Sorority recruitment week provides sisterhood for students
Recruitment for the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities began last week at USC Aiken.
Recruitment began with an event where all NPC sororities and their Potential New Members (PNMs) mingled. The week’s events became increasingly focused on the individual sororities, concluding with bid day, where PNMs could be accepted into their desired sorority.
This year there were many new PNMs accepted into the NPC sororities. Some of them found that Greek life is more about bonding than most clubs.
“Rush week is the week where you can find your home away from home with amazing women that will become your sisters for life,” said Melissa Grace Hurley.
McKenzie Bray agreed, stating that being a part of her sorority “really does make USC Aiken feel like home.”
Aside from sisterhood, benefits of Greek life include opportunities to get involved on campus, give back to the community and learn teamwork skills.
“This prepares you for your life after college,” said Alexis Rohrer. “You learn so many leadership skills, communication skills and how to work with other people.”
The three nights of recruitment help PMNs meet members of each NPC sorority and find the Greek family with which they most identify.
The first event was Sisterhood Night, where the PNMs met the sorority members and got a feel for what Greek life is like. PNMs usually meet all of the sororities on the first night in order to decide which one they prefer.
On the second night PNMs indicated which sorority they wanted to join. They were also introduced to the philanthropic efforts of each NPC organization. Philanthropy is extremely important to Greek Life, with each of the sororities on campus supporting a different important cause.
On the third night the sororities invited PNMs to get to know them further before bid day. The women shared personal stories about how their sorority has improved their lives and why Greek membership is so worthwhile, even after graduation.
On bid day each of the sororities run from the Student Activities Center (SAC) to the fountain in the quad, where they embrace their new sisters for the first time. It was an emotionally charged event, where many of the new sisters cried tears of joy under a rain of confetti.
Fraternity recruitment begins next week. For more information, visit the Student Life office in the SAC or email Christian Medders at christianm@usca.edu.
