St. Mary’s University students have been part of a rich history of fraternity and sorority membership since the 1940s.

The school’s early Greek system was composed mainly of locally affiliated groups such as Rho Chi, the Order of the Barons and the University Club. In the 1970s and ’80s, nationally affiliated groups began on campus, and today students are part of a nationwide system of chapter and alumni networking. Of the nine fraternities and sororities on campus, eight are nationally affiliated. Sigma Beta Chi, the only local organization, has been in existence for more than 50 years.

The University is home to the first nationally affiliated fraternity and sorority in San Antonio. The sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, was founded in 1976 and still exists on campus.

Since 1993, Greek life at St. Mary’s has embraced four principles: leadership, scholarship, service and community-building through sisterhood and brotherhood. The four tenets mirror the four parts of the University mission statement, and they remind members of the Greek community that they are part of a larger campus community.

St. Mary’s Greek system stands out from other communities around the country by its strong commitment to community service. Fraternity and sorority members are involved in raising funds for local and national charities and are involved in hands-on ways that make a difference in the larger community. Many St. Mary’s chapters have won national awards for their service involvement from their national headquarters.

The chapters and members of St. Mary’s Greek system over the years have brought pride and distinction to the University.