by Danny Eckardt
Staff Writer
Unlike any other Greek organizations on the University of La Verne campus, Iota Delta Sorority has an auxiliary group separate from the sorority itself consisting only of men-the Iota Men.
“If they were women they would be our sisters,” said senior Iota Delta President Kristen Dow.
The Iota Men interact with the Iota Delta sisters during special events like car washes, and on exchanges.
Iota Delta is able to have such a group be part of its sorority because of its local status on campus. National regulations prohibit ULV’s other two sororities, Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Sigma, from forming such a group.
In response to his interaction with Iota Delta, senior Iota Man Morgan Coberly said, “Just support the sorority, and act like a big brother to the sorority.”
Although the Iota Men do not have to go through a pledge period because they are nominated to join by the Iota Delta sisters, they must have demonstrated certain qualities in supporting the organization prior to nomination.
“At the beginning of the fall semester, the sorority nominates men around campus that we feel would represent us well,” said Dow of the selection process. “They are guys who have our same values of individuality, diversity and leadership.”
“I think it is an honor if any of your peers want to recognize you for being a good person in their eyes,” said junior Iota Man Simon Bouie, also a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
The Iota Men have been part of the sorority since it was founded 10 years ago, according to Dow.
Some of the Iota Men who have recently become part of Iota Delta this fall have not been able to participate in many functions of late, but still express their enjoyment in being a part of the sorority.
“I haven’t done much, because its been only two weeks since I became one,” said Bouie. “It’s a nice group of ladies and I enjoy the time I spend with them.”
Within Iota Delta, there are different recognized qualities that each Iota Man brings to the organization, other than the required qualities.
“They bring a different perspective, because they are men,” said Dow.
“I think I bring honesty and integrity to a group that already has these qualities,” said Bouie of some of the necessary qualities of Iota Men. “I think the Iota Men is an opportunity for the Greek organization to recognize the good qualities of people and their peer group.”
Aside from being a member of the sorority of Iota Delta, the Iota Men are also allowed to wear the letters of the organization.
Danny Eckardt
