Some Doane students awoke to blaring music or loud banging on their doors Saturday, Jan. 31. For them, this was expected, and in fact, many were looking forward to it.
The Greek rush process, which took place throughout January and consisted of pajama parties, crafts, late-night breakfasts and plenty of get-to-know-you activities, came to a close as fraternities and sororities traveled to each residence hall Saturday morning to distribute bids and congratulate potential new members. Students who received bids had a one-hour window for bid turn-in to decide whether to join their chosen group.
Before bid day, freshman Soiyer Pfeiffer reflected on what drew her to Greek life. “I decided to rush because I love to yap, and having a big group to yap with is fun,” Pfeiffer said, who enjoyed making new connections at sorority rush parties this past month. She also admitted that the rush process has opened her eyes to how Greek groups can function as a home-away-from-home. They’re called your brothers and sisters for a reason, after all.
“If I get a bid, I will choose the group that makes me feel the most appreciated and welcomed,” Pfeiffer said, who is now a part of Phi Sigma Tau’s ‘26 pledge class.
After making their bid decisions, many groups hosted new member education sessions or informal gatherings to get to know their pledge classes better. These often include traditions and initiation ceremonies known only to the group’s members. Sophomore Emma Wheeler shared that her sorority, Chi Delta, planned to meet the night before bid day to prepare for their incoming members, although she couldn’t disclose the specifics of their traditions. It won’t be unusual for students to see their peers running around campus, chanting their group’s song during these February nights. The culmination of the Greek month is the bridge-crossing ceremony, where this year’s pledge classes will transition into their new lives and become official members of their group. The groups, however, will remain active at events like Relay For Life, as well as their own fundraisers, formals and hosted events.
