Higher ed alumni collaborate on new book promoting inclusivity in Greek life

Graduates of the Warner School of Education’s higher education program have coedited a groundbreaking textbook. The book urges a critical reexamination and revitalization of Greek life to support student identity development and disrupt systems of oppression. This essential resource offers invaluable insights for higher education administrators and faculty aiming to understand and enhance the fraternity/sorority experience. 

Affirming Identity, Advancing Belonging, and Amplifying Voice in Sororities and Fraternities is a collaborative work by Warner School alumni Pietro Sasso '08W (MS) and Monica Miranda '20W (PhD). Sasso, now an associate professor at Delaware State University, and Miranda, assistant vice president of university community partnerships at the University of South Florida, teamed up with J. Patrick Biddix, a professor at the University of Tennessee.

Published by Information Age Publishing in April 2024, the book includes a chapter titled “Utilizing Counter-Storytelling to Amplify Marginalized Student Voices and Sense of Belonging: A University’s Strategic Partnership and Response,” coauthored by Jessica Guzmán-Rea ‘10W (EdD), assistant dean for diversity, arts, sciences & engineering at the University of Rochester. 

In light of the #AbolishGreekLife movement and calls for racial justice, the book examines how fraternities and sororities can become more inclusive and support identity development for diverse student populations. It emphasizes the power of inclusion on college campuses to achieve key educational goals and foster social and academic success.

Focusing on three core themes — Amplifying Voice, Affirming Identity, and Advancing Belonging — the book highlights the experiences of fraternity and sorority members across various identities often excluded from existing literature. The chapters explore how Greek life contributes to student development across multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, social class, and ability.

Sasso reflects on his time at the Warner School as foundational for this and other works with his former peers. 

“The relationships I developed at the Warner School and across campus at Rochester have continued to shape and influence my time as a researcher and professor,” says Sasso. “This text has a foundation that was inspired by my learning as a graduate student and student affairs professional at Rochester.” 

Sasso and Miranda also coedited Supporting Fraternities and Sororities in the Contemporary Era and Foundations, Research, and Assessment of Fraternities and Sororities, published by Myers Education Press in 2020. Read about their earlier books.

When Miranda started in higher education, she was one of the few Latinas and members of a culturally oriented fraternal organization to serve as director of fraternity and sorority life for over a decade before transitioning to a different area. 

“Being a part of the editor team of this book, one that highlights the affirmation of identity, advances belonging, and amplifies the voice of those who, like me, did not have a voice or a place for many years, is a highlight of my career,” Miranda says. “It represents the culmination of years of work to give voice to the underrepresented communities within fraternity and sorority life and educate others about their value. I am truly grateful to my fellow Warner alumni, Dr. Pietro Sasso, for his vision, our fellow editor, Dr. J. Patrick Biddix, and all the stellar contributors for making this book happen.” 

The Warner School is dedicated to developing future leaders in higher education, offering programs focusing on equity, student affairs, administration, academic and career counseling, and leadership. Learn more about the Warner School’s master’s and doctoral programs in higher education.