[slideshow id=5]A record 81 women signed up for rush this semester, 54 of them going Greek on Jan. 16.
The new additions put all three sororities over their 80-member caps.
High numbers are a positive indicator for the sororities, said Associate Dean of Women Rebekah Dell.
“It’s a sign that the sororities are strong and healthy and have a good reputation on campus,” Dell said.
The large pledge classes consist of mostly freshman and include numerous legacies (women with family members in the sorority).
“It’s a pretty big pledge class. We had five legacies, which we’re pretty excited about,” said Pi Beta Phi President, junior Maggie Martin.
Rush events began Friday, Jan. 13, before most students returned to campus. Despite the ominous starting date and snowstorms, sorority presidents said rush went well.
“From what I hear it was very smooth, and they really enjoyed the experience,” Dell said.
For Kappa Kappa Gamma President, junior Shelby Kittleson, the large turnout despite such inhospitable conditions proved that this pledge class was especially committed.
“It showed a lot of dedication because the weather was so bad,” she said.
The open houses, tours, speeches, and skits of rush give women an opportunity to learn about the unique flavor of each of the houses, Dell said. The Kappa Kappa Gammas annually perform a skit adapted from the movie “Annie” in which they depict a Hillsdale student finding a home in their sorority.
“The skits are often about what the sorority means to the actives,” Dell said.
Kittleson said only 10 women opted not to sign a bid after rush. Kappa Kappa Gamma picked up 21 new members, and Pi Beta Phi sorority followed with 18. Chi Omega sorority picked up 15 women.
Chi Omega President junior Ashley Heath said the recruits came out because they recognized advantages offered by the Greek system.
“Girls are more interested in general in going Greek because they see the benefits it can offer you at a rigorous school like Hillsdale,” Heath said. “Personally, I’m in love with our new member class.”
Pi Beta Phi President Martin said she sees a lot of movers and shakers in the sorority’s new class. “I think they’re going to bring a lot of energy,” Martin said. “We see a lot of leadership qualities.”