For my diversity shoot, I decided to capture the diversity of the fraternity houses here on University Park campus. I will be including the different types of fraternity houses that are along Burrows Road since they reflect the history of Penn State.

1.  Alpha Zeta

Alpha Zeta was established at Penn State in 1898 and is located right next to the Rec Hall, across from Waring Commons. This red brick colonial style house has large white pillars, a beautiful garden with flowers, and a large Alpha prominent at the very top. It is the second oldest frat house on campus. Alpha Zeta is a national professional honorary agricultural fraternity.

2.  Sigma Nu

Sigma Nu was officially founded in January of 1869. This fraternity was suspended in 2018 due to an inadequate number of members living in the house. The former fraternity house now serves as a scholarship house and hosts community service projects. They building owners decided to leave two flags up on top of the front door, one being the American flag.

3. Phi Gamma Delta

Also known as Fiji, Phi Gamma Delta was founded in 1848 and was established at Penn State in 1888. This frat house also got suspended after an incident in September of 2009 where there was a death. This caused the fraternity to be placed on probation. Part of this L shaped building is left unmaintained, looking abandoned. There is even a small basketball court next to the lawn.

4.  Beta Theta Pi

Beta Theta Pi, commonly referred to as just Beta, began in 1839 as serves as one of the oldest fraternities. The building extends very wide and has one chimney unlike the others, which have two. The unique lamposts stand out when you walk by due to their dragon design. This fraternity also got shut down because of the death of Tim Piazza, who died from drinking alcohol at a bid acceptance event. This tragic event resulted in changes in Pennsylvania’s hazing laws and Penn State’s Amnesty medical laws.