For some, skin color, common heritage and language are important in choosing what organizations to join.
Greek fraternities and sororities are no exception.
"Well, for one, the main thing is cultural relevance," said Dameon Proctor (senior-electrical engineering), treasurer for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
The fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council as well as other ethnic greek organizations on campus that especially reach out to the minority community.
The sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. spoke about the founding of their organization in 1975 and why some of them chose to join a Latina sorority.
"There wasn't much of a support system for Latina women," said Sara Melendez (senior-marketing and international business), community service and public relations chair for the sorority.
"I was sure I wanted to do a Latin organization just because I'm very in touch with being Latina."
Being in touch with your heritage could cause discomfort when rushing certain fraternities, Proctor said.
"You don't want to go there because there's no place for you," Proctor said of other greek organizations.
Proctor went on to stress that in historically black fraternities, there is an extreme focus on cultural heritage, which is needed in a society still beset by racism.
Julissa Jurado (senior-biobehavioral health), vice-president of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., added that while culture is important, people have to go where they are comfortable, which may not be with a historically ethnic fraternity or sorority.
"Don't go through something you don't want to go through," said Jurado, adding that there is nothing worse than committing to something that you don't believe in wholeheartedly. Although she had attended many informational meetings, other sororities didn't appeal to her. She eventually came to work toward the establishment of her sorority's chapter at Penn State on Oct. 25, 1999.
Proctor added a point about the image of black fraternities on campus.
