Greek life organizations account for a large part of Murray State’s activities and student life culture. From life-long connections to philanthropy events, here’s what you can expect from the 2025 best sorority and fraternity.

Best Sorority

This year’s best sorority is Alpha Omicron Pi. Murray State’s Delta Omega chapter began in 1961. Wendy Burnley, chapter president and junior agribusiness economics major, said her chapter is a genuine, timeless organization that stands for “character dignity, college loyalty and scholarship in all areas.”

In previous years, Burnley has served as ritual education director and vice president of programming and enrichment. She said she knew she wanted to join a sorority when she came to Murray State in 2022, but she did not expect Greek life to make as strong of an impact as it did.

“It’s given me the biggest sense of belonging and sisterhood,” Burnley said. “It’s special, what all AOPis have in common. I believe there are values that bind us as a sisterhood, and that’s what I was really craving in my college experience and in my personal life.”

Alpha Omicron Pi’s philanthropy events are “Strikeout Arthritis” in the spring and Mr. MSU in the fall to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation.

“Strikeout Arthritis” is a softball tournament separated into fraternity and sorority divisions. It is traditionally held the week before spring break. This year, Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Sigma Phi in their respective divisions. Burnley said the Strikeout tournament is a fun and relaxing time for everyone involved.

Mr. MSU is a popular Family Weekend pageant in Lovett Auditorium, where male students representing their Greek organizations participate in an informal talent show. Burnley said last year’s pageant raised over $26,048, and she hopes to raise even more next semester. The fall 2025 Mr. MSU is scheduled for Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.

Burnley said she encourages everyone to consider joining Murray State’s Greek life community, and even if a prospective member ends up somewhere other than Alpha Omicron Pi, they can expect to be welcomed and loved.

“You can expect to grow and be pushed to become a better sister and a better person as a whole,” she said. “We want strong women with strong morals and values who want to be successful and do good.”

Best Fraternity

This year’s best fraternity is Sigma Phi Epsilon. Murray State’s Kentucky Epsilon chapter was founded in 1969 and values academics as its highest priority. Brady Doninger, sophomore music business major and vice president of communications, said Sigma Phi Epsilon has held the highest interfraternity council GPA for 43 consecutive semesters.

“We always try to recruit quality students and active leaders in their communities and schools …  and develop them as much as we can within the chapter,” he said. “We think that you have something that you can offer the organization, and we have a lot to offer you that can help you grow and be a better balanced man.”

Doninger joined Sigma Phi Epsilon during his first semester and became an officer last November. He said his college experience and the person he is today would be very different had he not joined.

“I’ve experienced more character development than I’ve ever experienced before,” Doninger said. “It’s really just helped me try to find the person I want to be and help (me) become that. I’ve been able to be a leader and really find what I’m good at and can contribute.”

Sigma Phi Epsilon held its spring philanthropy event on Friday, March 28. Fraternity members transformed their property into a minigolf course for “Putting for Buddies,” with proceeds going to the local chapter of Best Buddies, an international organization committed to engaging and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The golf course had a Dr. Seuss-inspired theme in honor of the famous Sigma Phi Epsilon member’s birth month. Doninger said the whole event is fun to put on, especially because he has met the community members he is raising money for and knows it’s going to a good cause.

Doninger said he tells people, “you would rather join earlier than regret not joining soon enough,” when they are hesitant about joining Greek life because he also felt hesitant as a freshman. He recommended reaching out to a Sigma Phi Epsilon brother if you are interested in joining, especially to the fraternity’s recruitment chair, Montana Bates.

“You can find a place here,” he said. “I know I did, and somewhere else, I may not have been able to as sufficiently and had the same amount of growth as I’ve had in SigEp. It really is a home for all if you look for it.”

Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Phi Epsilon may be the best of 2025, but there many more sororities and fraternities on campus where anyone interested in Greek life can find the community and opportunities students like Burnley and Doninger have.

“It’s about finding the best fit for you, where you feel the most love and where you can see yourself,” Burnley said.