Sep 29, 2014 02:52 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Fraternities and sororities are often in the news for the wrong reasons, but that is not to say that all Greek groups are inherently bad.

In fact, there are several good, even great reasons for joining a Greek group, but allegations of hazing and alcohol abuse can overshadow those benefits. For one, Greek groups can be the most surefire way to network with peers and professionals before even graduating.

Fraternities and sororities are also the perfect kinds of groups to hold fundraisers, given their membership and alumni base. With influence and visibility on campus, their members can also set an example for fellow students regarding important social issues.

Here are some examples of fraternities and sororities giving Greek groups a good name.

1. Delta Chi at the University of Maryland's collective ALS Ice Bucket challenge and fundraiser to benefit a alumnus with the disease. As of Monday, they have raised nearly $14,000 of their targeted $30,000 through Go Fund Me. (Source: USA Today College).

2. While frat houses have become synonymous with sexual assault, some of the nation's most prominent Greek groups have taken a pledge to promote consensual sex. 8 national fraternity organizations have pledged to bring attention to what President Obama called an "epidemic" of sexual assault on college campuses. The "Its On Us" campaign calls for young men to publicly condemn rape and some of the nation's frat bros seem to be doing just that. (Source: Think Progress).

3. Concordia College's Lambda Delta Sigma chapter holds at least one philanthropic event every month. "Our motto is 'Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve' because our goal is to create strong women who are dedicated to serving their community," Taylor Neal, the chapter's president, told the school's student-run newspaper.

4. Tri Delta's partnership with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has brought in millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research. Per TriDelta.org, the organization announced in July, 2010 a five-year commitment to raise $15 million, but achieved that goal in three-and-a-half years.

5. In July, 27 Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers from across the nation rode their bikes from Long Beach, Calif. to Washington D.C. for the Journey of Hope ride. Meant to benefit people with disabilities, the philanthropic ride has raised more than $15 million since 1987. (Source: TuscaloosaNews.com).

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