Greek Life at the Beach: Leadership, Friendship, and Community at Flagler

Group photo of students
November 18, 2025
By Maria Montero
Greek Life banner

What is Greek life? Everyone has heard of it, but what does it feel like to be part of it? At a coastal college like Flagler, Greek life is more than letters and traditions—it’s a community where friendships, leadership, teamwork, and personal growth thrive.

Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Alpha Omega, and Alpha Sigma Alpha are more than organizations. They bring students together to support one another, plan activities, give back to the community, and build lasting relationships that extend well beyond graduation. Greek life at Flagler is both fun and meaningful, offering students the chance to grow as leaders while enjoying the College’s unique coastal setting in St. Augustine, Florida. 

According to research published in the Journal of College Student Development, Greek-affiliated students report higher levels of social integration and overall satisfaction with their college experience than non-affiliated students.

Greek Life Infographic

At Flagler, the Greek Programming Board unites representatives from all three chapters to host events that strengthen campus connections. Their mission is simple: to celebrate the core values of each organization while fostering a sense of belonging that reaches across the entire campus community.

One of the board’s hallmark events is Waffles and What Not to Mix, a DUI-awareness program that partners with the St. Augustine Police Department. The event features educational demonstrations—including “drunk goggles”—and concludes with a community waffle bar. It’s a prime example of how Greek Programming blends learning, safety, and camaraderie.

The board also organizes service days and environmental initiatives, reflecting the values of both Greek life and the surrounding community. From beach cleanups to community garden projects, these efforts strengthen bonds among students while giving back to the St. Augustine community.

Vivian Shugats

Greek Programming Board President Vivian Shugats says it best: “Greek Life at Flagler is a very different experience than at other chapters nationwide because Flagler is a community that’s much more interconnected, and the bonds are lasting. If I had to describe Greek Life here in three words, they would be: community, engaging, and lasting. The friendships you make here aren’t just for college—they stay with you for life.”

For students looking to make an impact, form meaningful relationships, and experience college in a personal and unforgettable way, Greek life at Flagler offers a chance to be part of something bigger.

Lambda Chi Alpha

Lambda Chi Alpha is more than letters on a jersey—it’s a brotherhood rooted in trust, support, and shared experiences.

Lambda Chi Group Photo

“Lambda Chi is unique at Flagler because it’s the only fraternity here,” Senior Jackson Groff said. “That creates a strong bond among members that’s hard to describe—it’s a connection you feel in everything you do together.” 

From the excitement of the annual brotherhood trips, like the Florida-Georgia football game, to quiet evenings talking by the water after a day of surfing or boating, Lambda Chi Alpha is about more than fun—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

Lambda Chi Group Photo community service

The fraternity also takes pride in giving back to the community. Whether it’s volunteering, helping out in local initiatives, or supporting campus events, members work together to make a positive impact. 

“Being part of Lambda Chi Alpha isn’t just fun—it’s family,” Groff said. “It’s the people who have your back no matter what, the memories you can’t imagine living without, and the moments when we come together to help others. It shapes your experience here at Flagler and changes who you are in the best ways.”

Lambda Chi Alpha offers students a place to grow, lead, and build lifelong connections under the Florida sun.

 

Alpha Sigma Alpha

Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA) is a sisterhood built on service, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Members work together to make a difference both on campus and throughout the broader community.

ASA Tabling

A signature event, DOT Week (Donating Our Time), takes place each October. During this week, sisters organize service and charitable projects in and around St. Augustine and support national events, such as Girls on the Run. These efforts highlight their dedication to service and leadership on a broader scale.

ASA Bid Day Group Photo

ASA balances service with celebration.  Bid Day welcomes new members with excitement and joy, and the spring formal provides an opportunity for sisters to come together, celebrate their achievements, and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. These traditions strengthen bonds and bring together friends, family, students, and alumni in celebration of the chapter’s shared history.

“One of the most influential aspects of my time at Flagler has been being part of Alpha Sigma Alpha,” ASA President Mia Melendez said. “I’ve developed close relationships on campus and across the nation, and they will last long after I graduate.”

ASA offers a welcoming, inspiring, and unforgettable sisterhood for students seeking connection, leadership, and a sense of purpose.

 

Phi Alpha Omega 

Phi Alpha Omega is the longest-standing sorority at Flagler College, known for its rich history, meaningful traditions, and commitment to empowering women. As one of the College’s most active student organizations, it has built a legacy of sisterhood, service, and leadership that continues to shape students’ lives decade after decade.

For President Carly Stern, the journey into Greek life began with hesitation.

“I had no interest in becoming a ‘sorority girl.’ I thought I knew what Greek life was—but then I went to the meet-the-Greeks event, and everything changed.”

What changed, she explained, was her perception of what a sorority could be. Instead of stereotypes, she found a group defined by warmth, authenticity, and purpose.

She was especially moved by the executive board: “They showed passion, kindness, and an inclusive community,” Stern said. “I saw Phi Alpha Omega as a community dedicated to making a difference. I knew this was a place where 95 girls could support each other, grow together, and create something meaningful.”

Today, Stern leads the chapter she once doubted she’d join—and she has seen firsthand how transformational the sorority can be.
“It’s fun, yes, but it’s also about learning who you are, supporting each other, and building a foundation that will last a lifetime,” she said.

Phi Alpha Omega Bid Day

Phi Alpha Omega’s traditions reflect that blend of joy and service. Bid Day welcomes new members into the sisterhood with celebration and excitement, while retreats and induction ceremonies honor both new and graduating members. The chapter’s service events, like Bachelor Bid, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, and the Lilac at Bayview Nursing Home project, highlight the sorority’s commitment to making a meaningful impact.

For Stern, watching members flourish is the most rewarding part of leadership.

“The best part of Phi Alpha Omega is seeing shy, hesitant members flourish,” she said. “Watching them grow into confident leaders who exceed their own expectations is indescribable.”

Her own transformation speaks to that impact.

Phi Alpha Omega Girls Hugging

“I came to Flagler as a soft-spoken freshman,” she said. “Now, I’m outgoing, empathetic, and a leader. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and others, and I’ve discovered a sense of community I never imagined.”

When prospective members wonder what Greek life at Flagler is really about, Stern offers a simple answer:

“It’s more than friends or events—it’s family, growth, and purpose. Phi Alpha Omega isn’t just for college. It’s for life. The skills, friendships, and experiences you gain here will carry you far beyond graduation.”

 

Greek life at Flagler College offers students the chance to belong, grow, and make a difference, all while forming lifelong friendships. Whether you join Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Sigma Alpha, or Phi Alpha Omega, you’ll be part of a supportive community on one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, right by the beach in St. Augustine. Greek life here isn’t just clubs; it’s family, purpose, and unforgettable experiences.

 

Want to Get Involved?
For more information about joining Greek Life at Flagler College, contact:

Share This Story