SHREVEPORT – “Life with a side of sorority.”
That statement is what attracted Kaity Hooks to the first recruitment class of Lambda Nu Chi, a sorority founded by LSUS students in 2022.
Now nearing its second birthday, the sorority built on representation from a multitude of different groups is seeking to enlarge its role in connecting students with each other.
Madelyn Sizemore, who co-founded the sorority with now-LSUS graduate Makenzie Wilson, said the organization’s mission was to be inclusive.
“Lambda Nu Chi was founded to fit our campus,” Sizemore said. “We wanted this sorority to be affordable so financial concerns weren’t an obstacle.
“We wanted to be easy to work with part-time or full-time schedules so this organization could benefit women who are mothers or have full-time jobs. We want to be welcoming to any woman from any background, culture or religion as it’s important for everyone to envision themselves in this organization.”
Dania Alqam, a Palestinian student who is Muslim, said the sorority encourages her to embrace her individuality.
“Your uniqueness is not only accepted but is celebrated,” said Alqam, who wears a head covering. “The organization grabbed my attention because it focused on both diversity and inclusion, which are really important values to me.
“It’s been an enriching and eye-opening experience interacting and having a sisterhood bond with women from different religious backgrounds. We’ve had multiple discussions about the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam, and I’ve always felt like my voice is heard. I have gained an increase of mutual respect for women of different religions as well as fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.”
While Greek Life sometimes carries a stigma of being monolithic and all-consuming, Lambda Nu Chi encourages its members to be heavily involved in other campus organizations.
Sorority members serve in the student government and hold leadership roles in various other honors societies and organizations.
“We think it’s especially important for our members to build connections with student involvement because we want to have a chance to rebuild an involved student body,” said Hooks, who is one of 17 active members. “I know all of our members are extremely passionate about the other organizations they are in just because they want to see a change on campus in getting more students involved.”
Lambda Nu Chi, which won the 2023 Greek Organization of the Year at LSUS, still makes time for service and philanthropy.
The Hub, an organization serving the local homeless population, has been Lambda Nu Chi’s primary partner this year.
Sorority members are currently collecting hygiene and feminine products to donate to The Hub in honor of Women’s History Month.
Members were also active in reading to elementary students at J.S. Clark and Waller elementaries as part of Dr. Seuss Week earlier this month.
“The sense of sisterhood only grows stronger with each passing day,” Alqam said. “Whether it’s volunteering together, studying together until the sun peeks out, or even just being in each other’s presence, I know that I can count on my sisters for anything. This is my second family.”
