Greek life continues to flourish on TU campus

by JESSICA HOLLAN
Editor

Under florescent lights, over 100 Greek hopefuls flooded the Marion Center, enthusiastically bounding to their booths of choice; eager to make a good impression on the active members who stood there. 

“This was the first Rush Night event that we have held. We didn’t really know what to expect,” said Alpha Iota Vice President Ariana Seanor. “We all think it went really well; it was exciting to have all that positive energy in a room together. Everyone was so enthusiastic.”

Zeta Pi Beta member Julia Wirkiowski echoed this sentiment.

“It was exciting to see all the Greek orgs in one place,” stated Wirkiowski, “with all of those interested in Greek life [also] being there.”

The first step potential pledges needed to take in order to be a part of Greek life, Rush Night included a panel with representatives from each Greek organization and a meet and greet with members from all the organizations. Questions asked on the panel included why the actives joined Greek life and a bit about what the interview process entails.

“Our interview process is pretty simple,” continued Wirkiowski. “The Zetas all sit around the room and ask the girl a variety of questions… after we’re done asking our questions, we let the interviewees ask any questions they may have for us and then it’s over.”

This process is similar in style to international business sorority, Alpha Iota, but differs greatly from the interviews conducted by the third sorority, Sigma Delta Sigma.

“The interview process for the Deltas is done with just the two people who are in charge of recruitment,” stated member Rebecca Smith. “This is done so the girls interviewed don’t feel intimidated with the entire sorority. The interviews are [later] discussed with the entire sorority… to decide and distribute bids, so the entire sorority is involved in the decision process.”

Interviews are different for each Greek, sorority and fraternity alike, and there are different things to expect when awaiting a Greek interview. The oldest -- and only international -- fraternity on campus, Phi Theta Pi, sticks to its business professional roots.

“We have the potentials dress up like they are ready to get a job,” said Phi Pledge Captain Kyle Stump. “We recommend dress pants, dress shirt, and a tie. All actives will ask questions about the potential, and then at the end, the potentials can ask questions.”

“I’ve never been an interviewer before,” said Phi President Giorgio Ferrario. “It is… a new experience for me and I am really excited about it.”

The members of Theta Eta Omicron have a process that is quite the opposite.

“Interviews are super relaxed,” said fraternity member David Mellone. “Come how you want; wear sweat pants if you’d like. All the members of the frat will ask questions and then the interviewees can ask us questions as well.”

All Greeks organizations offer a sense of home, and there are copious opportunities to make a difference in the community through the different philanthropies.

“I feel really excited about pledging,” said Greek hopeful Alexis Popoca. “I feel like I met a great group of girls who I can bond and grow with. It is so exciting to think that I may get to be a part of an amazing sorority and becomes sisters with so many fantastic women who are doing great things for themselves and others.”

With such a large amount of hopefuls having interviewed and received bids, along with the added bonus of Rush Night, there is a lot more hype than normal encircling the entirety of the pledging process.

“I feel Rush Night was very successful, I love… providing the first years the opportunity to learn about all organizations,” said Omega Psi Rho member Maurice Chapman. “All in all, I feel this year’s pledging process has been the most exciting. I wish I had some of the opportunities this year’s class is receiving.”

For all those who interviewed and received a bid, pledging began Monday, Feb. 5 and crossing for new members will occur on Friday, Feb. 23. Each organization is very enthusiastic about welcoming their new members, with bid day being a very exciting event on campus and pledging ongoing.
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Sigma Delta Sigma member Angela Holahan summarized the feelings of all Greeks with her last interview statement: “I am so, so, SO excited for pledging.”