Members of Delta Chi, one of the top three fraternities recognized for GPA in 2007, prepare for tug-of-war battle during Greek Week 2008.

A house full of guys can be fodder for reality TV. Greek life at Georgia Tech might not pull in the ratings. It's too good.

"Fraternity houses have the same framework as a reality television show. They put a bunch of 18- to 24-year-olds in the same house, with a limited amount of money, few jobs and opportunities to win or lose. However, the culture, values and community of Georgia Tech Greeks make this place a better place," said Amy Stalzer, the Institute's former director of Success Programs.

Stalzer spoke at an Interfraternity Council reception to reward excellent scholarship within the Greek community. And the Greek system produces exceptional scholars. For example, more than 119 fraternity men earned a 4.0 grade point average in the spring semester of 2007, and seven chapters had a collective GPA greater than 3.0.

"There are researchers in higher education who say that being Greek negatively affects a student's GPA. These studies may be applied nationally, but that is not true at Georgia Tech. It's not true because in the Georgia Tech Greek system, you have house cultures that invite faculty to come speak and share in the fraternity. You encourage your brothers to do better academically. And those things don't show up in the research," Stalzer said. "They only happen at Georgia Tech."

The awards for most improved individual, most improved chapter and best overall chapter were selected by John Stein, dean of students, and the IFC scholarship chairs.

Phi Gamma Delta's Jordan Kramer, who raised his GPA by 1.2 points over two 15-hour semesters, received the award as most improved individual.

Phi Kappa Pi, which raised its chapter GPA by two-tenths of a point through an emphasis on educational programming, scholarship coaching and a four-hour informational session for new members, was named the most improved chapter award.

Phi Gamma Delta, which has maintained a chapter GPA greater than the all men's average for five consecutive years, received the best overall chapter recognition.

Chapter members who have a GPA greater than 3.0 receive a steak dinner, and the member with the highest GPA receives a financial stipend for the semester. Additionally, a $250 scholarship is awarded to the pledge with the highest semester GPA.

The top three fraternities recognized for GPA in 2007 were Delta Chi, Theta Xi and Beta Theta Pi.