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L.T. Verrastro
Kappa Alpha

When the world’s first social fraternity, Kappa Alpha Society, began in 1825, it consisted of nine young men in Schenectady, NY. Now, 187 years later, the society has expanded across the northeastern United States and Canada, and its members come from all over the globe. 

I had the pleasure to interview Umberto Tosi, a freshman brother here at Penn about his transition from Milan, Italy to Philadelphia, and about his opinions on American Greek life.

What are you studying, and why did you come to the City of Brotherly Love?

I am double majoring in Chemistry and Biological Basis of Behavior. I came to America to become a doctor, as in Italy the system is not as good as in the States. I chose to come to Philadelphia because of the University of Pennsylvania, for it's a very good college, especially for pre-med.

Was it a culture shock coming to the United States?

At first it was very hard, especially because I grew up in a town where I knew everything and everyone. I learned English in high school, where it was mandatory, and I also studied in American summer schools, where I became more accustomed to the language and the culture. However, the biggest clash was at the table:  Italians eat three times a day at most, they are all well-structured meals. In the States, it's way more random.

Wait, what’s wrong with how we eat?

About Americans... Well, obesity, McDonald’s, and so on. You aren’t addicted to any type of food, but you eat terribly from time to time.

Tell me more about Greek life. For example, in Italian colleges, are there organizations that compare to American fraternities?

There are some kinds of societies close to fraternities, but there is no real close comparison.

So what’s the main difference?

The social life.

Are you saying that Italians throw better parties?

Parties in Milan are just the best! I like fraternity parties and all, but we Italians don't usually have house parties. If we do, they are usually super well planned with a DJ, catering, etc. In Milan, clubs don’t require any sort of identification cards since the drinking age is 16, so we usually go from one club to the other. It's completely different.

That being said, does being Italian affect your social life at Penn?

With women it does. Being Italian is a huge plus. Honestly, I thought that attraction was just an American stereotype, but I guess not!

I am only half-Italian so I guess it doesn’t work the same for me. What would you say to make a woman smile?

"Ciao meravigliosa. Questa notte ci divertiamo." (“Hello, beautiful. Let’s enjoy the night!”)

Two questions:  Italian or American woman? And birra o vino?

Definitely Italian women and definitely wine. It is an easy pick.

You go to school in Philadelphia, where Rocky takes place. Do you know the movie, and would you consider yourself an “Italian Stallion” like Sylvester Stallone?

Of course I know Rocky, it's a great movie! And well, I kind of consider myself an “Italian Stallion” . . . just kidding. I am not like him.

You’ve lived in two different continents. As a man of the world, what is the best fraternity on planet Earth, in your unprejudiced opinion?

The Kappa Alpha Society, hands down!

Leonard is a sophomore studying English. You may contact him at leov@sas.upenn.edu.