The University of Michigan chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been expelled by the national Sigma Alpha Epsilon organization and U of M’s Interfraternity Council after accusations of hazing. The fraternity had been suspended since February after a parent emailed the university’s Office of Greek Life, reporting that pledges were forced to perform physical tests while having tennis balls thrown at them among other hazing tactics.

The national SAE organization announced that the University of Michigan chapter will continue to exist, but will be demoted to “colony” status. “The chapter is still suspended, but we’ve started work on a redevelopment plan with them,” said associate executive director of communications for the SAE national organization Brandon Weghorst. “The chapter will be classified as a colony, which means it will be like having a new group, and we will be starting from ground zero to make sure that they do everything that a chapter is supposed to do.”

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The fraternity culture in a year end review has been the source of numerous news stories. From the TBS premiering of the new fraternity inspired show Glory Daze to the anti-hazing Twitter campaign initiated by Sigma Nu. It seems that because of these headlines and many more, fraternities were heavily trafficked for online news and information. Here is a list of the most popular fraternities of 2010 based on website traffic:

1. Kappa Sigma: Kappa Sigma, also commonly referred to as Kappa Sig, was founded in 1869 at the University of Virginia. The founding fathers of Kappa Sig started the fraternity based on the traditions of the ancient order of Bologna, Italy and its colors are scarlet, white and emerald green.

2. Sigma Chi: Founded in 1855 on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, the two official philanthropies for the Sigma Chi fraternity are the Children’s Miracle Network and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

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While on the surface fraternities are synonymous with mid-day drinking games and weekend keggers, at their heart, fraternities remain true to the visions set forth by their founders. Fraternities offer college men a place to develop outside of the classroom, offering friendship, leadership development, academic accountability and a firm alumni base post-graduation.

There are 10 fraternities that stand-out as some of the largest and oldest collegiate Greek organizations. We’ll introduce you to those and share their histories, philanthropies and even famous alumni.

Kappa Sigma

Kappa Sigma is one of the oldest fraternities in the country, and also currently a leader in new pledges annually. Kappa Sigma was founded at the University of Virginia in 1869 by five men to promote fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service. Kappa Sig currently leads in donation and service hours over all other Greek organizations, with each chapter choosing its own philanthropy. Famous Kappa Sig alumni include singer Jimmy Buffet and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Lambda Chi Alpha

The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was founded at Boston University in 1909, with this year marking its centennial celebration. It was the first fraternity to eliminate pledging and it also takes a fervent stand against hazing, being one of the founders of the Greek Anti-Hazing Hotline. The official philanthropy of Lambda Chi Alpha is the North American Food Drive. Famous Lambda Chis include singer Kenny Chesney and radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. Read the rest of this entry »