Meghan Markle, Vice President Kamala Harris, Carrie Underwood, and other notable women in entertainment, politics, and fashion have been members of various sororities throughout their academic journeys. From attending prestigious events to pursuing their careers, these talented individuals have shown that a college degree and Greek life can go hand in hand. Some of these accomplished women include Kathy Bates, Jean Smart, Ashley Judd, Elizabeth Warren, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who all have a history of sorority membership. These women have excelled in their respective fields while also embracing their sisterhood connections.
Lucy Liu graduated as the top female student in her class in 1954. She attended the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations for ‘Why Women Kill’ in N.Y.C. on Oct. 25, 2019. Lucy Liu was a Chi Omega at the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Asian languages and cultures in 1990.
Former vice president Kamala Harris, who graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and economics, often speaks about the support and love she received from her sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black sorority.
Connie Britton, known for her role in Friday Night Lights, was a Sigma Kappa at Dartmouth University, where she studied Asian studies. Phylicia Rashad attended Howard University and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, sharing how joining the sorority expanded her world view.
Jennifer Garner was a Pi Beta Phi sister at Denison University, graduating in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in theater performance. Jenna Dewan was a Pi Beta Phi at the University of Southern California before pursuing a career as a backup dancer.
Condoleezza Rice, the first female African American secretary of state, was a member of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Denver. Kourtney Kardashian was an Alpha Phi at the University of Arizona, where she graduated in 2002 with a degree in theater.
Hannah Brown, seen here attending the 21st annual Warner Bros. and InStyle Golden Globe afterparty in L.A. on Jan. 5, 2020, graduated from the University of Alabama in 2017 with a degree in communication and information sciences and a minor in Spanish. As a proud Alpha Chi Omega sorority member, she often cheers on her alma mater with a spirited “Roll Tide!”
Sheryl Crow, pictured at BuzzFeed’s ‘AM to DM’ in N.Y.C. on March 5, 2020, joined Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Missouri while pursuing a degree in music education in the early ’80s. The Grammy Award-winning singer has a strong foundation in sorority life.
Hoda Kotb, a broadcast journalism graduate from Virginia Tech in 1986, was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. During her time as a host on the Today show, Kotb was surprised by a reunion with 70 of her Tri Delta sisters who traveled from across the country to show their love and support for her.
Katie Couric, attending the 2020 Makers Conference in L.A. on Feb. 11, 2020, shares a sorority bond with Kotb as a fellow Tri-Delta sister from the University of Virginia. Couric graduated in 1979 with a degree in American studies.
Carrie Underwood, known for her success in music and on American Idol, is a proud member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority from Northeastern State University. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mass communications.
Kristin Chenoweth, pictured at ‘Stars in the House’ in N.Y.C. on June 30, 2021, was a member of Gamma Phi Beta at Oklahoma City University, where she earned degrees in musical theater and opera performance.
Bette Midler, who pledged Delta Phi Epsilon at the University of Hawaii, left after three semesters to pursue theater studies in New York City. She had a passion for drama that would later define her career.
Dionne Warwick, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, was recognized as an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta in 1978 for her contributions to music.
Jamie Chung, seen at the 27th annual SAG Awards in N.Y.C. on March 31, 2021, was a Kappa Kappa Gamma at UC Riverside, where she graduated in 2005 with a degree in economics before pursuing a successful acting career.
Elizabeth Banks, known for her empowering roles in movies like Pitch Perfect and Charlie’s Angels, was a Delta Delta Delta at the University of Pennsylvania. She has used her sorority experience to inspire her work in the film industry.
Actress and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks shared her inspiration for making “Charlie’s Angels,” citing the importance of women working together and the themes of sisterhood and sorority that resonated with her during the creation of the film. The Hollywood Reporter in 2019 reported on Banks’ reflection on these themes, highlighting her connection to the concept from her experience working on “Pitch Perfect.”
Farrah Fawcett, known for her iconic hair, was a member of Delta Delta Delta during her time at the University of Texas. Initially studying microbiology, Fawcett later switched to art before ultimately leaving school to pursue a career in Hollywood, as reported by The New York Times.
Aretha Franklin was made an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta in 1992. When the legendary Queen of Soul passed away at age 76 in 2018, the sorority paid tribute to her with their traditional Omega Omega ceremony during the visitation.
Sophia Bush, while studying journalism and theater at the University of Southern California, joined Kappa Kappa Gamma before leaving to pursue her breakthrough role as Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill.
Alicia Keys was honored as an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha in 2004. The Grammy Award-winning singer received this recognition for her contributions to music and society.
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in “Law & Order: SVU,” was a member of Kappa Gamma Gamma during her time at UCLA.
Molly Sims, who attended Vanderbilt University, was part of Delta Delta Delta for two years before pursuing a career in modeling.
Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley pledged Alpha Phi at Northwestern University, interrupting her studies briefly to film “Father of the Bride” before returning to complete her degree in drama.
Wanda Sykes, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Hampton University, remains connected to the organization and often shares about it on her social media.
Angela Kinsey, known for her role in “The Office,” was a Chi Omega at Baylor University, where she studied theater and earned a degree in English.
“Everybody Loves Raymond” star Patricia Heaton was a member of Delta Gamma at Ohio State University, graduating with a degree in drama.
These talented women have each had unique experiences within their respective sororities, showcasing the importance of sisterhood and support in their personal and professional lives.
