HPU greek family expands with new director, sorority and sisters
By Erica Allaby
On Saturday, Jan. 21, one may have noticed an abundance of new girls representing their new memberships into Greek organizations at High Point University. Five of the sororities here at HPU welcomed new female members to the Greek community. The rushing class boasted 404 freshman and sophomore girls who registered for the 2012 Spring PanHellenic Recruitment which took place during the week of Jan. 16.
“Last year we had around 330 girls going through recruitment, but this the biggest recruitment at HPU yet”, said Mary Slattery, the current PanHellenic President of Recruitment.
The five established and one colonizing sororities have been preparing for rush week over the past four months.
“It’s stressful, but we’re all in it together,” said Slattery. “The Executive Council is amazing.”
The council is made up of one member from each sorority, all working for the common goal of HPU Greek Life success.
Alpha Chi Omega is going through its colonization process this semester. Their bid day ceremony will take place on Friday, Jan. 27. All of the new and current members of each sorority plan to attend and congratulate the new addition to the Greek family.
“I give all the credit to the students,” said Gail Tuttle, vice president of the Office of Student Life. “The PanHellenic Executive Council has done a phenomenal job as leaders.”
According to Tuttle, the Greek community at HPU has had large growth along with the tremendous student expansion throughout the past few years.
“Each year, recruitment gets stronger,” said Tuttle.
The Office of Student Life has recently had the opportunity to take on a new faculty position just for this reason. Teri Cugliari has taken on the role of the new Director of Greek Life.
“I feel confident in my role at the University,” said Cugliari.
Cugliari had just finished a week of recruitment at Washington and Lee University in Virginia and came straight into two hectic weeks in the month of January. She directed PanHellenic Recruitment at HPU, and will do the same during the week of Jan. 23 as Inter-Fraternity Council Recruitment takes place.
Throughout PanHellenic Recruitment week, each sorority hosted over 25 parties. Each group of ladies had the chance to shine and show off all of their hard work.
“That’s the power of being a strong Greek woman,” said Tuttle. “You have the opportunity to learn more about yourself as a leader.”