Meet the Greeks shows off strolls and salutes
By Jasmine White
COLORFUL arrangements of tables for each Greek organization participating in Rider’s annual tradition, Meet The Greeks, were stationed all around the Campus Green on Sept. 19. Greek life from neighboring colleges, such as The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University, performed with Rider’s Greek population.
Junior entrepreneurial studies major and Alpha Kappa Alpha Nu Eta Chapter President Destiny Gardner, and junior human resource management major and Secretary of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Lizbeth Ortiz, hosted this year’s show with a twist: a competition.
A total of 12 sororities and fraternities from both the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Multicultural Greek Council competed to be the Meet The Greeks 2025 champion and for a $200 reward to go toward their chapter. The winner was decided by a panel of four judges: Jasmine Johnson, the director of the Center of Diversity and Inclusion, Keenan Bailey, assistant director of Residence Life, Kadi Diallo, director of student involvement and first year programs and Julian Nieves, a Rider University alumnus.
Dating back to 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated was founded at Cornell University, making it the first of the Divine Nine organizations. Not too long after, in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was established at Howard University.
The Divine Nine provide for their communities while also servicing its corporations as a whole, honoring principles such as cultural pride, scholarship, civic engagement, mentorship and community service. The common goal is to uplift Black men and women to reach the best versions of themselves, academically and beyond.
These historically Black and African American organizations make up the NPHC; brotherhoods and sisterhoods that are carried on for generations to come, chartering at a wide range of college institutions. NPHC organizations show their unity through the art of strolling, a synchronized movement specific to each organization and its cultural expression.
The NMGC, the umbrella for all culturally-based fraternities and sororities, was established in 1988 and is composed of 12 multicultural Greek fraternities and sororities that promote the diverse Greek community.
Chi Upsilon Sigma “Cussies,” Mu Sigma Upsilon and LTA are a few of the sororities under the NMGC. Some fraternities under this classification are Psi Sigma Phi, Inc., and Lambda Theta Phi, Inc. A portion of these organizations participate in saluting; sharp movements and synchronized dancing to honor the history of each organization.
The NPHC and NMGC play important roles in communities, servicing and uplifting society as a whole. The Greek letters have deeper meanings than what may be perceived upon first glance, but each organization gives back to build up their communities stronger than before.
The Greeks take the stage
Tra Coney, senior business administration major and brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., crossed spring 2025. This was Coney’s first Meet The Greeks as being a part of the Greek community and showcase of the performances.
“I hope [Meet the Greeks] opens the [community’s] eyes that Rider is becoming more diverse,” Coney said. “I’m glad I got to meet new people, make new connections in this. I hope everyone puts on a good show and everybody has fun.”
This year’s showcase was big for the new members, or the ‘neos’ of each fraternity and sorority, as highlighting their strolls and salutes with their brothers and sisters is a part of welcoming them into their organizations.
Alumni of each organization came to Rider to support their chapters and the additions to their organizations, cheering them on from the crowd. A multitude of color combinations encapsulated the crowd beneath the stage. Crimson and cream, royal blue and pure white, and royal purple and old gold were just a few of the color schemes that graced a portion of the crowd’s clothing and accessories.
The first fraternity to take the stage was Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., founded in November 1911 at Howard University. Brothers from previous and current years joined together and to perform the “I Want to be an Omega Man,” chant as they stepped in a call and response rhythmic order.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., from TCNJ were referred to as “the pretty boys” by Gardner. The Delta Eta chapter strolled to “Seduction” by Usher, as their crimson and cream canes complemented their flowy movements, captivating the audience.
Lambda Tau Omega Sorority Incorporated, a multicultural sorority, performed to the songs “Tuned in Freestyle” by Megan the Stallion and “MamaZota” by Arelene MC.
Moving down the line of performances, two multicultural organizations, MSU sorority and LTA sorority, performed one after another showing off their salutes, telling the story of their cultural organizations.
Kylah Frazier, sophomore musical theater major and sister of AKA, introduced the “first historically Black sorority in the world.” Salmon pink and apple green were adorned on the women of AKA, dressed in schoolgirl outfits.
LTP fraternity made an appearance and showed their honor and pride for their brotherhood through their salute, wearing brown and white.
Aeja Nichols, senior psychology major and president of the Tau Kappa chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and her sisters performed the DST yard chant, strolling to “Lick” by Sleepy Brown.
“I love meeting all the new faces and just being to educate people on what [Divine Nine] is,” Nichols said. “It’s just good seeing people wanting to learn more about how to get involved on campus and how they can make an impact beyond.”
CUS sorority decorated the stage with red smoke, during their performance wearing the colors red, black and beige.
The final strolls of the night were that of 1914, the PBS fraternity, performed to a song called “Just Say Dat,” by Gunna. They presented their blue and white letters on their jerseys and jumpsuits.
After an intermission, the winners were announced. LTO sorority
placed third, the CUS sorority placed second and AKA sorority placed first.
Once the night ended, Nichols said, “I’m glad that people showed up and showed out during their performances.”
