Readers’ pick: Delta Iota Gamma

Most fraternities keep busy with nonstop Instagram posts and parties, but the members of Delta Iota Gamma — the first and only preprofessional anthropology and archaeology-themed fraternity at GW — are busy digging up the answers to our prehistoric past.

Started by seven students in 2018, DIG has more than 100 current active members and organizes events, like museum tours with alumni, biweekly book clubs of Murder in Mesopotamia, big-little initiation and an end-of-semester prom. The organization is a hub for those interested in the study of the human past and helps students meet industry professionals, like honorary DIG members Brenda Bradley, an anthropology professor and head of the anthropology department, and Eric Cline, an archeology professor.

DIG President Tyler Ingram, a senior studying biological anthropology, said he joined the organization in spring 2023. He said his large anthropology lectures lacked a strong student community, and he worried there wasn’t a place for him on campus. 

He said since joining DIG as a sophomore, he got to meet more similarly-minded anthropology fans. He said the organization’s “specialized” focus on the niche world of archaeology, rather than history as a whole, helped it stand out to him compared to other on campus Greek life options. 

“I know there’s, like, prelaw frats and premed frats, and those are obviously great, but those can encompass so many different things,” Ingram said.

He said since he’s joined, DIG has grown bigger and better, shifting from a small group of friends to a larger preprofessional focus with more than 100 members. He said part of that new focus has been getting professors involved with DIG as honorary members, having them attend events and help students in the organization with their careers.

“So these professors who specialize in anthropology probably would have joined DIG if they could have, you know, we induct them in a honorary member fashion, so then they become a part of our network as well,” Ingram said.

Ella Hattem, a senior double majoring in archeology and art history, is the vice president of DIG. Hattem, who joined in spring 2023, said most DIG members tend to gravitate to the organization because of interests in anthropology or museums. But she said DIG has members with majors ranging from history to international affairs, and it’s that variety of people which sets DIG apart from other Greek organizations for her.

“There’s also people who are maybe just poli sci, no other majors, but they’re interested in archeology, anthropology, whatever, and that’s cool,” she said.

Sienna Anker, a first-year majoring in anthropology, said she joined DIG this past fall. She said she’s enjoyed taking advantage of the organization’s professional opportunities, like tours of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and bonding with the honorary member professors.

“Being able to see someone who majored in something really similar to you actually having a career that’s interesting, and something you would be interested in is super, super reassuring,” Anker said.