Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
Before becoming a 17-term congressman, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), attended this university and was a member of Sigma Chi. Staff writer Darcy Costello asked Hoyer to share his thoughts on Greek life.
The Diamondback: What does Greek life at Maryland mean to you? How did it help shape the person you are today?
Steny Hoyer: One of the most formative experiences of my college career was joining Sigma Chi and accepting the responsibilities of brotherhood. Membership taught me many lessons, including determination and leadership, and it helped instill a commitment to giving back to my community and country.
The Diamondback: How did Greek life influence your college experience, and did any aspects of membership contribute to your political career? When did you decide you wanted to be a politician?
Hoyer: Being a part of Sigma Chi was a wonderful experience, and many of the lessons I learned after joining the brotherhood, such as working together toward a common cause, are ones I continue to carry with me. I decided that I wanted to pursue a future in politics after hearing then-Sen. John F. Kennedy speak at an on-campus convocation during my sophomore year at the University of Maryland. He gave me a great sense of purpose, and I switched my major the next week to pre-law.
The Diamondback: What is the importance of fraternity life in general? What does it add to a college experience?
Hoyer: In my experience, I think fraternity life can be an important supplement to students’ classroom experience. If you look at the history of Sigma Chi, you see men from diverse backgrounds and different ways of thinking who came together with a common commitment to the values of brotherhood. I also believe Sigma Chi brothers learn how to recognize and seize opportunity. These are all lessons that serve students well beyond graduation.
