Women of campus and all three sorority houses gathered on Nov. 18 for the Panhellenic Holiday Mixer, a night full of conversation, charcuterie, and sparkling cider. 

The annual event included time to chat with current Greek women about their experience, why they chose to join a sorority, and the pros and cons of Greek life in general. 

Representatives from all three houses spoke to the group at large. Junior Mary Clare Hamilton, and seniors Mercedes Bryan and Jaiden Frantz. 

Each woman expressed how “being Greek” has impacted her college experience. All shared the sentiment that Greek life has the potential to cultivate life-long friendships and a place on campus to call home. 

Hamilton, membership chairman for Kappa Kappa Gamma, advised women considering recruitment to be honest with themselves. 

“Each of these houses has amazing qualities and amazing women,” Hamilton said.  “Search for the house you feel at peace in and the women who encourage you to be the fullest version of your truest self.” 

Bryan, the president of Pi Beta Phi, addressed how Greek life has pushed her to grow. 

“In short, Greek life is the challenge of a lifetime: it’s a challenge to practice noble character amidst these varying spheres, and to find yourself, four years later, a better woman,” Bryan said. 

The freshmen women also heard speeches from Pi Beta Phi alumna Rebekah Dell, advisor to the Panhellenic Council, and Reagan Linde, also an alumna of Pi Beta Phi, who works in Student Activities and assists Dell on the Panhellenic Council. 

Frantz, the president of Chi Omega, revealed in her speech that having a strong sisterhood to come home to has been the defining factor of her Greek life experience. 

“I learned the undeniable sense of security I had originally noticed in these women had nothing to do with self-help books they were or were not reading, and everything to do with the sisters they were coming home to at the end of a long, hard day,” Frantz said. 

The mixer was a unique opportunity for freshman women to mingle with members of all three sororities in one place. It provided the opportunity to learn about the recruitment process and converse with Greek women in a relaxed and authentic way. 

“I went to the holiday mixer to get to know more women in greek life with other girls interested in rushing,” freshman Mattie Grace Watson said. “The atmosphere was festive and fun, and I got to meet so many incredible women.” 

When asked about the highlight of the night, Watson said she loved listening to the speeches.

“The speeches were so moving and made me even more excited to get the chance to join one of these amazing sisterhoods in just a couple of months,” Watson said. 

The mixer was the last panhellenic event before spring recruitment begins in January. Those that are interested in rushing are able to sign up for formal recruitment. 

Any questions about formal recruitment can be directed to Rebekah Dell or the Panhellenic Council.