The Reality of Fraternity's
Photos and Writing by Justin Barnes
In today's world the American Fraternity system is under attack. There are many people that wish to see the entire system torn down and all the organizations outlawed. These people see the extreme minority experiences of fraternity life, the tragedies and horrors that are reported in the media. What they do not see nor do they understand is that these tragic cases of hazing and the deaths that have occured recently are not at all representative of the entire system. More than anything, a fraternity is a group of guys who were brought together through a shared belief in the values of the larger organization.
This photo essay will show the trials and triumphs of these men as they pursue the highest honors in their organization. It will show the day to day commradarie and the real life of fraternity members. The goal of this photo essay is to strip away the sensationalism that surrounds fraternity news stories and show that at its heart, the fraternity experience of Sigma Nu at Washington State University is all about the pursuit of three lifelong core values; Love, Truth, and Honor.
Known as "The Castle" the chapter house is the home of the members and the most important asset of the fraternity.
Members gather every night at 5 for dinner. Seniors and Juniors will often share stories of years and members past with the current younger members.
Following their initiation ceremony three members celebrate being officially made brothers with some cigars.
Upper classmen live in the basement lounge with their own private TV and furniture to get away from the chaos of the young guys upstairs.
Just to the side of the main entryway is the Alumni Room, showcasing the awards and honors the chapter has won over the years and paying tribute to those that came before.
The mantle on the main floor is home to the most prestigous awards and items of the fraternity. The Creed sits on teh far left with the member of the year awards at the top.
In many ways a fraternity is a business and in order to conduct business bi-weekly all member meetings are held in this room on Monday's.
The charter grants the chapter the right to exist. It is the most valuable thing in the house.
Academics are taken very seriously by members. They often group up and head to the study room to complete major assignments or prepare for tests.
At the end of the day there's nothing better than relaxing in your room with your brothers. That's what fraternity is all about.