Rushing toward sisterhood at Tarleton State

BY KELLAN BYARS

Multimedia Journalist

Last week, one of Tarleton’s most spirited traditions took center stage: Panhellenic sorority recruitment. Packed with chants, anticipation and new friendships, the events drew hundreds of hopeful students.

The week promised long days, tough choices and the possibility of finding not only a chapter but lifelong sisterhood. 

Tarleton State University is a part of the National Panhellenic Conference and includes five sororities: Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta and Phi Mu.  Each of these chapters is built on the values of sorority life: sisterhood, academics, leadership and philanthropy. Every house has a different philanthropy, with causes ranging from arthritis research and education to The Painted Turtle camp.

The week officially kicks off with potential new member orientation, followed by sisterhood night. The potential new members visit each chapter to learn about its values. Over the next several days, students attend multiple events hosted by the five chapters. These rounds become more selective, narrowing from general get-to-know-you questions to deeper preference-based callbacks. 

Lastly comes Bid Day, when students receive official invitations to join a sorority. If a potential new member receives a bid, she attends Bid Day and runs home to her new chapter. This event is filled with laughter and excitement as potential new members become full-fledged members of their sisterhood.

To many students, sorority life offers more than just a social circle. Membership includes academic support, leadership opportunities and friendships that extend well beyond college. 

Chapters also emphasize philanthropy, with volunteering and fundraising for their causes being a major part of what they do.

Bryn Stephens, a senior marketing major at Tarleton, is an active member of the Delta Zeta chapter and has had a positive experience both during recruitment and as a current member.  

“When it comes to my sisters, I never feel alone. All of my sisters have my back, and each of them is valuable to me in so many different ways,” Stephens said. “They push me to be the best version of myself, and I never feel judged.”

The bonds formed in recruitment tend to last well into alumni years, with many graduates remaining involved through mentorship.

Not every student enters recruitment completely sure about what they want. Some describe it as overwhelming, with long events and many introductions. Yet, most walk away saying the experience is worth it. 

Lylah Durrett, a first-year agribusiness major who rushed this year, had a similar experience.  

“At first, I was nervous and somewhat unsure of exactly what I wanted, but I was excited to learn more about the service opportunities and philanthropies each sorority is involved in,” Durrett said. “I had a lot of fun going through recruitment, and I’m really excited to see if I get a bid.” 

Sorority recruitment has become a major part of Tarleton’s culture. It bridges the nervousness of the fall semester with the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. For students looking to serve, develop leadership skills and find lifelong friends and sisterhood, recruitment has been and will continue to be one of the most exciting events of the year.