George Mason Greek Week in Full Force

Greek Week at Mason

The Greek community at George Mason University is celebrating Greek Week festivities this week at the Washington D.C.-area campus. For George Mason frats and sororities, it is one of the biggest events of the year.

This year’s theme is Bridging the Gap: benefiting poverty and creating a better unified Mason community. Greek organizations are participating in a new event called "Shack-a-thon" where they build shacks to raise money for charity - at least 2 members must be in each shack at all times.

D.C. Shop Sells the Exclusive Greek Gear Everyone Wants

Pledged To Greek Gear

Fraternity guys and sorority girls in Washington D.C. know exactly where they can find the latest in Greek apparel and accesories each year during rush.

The University Shop, which opened 14 years ago in Washington D.C., is the exclusive location where students can get officially licensed merchandise for his or her sorority or fraternity. Students from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, George Mason, Georgetown, and George Washington all spend serious amounts of cash each spring at the store, especially during the period between rush and initiation.

"It's tough to be in such a niche business," said store manager Derek Martino.

"Girls come in here, spend $60 on a paddle and think this store makes tons of money, but they don't see how slow it can be the rest of the year," he said. Sororities and fraternities have become more aggressive in policing the use of their signature Greek letters, and only 350 stores like the one in D.C. can officially sell the products.