It is no understatement that Greek life shapes several aspects of the Union community. Each of the sororities on campus boasts a capable and compassionate woman as their president. In these interviews, the presidents discuss what brought them to their respective sororities, their journey to becoming president and how they use their unique experiences and style to lead their chapter.
These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
THE PRESIDENTS
Chi Omega: Glori Gronberg, junior accounting major.
Zeta Tau Alpha: Alana Parkey, junior cell and molecular biology major.
Kappa Delta: Brianna Correia, junior chemistry major.
Question: What led you to join a sorority? Was this something you were always interested in?
Glori: Both my parents were in Greek life, and my sister was also in Greek life. So, it was always something I was curious about and interested in. I don’t think I would have rushed if I had gone to a bigger school. What really attracted me was that it was a Christian school but also had real sororities … [During rush week], every girl that I talked to was super real and genuine, and I just felt like the conversations that I had in Chi O were different than the other two. I just felt like I formed a bond.
Alana: No one in my family had ever been in a sorority, so I didn’t know exactly what it was. But I knew those who had gone to school before me and were in sororities at larger schools. After seeing their photos on social media and talking to them, it seemed like so much fun. I’m a people person, so I thought having more friends and meeting new people was right up my alley … I was drawn to the people [of Zeta] and how much they poured into me rush week. I really saw the love of Christ and knew that they would push me academically and spiritually.
Brianna: Coming from overseas, I had no idea what a sorority was or that they really existed at all. I didn’t go through recruitment or any of the events, and initially I wasn’t completely interested. But I did end up meeting so many women from Kappa Delta who became my closest friends, and their kindness to everyone and how genuine they were stuck out to me and drew me to Kappa Delta and to our sisterhood.
Question: How did you come to be president? Was this a position you always wanted?
Glori: I was the treasurer two years in a row because I’m an accounting major. We had our elections last November, and I thought I was just going to be treasurer again. We [Union’s Chi Omega Chapter] don’t run for positions or apply. You’re just nominated for the position. So, it’s not something that I applied or nominated myself for. Honestly, it was super unexpected… I just never saw myself in that type of leadership role. And then nominations came. I was nominated, and I thought, Oh wow this could be real! And then it happened. It was totally, completely unexpected, but I’m really honored that people saw me in that role. I think it gives me more confidence that the chapter wants me here.
Alana: When I do something, I do something with my whole heart and pour everything into it. At a father-daughter event, my dad looked at me and said, “So, Alana, when are you going to be president?” and I said, “Me? I could never be president! I could never do that!” I was very intimated. Those before me definitely left big shoes to fill. I never necessarily thought that I could even do it! I served on our executive committee last year as our risk chair, and I learned a lot through that. [The presidency] was one of those things where I just felt like I was supposed to do it. It’s crazy how things worked out, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There’s definitely a reason God has me here.
Brianna: I started out as Banner Chair (which is just painting banners for our events), then I ran for VP-Membership and got to plan and run our fall and spring recruitment. Having this opportunity to lead allowed me to become even closer with my chapter and drew me to the idea of becoming president. I wanted to be able to make a positive impact on the women in my house and continue to serve with them and for them.
Question: What is your leadership style and how does that influence the way you lead your chapter?
Glori: My number one goal is just to communicate well. I feel, as president, you’re communicating with every single executive role in the chapter, and so you have to be on top of your game, organized and communicate well… One thing that I try to do is celebrate and acknowledge all the good work that all the positions are doing. I really like to point that out so people will give them the affirmation that they need to continue going in their role.
Alana: I’m an extroverted introvert. Depending on the setting, I can be more of a silent leader. I know what I think, but I may not necessarily speak it. But now I am the one that has to tell my opinion and make the big decisions, and I’ve learned a lot through that… I’m one of those I can do it all people and with my schedule and everything that I have going on, I’ve come to realize that I can’t do it all. I have these great people under me that are put there for a reason. I get to help them, lead them and guide them to make the decisions that are best for our chapter.
Brianna: I would say I’m more of a democratic leader. I like getting feedback from other council members, running ideas through them for extra thoughts because I think it allows everyone to feel more included and important in their positions as leaders in Kappa Delta. I also love talking about new events or things we’d like to implement with the women in my house for input to see how they feel or what they’d change about it. My goal is foremost to make sure that all the women in my chapter are happy and getting the full experience of everything that comes with being a Kappa Delta.
Question: Is there anything you want others to know about your chapter?
Glori: I want people to see Chi O as full of really honorable women full of integrity. That we’re pursuing after the Lord and in everything that we do we seek to glorify Him. That’s what I want people to see when they look at us. I also want others to know that we love to have fun and love Union and want to pour back into the Union Community!
Alana: We are a very diverse group of women. We come from all majors, all places and have different interests, but there’s one thing that we share and that’s when we come together. We are united and able to share experiences and lead together, learn together and have a great time. We’re always open to anybody and anything. We love new things and love to have fun!
Brianna: The women in my chapter are genuine, loyal women who show unconditional love to everyone on campus. My house is filled with women who strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest and who push each other to be the best women they can be spiritually, academically and personally!
Photo by Maddie Steele
