Why Join?

Drew houston, Phi delta theta '05


Drew Houston, co-founder of Dropbox, shares his story about how being Rush Chair for his fraternity helped him gain valuable management experience and get ready for developing his new company.

gabriel ginorio, kappa sigma '18

"I viewed [joining a fraternity] as a way to expand my horizons from a close friend group of ten people to a group of over 100 throughout my four years here, who honestly care about each other just as much or even more. At MIT, fraternities strive for the continuous betterment of our chapters in all aspects, including academically, professionally, and socially."

DION LOW, PHI BETA EPSILON  '16

"[In joining] I saw the opportunity to be surrounded by people I looked up to and the people I wanted to be. Choosing a close set of brothers on whom you can depend, learn from, and who can motivate you is crucial in succeeding not only at MIT but also later in life. Being surrounded by leaders on campus has motivated me to try new things and start new groups, like the MIT Poker Club. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the close support of those around me.

amelie kharey, tau epsilon phi '18

"I joined for friendship stronger than the typical bond, for connections to alumni, and for more independence in my living situation than the dorms would allow me."

"After joining, I am more tolerant of others. I know how to take care of a house. I can cook for a crowd or host a party. I am there for my friends in their emergencies and they are there for me. Our fraternities are not like Animal House - they are close groups of MIT students living and working together out of a shared lifelong bond."

lucas morales, sigma phi epsilon '17

"At first, I had no intention of joining a fraternity. Once I met the brothers of SigEp, I knew I found the place where I belong here. Over my time here, the principles behind my fraternity have led me to accept my individuality and those of others. I have been made a better man by joining."

christian sanchez, sigma nu '19

"Joining Sigma Nu made me feel like I had a family at MIT. It has increased my confidence and my leadership abilities, has given me a strong social network, and has helped me adjust to living at college. I'd definitely say, 'Don't believe the stereotypes,' since that's not what we're about."

After Graduation

Members of the MIT Fraternity System have gone on to become founders and presidents of companies across the globe, have been some of the brightest minds in research, and have won numerous prizes. Below you will find a snapshot of a few.

Ray Kurzweil, Tau Epsilon Phi '70: Chief Engineer of Google, Inc, recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation

Charles and David Koch, Beta Theta Pi '57, '62: Chairman/CEO and Executive VP of Koch Industries

Richard Feynman, Pi Lambda Phi '39: World-renowned theoretical physicist, recipient of Nobel Prize in Physics

Paul Gray, Phi Sigma Kappa '54: 14th President of MIT

David Welland, Delta Tau Delta '77: Co-Founder of Silicon Labs

Thomas Popik, Zeta Psi '82: Founder and President of the Foundation for Resilient Socieities

Kenneth D. Cameron, Beta Theta Pi '71: Former Space Shuttle Commander

John Sununu, Phi Sigma Kappa '66: Former Governor of New Hampshire and White House Chief of Staff

Jim Shields, Delta Tau Delta '71: Former President and CEO of Draper Laboratories

Eric Wilhelm and Colin Bulthaup, Tau Epsilon Phi '99, '01: Co-Founders of Instructables

Lawrence Bacow, Zeta Beta Tau '72: 29th President of Harvard University