Greek life leads to full-time careers for UNI grads
Greek life leads to full-time careers for UNI grads
Jessa Loges and Kate Rogers had two very different opinions of Greek life when they began their studies at UNI. Now both graduated, they share a fondness for their time spent in sororities. In fact, Loges and Rogers had such positive experiences that they both began professional careers at the national headquarters of their former sororities, Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Xi Delta.
“I would say I grew not just professionally but personally through Greek life,” said Loges. “I was able to connect more with people and meet sisters who I might not have met otherwise. We have all different majors, all different interests, all different personalities.”
“On the leadership side, I just gained so much knowledge,” said Rogers. “I love knowing how to do things, and I feel like if it wasn't for my chapter, I would not be in the same position with getting internships or being in this job because of the connections I've made.”
UNI has five Panhellenic sororities and one multicultural sorority for students to join.
Loges came to UNI from Forest City, Iowa, knowing she wanted to get involved. It was one of the main attractions of being a UNI student.
On the other hand, Rogers, a Cedar Rapids native, had no intention of joining a sorority in college. Her cousins, also UNI students, were involved with Greek life and tried to convince her numerous times to join. For quite some time, Rogers was unmoved until one of them invited her to a tabling event in Maucker Union. While she was there, one of the other girls from the chapter started talking to her about the benefits of Greek life. This sparked an interest, and she talked to a few other sororities. She decided to go through the recruitment process.
“Putting myself out there more was exactly what I wanted from college,” she said. “So I thought, ‘Why not try it? If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.’ I ended up loving it.”
For both Loges and Rogers, leadership opportunities within their sororities highlight their experience. They each held numerous positions throughout their time at UNI.
As an interactive digital studies major, Loges often held positions that related to her program of study. She gained experience working on Alpha Delta Pi’s social media channels, marketing the chapter and overseeing recruitment.
“My portfolio has so many things that have to do with what I did for the sorority and video content I created,” said Loges. “I loved that position. So often, I was like, ‘This is what I want to do the rest of my life. I'm so glad I’m studying what I'm studying.’ It was just very clear to me that I was doing the right thing.”
Rogers, a marketing: advertising and digital media major, held 15 positions throughout her time with Alpha Xi Delta, doing everything from managing chapter communications to planning and executing philanthropy events.
In addition to leadership, the relationships built with sorority sisters and Alpha Delta Pi alumni contributed to Loges’ and Rogers’ positive experiences in their chapters. Loges still texts with many of her sorority sisters on a daily basis.
“I’ll have those connections forever,” she said.
Rogers would describe herself as shy when she first came to UNI, but being in Alpha Xi Delta helped her break free of her shell. She goes on annual vacations with two of her sorority sisters.
“I made the best friends in the entire world with girls I would never have met otherwise,” she said.
Another key part of the Greek life experience is philanthropy. Alpha Delta Pi raised money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping provide housing for families with kids who are in the hospital. Alpha Xi Delta supported Cedar Valley Angels, benefiting local children and families in the foster care community.
Loges graduated in December 2023, and Rogers graduated in May 2024. They both started their full-time positions shortly after graduation. Loges works remotely and travels frequently, while Rogers is based out of Athens, Georgia, where she will be helping kickstart a new chapter of Alpha Xi Delta.
As a chapter support coordinator, Loges works with 14 chapters throughout the country. She helps the chapters with recruitment, leadership development, and chapter operations and management. Rogers is an educational leadership consultant and visits chapters that want extra support.
Both women are excited to dive into recruiting season this fall and show how meaningful Greek life can be to incoming students around the country.
“It’s definitely more of a developmental organization where you get leadership skills, volunteering, life skills and figuring out how to balance it all day to day,” said Rogers. “I felt so prepared coming into a full-time job because Alpha Xi Delta and sorority life gave me the tools to be organized, have time management and set boundaries. I think the phrase ‘These are my bridesmaids’ is overused — but, in this case, it’s really true. I met my bridesmaids.”
