In a world of Alphas and Zetas, the mention of the Greek letters Gamma Gamma Chi may draw quizzical looks or shoulder shrugs from the Penn State community.
That's because Penn State does not recognize the sorority -- in fact, the chapter has yet to be offered official status at any university in the nation.
A year after its inception as the nation's first Islamic-based sorority, Gamma Gamma Chi is continuing its quest of pinpointing interested universities.
"I haven't been contacted by anyone or heard any plans," Penn State's Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) President Jason Manoharan said. "But it would offer groups another opportunity to pursue greek life."
Despite a prohibition on both alcohol and casual mixing between genders, some students said the chapter would be too closely linked to conventional sororities.
"It would allow for sisterhood and many opportunities, but it comes with the lifestyle associated with greeks," Muslim Student Association (MSA) member Kelley Peters said. "Because of the overwhelming stereotypes, it would be hard to maintain the [initial] attitude."
Nathan Leopard, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life assistant director and MCG adviser, said most chapters form when students realize that their personal values and principles do not mesh with existing chapters.
"By all national statistics, the multicultural community with an affiliate with a religion or culture is the fastest growing group nationwide," Leopard said. "We'd be more than interested to welcome them into the field."
He added that of the 12 MGC chapters, two have religious ties -- both of which are Christian-based.
Denise Pipersburgh, president of the National Multicultural Greek Council, said many benefits arise when similarly minded individuals get together.
"A lot of times, people who ... do not have others to support them, have no other place to go," Pipersburgh said. "These organizations allow us to come together -- with our missions the same, we can help each other."
Yet, as the Muslim student community thrives, MSA public relations representative Heather Barton said there is no urgent need for an organized sorority to exist.
"A lot of the Muslim females already live together," said Barton, adding that she first learned of the organization through a Muslim-affiliated Web site. "In a way, we already have a sorority."
Leopard said all groups interested in officially joining MGC must follow a set procedure, including a one-year stint as an "interest group" -- a process perceived as a hassle by some students.
"I could see it having a positive influence, but our Muslim community is already developed," Barton said. "I'm not sure if people would want to put the time into it."
With the recent induction of three new chapters into the MGC, Manoharan said the current arrangement leaves plenty of space for more multiculturalism.
"It's a great opportunity that the student body will have to diversify the student atmosphere at the school and within greek life," he said.
