fraternity and sorority life. The members of Fraternity and Sorority Life pay dues every term, and part of those dues go to various philanthropies around campus. Fraternity and sorority members are paying money out-of-pocket to participate in events such as flag football tournaments and dance competitions, but at the same time contribute to non-profit organizations.

The sad truth is that despite all the accomplishments and money raised for the community by fraternities and sororities, they must constantly worry about upholding their image.

For example, I recently published a small listing of party themes in the Greek section (“Costume extravaganzas you won’t forget after graduation,” 4/2). The themes were a bit racy, but it was meant to be entertaining for a college audience. Since it was published in the Greek section, it became controversial and damaging to the fraternity and sorority image among the community. Now I’ll admit that, looking back, this article was bad for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and if I could do it again, I wouldn’t have pitched it.

But the truth is that if that article was published in any other section other than the Greek section and didn’t mention fraternity and sorority members, there would have been no controversy.

My point is that for all the money, community service and other contributions that fraternity and sorority life make to the community, (and I’m not saying that other students don’t make similar contributions) the slightest implication of promiscuity or partying can damage the image of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

So as judgments and assumptions of Fraternity and Sorority Life float around this term, which they certainly do, we must remind ourselves of the realities of Fraternity and Sorority Life. We must remind ourselves of the money raised and the causes that are being upheld.