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FALL 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman:Greek Life
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
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From the advisor: ‘Brotherhood is why...’
Christopher Lucas
INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL ADVISOR
Fraternities and sororities have a long and storied tradition here at Auburn. Auburn’s first fraternity came to campus in 1878, and the Interfraternity Council itself has existed to help manage the affairs of fraternities since just after World War I. Today, with 29 chapters and approximately 2600 members, fraternity life continues to add value to the Auburn student experience. Fraternities are some of the only organizations left today that offer college men real responsibilities. Every member is expected to meet financial obligations, attendance requirements, and to adhere to some standard of behavior at the ripe old age of 18. Every fraternity has an internal committee and officers that discipline members for failure to live up to the standards that it sets out for itself and its members. A 19-year-old sophomore can be elected treasurer of an organization with 100+ members, a $200k annual operating budget, and bills dues every week and every month. At a time when society at large is less and less willing to give young people real-world responsibility, fraternities were built to do just that.
There are many men who pay their first bill as a fraternity officer, develop their first budget as a committee chairman within their fraternity, and many more who are held accountable for their actions and inactions as men by fraternities every day. The greatest responsibility of fraternity membership, however, is brotherhood. Brotherhood is the mortar that holds the bricks together, it is the binding agent of fraternities, and it is what has caused fraternities to persist on college campuses since 1776. Brotherhood is the most precious asset that any fraternity holds, worth more than any house or facility, but also its most fragile aspect. The idea of brotherhood is what keeps Auburn fraternity alumni coming back to campus to tailgate and enjoy football season with their friends from college. The ideal of brotherhood is what rallies chapters together to support their members who are going through all manner of difficulty in life; from terminal illness to financial hardship or the loss of a loved one or a relationship, it is brotherhood that rallies members to each other and gives fraternity men the drive and conviction to give back to their communities. Auburn fraternities are unique because Auburn is unique, and
our students’ shared values help shape and mold their fraternity experiences. Auburn fraternities have a uniquely Auburn brotherhood. Their brotherhood is grounded in belief in a practical world, only counting on what each man can earn, and belief in the value of hard work. George Petrie, who wrote our great university’s creed and coached our first football team, was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, our second oldest fraternity at Auburn. When things in fraternity life do go wrong, and they do, the idea of brotherhood is what makes it worthwhile to meet the challenge and right the wrong. Brotherhood is the sole reason for fraternities and fraternity communities to exist and to persist. Brotherhood is simultaneously a value, a pursuit and an outcome of fraternity membership. Fraternities are really just facilitators of brotherhood, and it is brotherhood that changes peoples’ lives. Today, 29 fraternities at Auburn are working hard every day to see their chapters’ idea of brotherhood persists and keeps changing the lives of Auburn men. Brotherhood is why I enjoy coming to work and working with fraternities every day.
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
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BID DAY 2017
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
BID DAY FACTS • 1,587 women received invitations during the first round, the Iced Tea Round
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
The woman behind the letters
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Director sticks with Greek through the years Alex Hosey
COMMUNITY REPORTER
Jill Martin was at an away game at LSU as a part of the Auburn University Marching Band on Bid Day when she was a student in the late ‘90s. Being far away from the loveliest village on the plains and at a time before cell phones, she had no way of knowing if she had gotten into a sorority. She pledged Gamma Phi Beta. She didn’t find out until the next day that she was accepted as a member of Greek life, the first in her family, and from there, she began to give it her all. By her junior year, Martin was already her sorority’s recruitment chair. The following year, she became the Panhellenic vice president for recruitment, widening the doors for her appreciation for Greek life. “I just loved it. The officer before me had done a really strong
transition and laid out exactly what I needed to do, so that made it easy,” Martin said. “It really gave me a window into what goes on.” After Martin graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Auburn, she stayed here and got her master’s degree in higher education while also working as an advisor to the Glomerata, Tiger Cub, The Auburn Circle and the Miss Auburn University Pageant. After finishing her master’s degree, Martin decided to stay in Auburn once again when she got hired as Auburn’s Panhellenic advisor, a position she kept from 2002-2012. “Auburn is home. When I was job-searching, I actually had a job at another SEC school that I had got the offer and thought about taking but just thought, ‘I love Auburn and I want to stay at Auburn,’” Martin said. In 2013, Martin became Auburn University’s Director of Greek Life, a position she hopes will allow her to keep the costs
of being in a sorority accessible to all students. “That’s one of my goals,” Martin said. “I want sorority life to be something that the average student can afford, and I want it to be something that the average student feels like they can participate it if they want to. “I want it to be a fun activity that people who want to do it get to do it, but those who don’t participate in it are still just as involved in Auburn and are seen as equals.” Martin believes that the short and long-term benefits of being a member of a Greek community are numerous, including higher academic achievement, graduation rate, future job opportunities and general satisfaction with life. “The emphasis that fraternities and sororities can place on academics already can help you graduate with better grades and will make you more attractive in the job market,” Martin said. “There’s definitely no denying that being part of a fraternity or sorority can sometimes get your foot in the door.”
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
PI BETA
PHI Kailey Beth Smith COMMUNITY WRITER
In 2017, the Alabama Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi celebrated 60 years of membership at Auburn University, while the fraternity itself celebrated 150 years. “Pi Beta Phi was the first fraternity for women, modeled after men’s fraternities, to give them the opportunity for community and sisterhood among one another,” said Chloe Mansell, president of the fraternity. “During recruitment, we look for prospective members that share our core values … Integrity, lifelong commitment, honor and respect, personal and intellectual growth, philanthropic service to others and sincere friendship.”
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
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ΠΒΦ
The fraternity was one of the first to choose a philanthropy. The Alabama Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi hosts an annual “Dodge the Arrow,” competition, where teams register to play dodgeball, and all funds raised go to the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, whose purpose is to eradicate illiteracy. Mansell said, “As a chapter, we also volunteer over 1,000 hours at the Boys and Girls Club of Auburn and Opelika. This local, hands on work helps impact literacy rates right here at home.” The fraternity was excited to announce that they recruited “78 smart, hilarious and beautiful new members” during this year’s recruitment week. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY PI BETA PHI
CONGRATS
NEW 2017 MEMBERS
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
KAPPA
K ∆ DELTA Jessica Ballard STANDARDS EDITOR
VIA AUBURN.KAPPADELTA.ORG
As the first sorority established on Auburn’s campus, Kappa Delta president Olivia Whatley said the sorority as a whole takes pride in the strong legacy of women they’ve have walk through their doors. When looking for women that would fit the Kappa Delta mold, Whatley said the key attributes are academic excellence, campus involvement and both internal and external leadership. This fall KD plans to initiate 77 new women into the sorority that they think will live up to those standards. As for work within communities, Kappa Delta has four national philanthropies. Their two primary philanthropies, however, are Girl Scouts of America and Prevent Child Abuse America. “Through our work with the Girl Scouts we host
educational events twice a semester that foster meaningful relationships, promote friendship and encourage the girls to give back in their own communities,” Whatley said. “This may include campus tours, delivering Girl Scout cookies to local fire stations or hospitals or fun events like our annual Princess Party. Our second primary philanthropy is Prevent Child Abuse America, which is sponsored through our annual Shamrock 5K run that locally supports Special Deliveries of Lee County.” Whatley said she believe the authentic, genuine feeling of KD is what sets them apart from other sororities. “KD is different from other sororities because of the sincere love and friendship between all of our members,” she said.
BID DAY 2017
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Jessica Ballard
9 CONTRIBUTED BY FIJI
STANDARDS EDITOR
CONTRIBUTED BY FIJI
ΦΓ∆
More commonly known as FIJI at Auburn, Phi Gamma Delta has one of the larger rosters among fraternities at Auburn. With over 200 members, the FIJI brothers strive to reach as many corners of the Auburn and Opelika communities as possible. “We are proud to boast our members’ involvement in every area of the Auburn campus,” FIJI President William Cole said. “In the three years that I have been involved with FIJI, the fraternity has managed to retain a consistent top three level when it comes to grades, sports and the intangible measure of student involvement. Our members also take time to participate in numerous volunteer and philanthropy commitments. At FIJI, we do not pride ourselves in any one area, but in our consistency in achieving a well-rounded Auburn student.” Founded in 1848 at Jefferson College in Pennsylvania by six men “in hopes of fostering friendships, stimulating the pursuit of knowledge and encouraging leaders to emerge.” Having influenced over 180,000 men since 1848, the Auburn Phi Gamma Delta men now strive to create a diverse set of paths that the fraternity can help them take. “The wide range of connections and resources that the fraternity has will remain with you through all your years on campus and after college,” Cole said. “Regardless of what you hope to pursue, FIJI can help you in getting there. The connections that you will make and maintain are not for college days alone and will last you a lifetime.”
PHI GAMMA DELTA
FIJI @ AUBURN
congratulations alpha chi omega pc’ 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017
Jessica Ballard STANDARDS EDITOR
CONTRIBUTED BY CHI PI
CHI
X Φ PI
As the oldest social fraternity in United States, Chi Pi is the result of three separate fraternities merging together to form one united Greek organization. “As a smaller fraternity, it allows us to really get to know each other and consider each other brothers instead of just partying all the time,” Michael Miley, president of Chi Pi, said. “We believe we truly embody the spirit of a fraternity.” With a main goal of “building better men,” Chi Pi strives to develop their members academically, socially and to prepare them to succeed after graduation. “Our national philanthropy is the Boys and Girls Club, so we participate in many fundraisers, as well as volunteering at our local Boys and Girls Club several times a semester,” Miley said. “Our members are also heavily involved with the Lee County Humane Society, the Auburn Mentoring Program, Impact and several other organizations around the community.” The Auburn Mu Delta chapter of Chi Pi is also getting ready to celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.
BID DAY 2017
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017
Hannah Lester STANDARDS EDITOR
With a motto of “Do Good,” the Delta Sigma chapter of Delta Gamma can be seen showcasing their talents in many different Auburn organizations and charities. Some of the organizations that Delta Gamma has influenced are Relay for Life, Auburn University Dance Marathon or their Philanthropy, Service for Sight. In addition, members are involved in club sports and strive for academic excellence. Seventy-seven new members will join the Delta Gamma home this fall and take on the bronze, pink and blue colors. Annie Moeller, president of Delta Gamma, said every year “Delta Gamma strives to recruit women who excel in the
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
highest degrees of leadership, character, service and academic excellence.” Delta Gamma began in Oxford Mississippi in 1873 by three women and has only grown since then. According to Moeller, Delta Gamma can claim involvement in 113 Auburn organizations. “The Delta Sigma chapter of Delta Gamma is made up of some of the most motivated, unique, genuine and passionate girls on Auburn’s campus,” Moeller said. According to Moeller, Delta Gamma is excited to welcome their new sisters and see the impact they have on their community and campus throughout their four years in Auburn. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY DELTA GAMMA
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ΔΓ DELTA
GAMMA
CONGR ATUL AT IONS Kappa Kappa Gamma
New Members
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
IFC PRESIDENT DUNCAN ASBURY
CONTRIBUTED BY DUNCAN ASBURY
IFC President says Greek friendships are ‘priceless’ Duncan Asbury INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Auburn University serves as the governing body of fraternities on Auburn’s campus. Auburn’s fraternity community is comprised of 29 organizations with roughly 2600 undergraduate men involved. The IFC is lead by an Executive Board of five members, a Cabinet of 16 members, as well as an advisor and graduate assistant. IFC takes great pride in its member fraternities for their excellent performance in the classroom, philanthropic and community service efforts, and unique leadership opportunities each organization provide. This is an exciting fall for the IFC as we are expecting our largest New Member class to date. A really special experience I had relating to my fraternity was when I received my bid; a bid is just where you’re invited to be a member of the organization. My brother stuck
around Auburn for an extra semester finishing up his engineering degree so this gave us the opportunity to go to a recruitment event together the summer after I graduated high school. We went to a Braves game one day in June and all rode up together in charter busses. It was really fun to be with my brother and all of his friends because growing up being the little brother I was obviously rarely included in things he did, unless my parents made him of course. So we got back from a great day at the game in Atlanta and that was when my brother and a handful of guys in the fraternity pulled me aside gave me an overview of the fraternity’s values and principles they were founded on. This is when my older brother told me that had voted and said they felt I demonstrated these values and they wanted me to be a member. As you can imagine I went nuts. That was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life; having your older brother look you in the eyes and basically tell you he thinks you’re a boss in front of all of his friends.
My brother was my top three biggest role models growing up so this made the experience that much more meaningful.I am very thankful for the opportunities and relationships that being a member of IFC Exec for two years has afforded me. The lessons I have learned from all of the work IFC does for the betterment of Auburn has given me skills I feel will greatly benefit me upon entering the “real world”. Additionally, the relationships I built through my fraternity are priceless. I feel that the relationships are the greatest benefit of joining a fraternity. I know that I have a core group of guys that will with me through whatever life throws at me. College is such a pivotal time in one’s life and I don’t know where (or who) I would be if I didn’t have my fraternity brothers along the way pushing me to be the best version of myself possible. There is so much truth to the old saying “you are who you surround yourself with." Duncan Asbury is a senior in mechanical engineering and president of Auburn University’s Interfraternity Council.
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
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Making brothers for life is always worth it
Will Sahlie SPORTS EDITOR
Thinking back to the beginning of my college life, there were a lot of questions, but none bigger than how I was going to find a new group of friends. Greek life solved this issue before I even had a chance to worry about it. Here are a few reasons to rush a fraternity or sorority: 1. Lifelong friends One of the best parts of fraternities and sororities is the people you are surrounded by. There are people who you are just alike, and wonder how you didn’t know them years before. However, there will also be people who come from different backgrounds and different states than you, and you will
learn a lot not only about yourself, but about others because of them. Bonds develop quickly, and will last a lifetime. 2. Getting involved As a freshman, finding ways to get involved with groups on campus can be difficult. With a fraternity or sorority, you are immediately placed into a group with older people who likely have experience in lots of different groups on campus. These people will likely be quick to give you advice on how to get involved or steps to take to join a group. 3. Leadership opportunities Every Greek organization has several executive positions, ranging from
president to social event chair. These positions are wonderful opportunities to gain experience with leadership and working with other people. Future employers always like to see positions of leadership on a résumé, and Greek life offers a great opportunity for that. 4. Housing Living expenses can be very pricey in Auburn, and each fraternity at Auburn has a house with living spaces for its members. Sororities all have dorm floors in the Village for its members. Living areas tend to be on the lesser end of the price spectrum, and offer great opportunities to live with your friends to expand on lifelong relationships.
CONTRIBUTED BY KAPPA ALPHA ORDER
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Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Bid Day 2017
PHOTOS BY MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Lily Jackson
MANAGING EDITOR
At the end of an echoing countdown, screams rang throughout the Auburn Arena, down the stairs and into the Village at Auburn Panhellenic’s 2017 Bid Day. Down the stairs, hundreds of women ran toward their “new homes.” After a long week of recruitment, starting with record-high numbers --1,587 women received invitations during the first round and 90 percent of women were placed in sororities. The lowest release rate in years, according to Alex McFadden, president of Auburn Panhellenic. “We’re really looking forward tp seeing how all of the new members are changed by their chapters as they grow into leaders,” McFadden said. “We will see that around campus because a bunch of our Panhellenic women are involved elsewhere on campus.” Nine women were released during the parties and 25 released before bids were given. Those standing in the blazing sun waiting to enter the Arena stood with their groups they had bonded with through recruitment, taking photos and anxiously awaiting their chances to rush into the building. “Bodda Getta, Bodda Getta, Bodda Getta, Ba,” echoed in the Arena as the massive group of women waited, squirming in their seats. The cheers lasted until a voice came over the intercom. “30 seconds.” The chatter grew in volume and the countdown began. Screams of joy were the only thing heard even at the Student Center. Hugging, jumping, tears of joy and lots of running came next as they met with the women holding the letters of their new sorority. A storm of women ran for the door, down the stairs and out to their chapter rooms. Their experienced sisters stood waiting in the green in front of their columned halls with signs adorned with lucky girls that came flying down the hill toward them. “I am so excited,” said a new recruit as she flew into the arms of the woman holding her name on a cardboard diamond.
» See BID DAY, 15
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
BID DAY
Holly Grace Robinson, sophomore in accounting and member of Alpha Delta Pi, was » From 14 seen squeezing her “best friend for seven years,” Betsy Hamm, who is a freshman in pre-nursing. She said she wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. “I’m so happy,” Hamm said. “My mom is ADPi and my oldest friend is ADPi.” Robinson said she had been pulling for her friend all week. She’s excited to be in Auburn and even more thrilled to be “home” with the “sweetest sisters.” Sarah Cox, freshman in exercise science, wanted to rush for the companionship. She said she was nervous, but couldn’t help being in shock when she found out she would be a Kappa Alpha Theta sister. “I wanted to make a family, you know,” Cox said. “You know, like bridesmaids and best friends for life. I found that here.” In total, an average of 76 women were welcomed into their new “homes” on Friday. McFadden said she believes the numbers will continue to rise every year because of the inclusive environment. “The only reason a person wouldn’t receive a bid after the Preference Round is if they intentionally singe-preference, meaning that they had two parties to go to but they only preferenced one,” McFadden said. “That is not maximizing their option.” McFadden said the year has been fun and the team has been very united
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
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throughout the whole process. McFadden said Auburn’s Panhellenic is different from other Greek organizations on campuses because of their close proximity and willingness to mingle and work with other sororities. Sarah Turner, an Alpha Gamma Delta, was found with her friends in front of the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter room. Turner said Auburn has created an environment where it is encouraged to be a part of the entire Greek community, not just one sorority. She said most of her friends are in different sororities and the encouragement never ceases. Lauren Mcloud, freshman in chemical engineering, picked Alpha Omicron Pi because of their number one status in grades. “I’m really big into grades,” Mcloud said. Mcloud said if anyone was on the fence about rushing then she would absolutely encourage them to do so, saying it is worth it. Lauren said AOPi asked different questions from other women at different sororities and it kept her interested. “They didn’t ask me the average questions,” Mcloud said. “Everybody pretty much asked the same questions like ‘Where are you from’ and ‘Why do you want to be in a sorority?’ [At AOPi] we talked about how we love baking cakes and Simone Biles.” Packs of women covered in glitter attacked their new sisters with hugs to the point of hitting the ground and rolling around. Turner said that was what it was all about: family.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017 CONTRIBUTED BY CHI OMEGA
Hannah Lester CAMPUS WRITER
Chi Omega is a sorority of empowered women coming together as sisters to share in each other’s diverse interests, according to Chi Omega President Casey Foster. As the world’s largest women’s fraternal organization, Chi Omega attracts new members each and ever year to continue their traditions. This fall they’ve accepted 81 new members. Whether seen on the concourse with Letters to Santa, around Auburn for Make-A-Wish, weekend auctions or a pancake breakfast, Foster said Chi Omega cares. Their national philanthropy is Make-A-Wish.
In Chi Omega you are joining a community, Foster said. “The best way to approach recruitment is to be yourself,” Foster said. “Chi Omegas are real and authentic. We look for women that are eager to grow in their four years at Auburn and be themselves.” While these women may have different interests, they find a home within each other. “Joining Chi Omega, means joining a community of women who leave you more confident in yourself, empowered in your purpose and more loved for who you truly are,” Foster said. “Chi Omega is a place where you can always have a seat at the table, and there is always room to pull up one more chair. We invite peo-
ple in and care about instilling a sense of belonging and purpose into each other.” These sisters can be found in many different student organizations ranging from Student Government, Project Uplift, Impact, Cheerleading or being a Tiger Paw or War Eagle Girl. Chi Omegas aim to broaden their range and find their fit in Auburn. “At the end of the day, it’s not so much about Chi Omega as a sorority, but more about a community of women that deeply care for one another,” Foster said.
XΩ CHI OMEGA
CONTRIBUTED BY CHI OMEGA
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life PHOTOS BY MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
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Emma Raby STAFF WRITER
It’s that time of year again when Instagram explodes with photos of girls wearing Greek letters and interest in joining these groups sparks. Sorority women all have their own individual reasons for why they went through recruitment. Stereotypes in pop culture portray sororities as strictly social clubs. But those involved say that sororities promote friendship while also holding members accountable for grades and involvement around Auburn’s campus. Maggie Williams, an Alpha Delta Pi and sophomore in apparel design, said the connections you make with people are the most rewarding. “Even though you go one sorority, you aren’t tied down to it,” Williams said. “You meet people through your sorority who introduce you to their friends in other sororities and vice versa. It’s a long thread of friendships.” Ryleigh Edwards, an Alpha Gamma Delta and sophomore in communication disorders, agreed. “The most rewarding thing about my sorority is that I am surrounded by girls who are constantly encouraging and uplifting me," Edwards said. When it comes to involvement, Brianna Nguyen, a Delta Delta Delta and junior in finance, said that her sorority has encouraged her to join on-campus organizations that she would otherwise not join. “Because of my sorority, I joined the Be Well Hut and I don’t think I would have wanted to had I not already had friends there,” Nguyen said. Williams also spoke on involvement. “I did FLP freshman year and I probably wouldn’t have done that had it not been for Alpha Delta Pi, and I wouldn’t have known what it was going to be like going into it," she said. "The sorority gives you help and support going into interviews.” Edwards is involved in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association and participated in Freshman Forum. “I do believe my sorority has helped my grades and involvement,” Edwards said. “They constantly encourage me to study and join other organizations.” Joining a sorority will encourage college women to maintain good grades, Williams said. “I would say that grades are important to me but my sorority has made me make sure to push myself to do better and not slack off," Williams said. "We have study hours so it’s keeping me accountable.” From the outside looking in, sorority recruitment can be intimidating, Nguyen said. “Girls going through recruitment need to remember to keep an open mind," Nguyen said. The selection process takes place over six days before “bid day” where pledge hopefuls receive bids and run to their chosen houses. The process is based on mutual selection and all sororities have similar goals to grow individuals and friendships throughout their time at Auburn, those interviewed said. “I would say to someone coming through recruitment ‘don’t worry, everyone is human,’” Edwards said. Williams said it's not always a quick adjustment, though. “It’s not an instant connection,” Williams said. “It’s definitely a little awkward at first so if that happens to girls going through, I don’t think they should feel like they made the wrong decision in the first week or, you know, the first semester. It’s an awkward stage for freshmen but it is worth it in the end for sure. I’d say keep going and stick with it.”
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
Sorority women speak on the benefits of sisterhood
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Jessica Ballard STANDARDS EDITOR
ALPHA
PI
DELTA
ΑΔΠ
Originally named the “Adelphean Society” after the Greek word for sisterhood, Alpha Delta Pi was the first secret society for collegiate women founded in 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. “While looking for prospective members during recruitment, ADPi focuses on finding well-rounded individuals who have high ideals of Christian Womanhood,” ADPi President Maggie Fox said. “We are so excited to have 78 new members this fall!” With the sorority’s national philanthropy, The Ronald Mcdonald House, the sisters participate in two main philanthropy events. During the fall the sisters set up a table on the Green Space, and for $3 people can pie the women in the face. In the spring they host their three-onthree Take It to the House Basketball Tournament. Last year, Alpha Delta Pi raised over $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. “In Alpha Delta Pi, our members are constant encouragers,” Fox said. “We keep each other grounded by being genuine to one another while portraying a positive attitude. We care about the success of one another as well as provide support in times of need. We are truly always there for one another.”
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017
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PHOTOS BY MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, August 24, 2017
BID DAY 2017
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the ‘rush’ of it all
Christie Shiovitz Columnist As fall semester is kicking into gear, there are many campus activities to gently guide you into the year. The beginning of school also marks a very well-known week among Greek Life organizations, known as Rush Week. This week seems to be broadcasted everywhere, whether it be on Snapchat stories with a relevant filter or Instagram with all the sorority hashtags. Even if you are not participating, it seems impossible to escape the hype. I am a proud member of Greek Life, and I have heard it all. Some say you are just paying for your friends and that it’s all very superficial, but speaking from my own experience, in my own chapter, I can luckily say that is not true. Don’t get me wrong, I can see where that opinion is coming from. In fact, before joining my sorority I was in the same boat. When people asked why I didn’t want to go through rush I would explain that I didn’t want to go through the process of being judged for a week, pay to meet people and I really just didn’t see myself fitting the “sorority girl” stereotype. I came to
∑∑∑ Alex Hosey COMMUNITY REPORTER
Founded by a group of eight women on April 20, 1898 in Farmville, Virginia, Sigma Sigma Sigma, or Tri Sigma, came to Auburn University just last year. President of Tri Sigma at Auburn Abbie Taylor described her sisters as “truly authentic and genuine. They are brightly optimistic and passionate and have a sense of humor that never fails to make me smile.”
find my idea of a sorority was pretty twisted and that the stereotypes are completely made up. But, I didn’t realize this until after rush was already over, and I thought I had lost my chance. So no, I did not go through formal rush as a freshman. Instead, I rushed in the spring after putting my stubborn thoughts aside and seeing that being a part of a sisterhood actually seemed really great. What finally swayed me into joining a sorority was seeing that I could have more of a home at college with these girls. I grew up with three older brothers, so the idea of having sisters, even if they were sorority sisters, quickly grew on me. Like I said, I didn’t see myself fitting into the sorority girl mold. In high school, I was the girl who wanted to be a professional ballerina all her life. College was seen as a failure in that world. When I finally decided to hang up my pointe shoes and tutu I wanted to do everything in my power not to become a “basic” college girl. In my mind, joining a sorority would give me that
Because of the sorority’s recent arrival to Auburn, Taylor said most members of Tri Sigma distinguish themselves from other sororities by having to take up responsibility and qualities of leadership in determining how the sorority will develop and grow from here onward. “Not only has our chapter been able to grow, but the leadership qualities of our sisters have been a large focus and effort of ours,” Taylor said. “I think that type of hard work and diligence has meant that for many of our sisters, Tri Sigma is helping to shape them into the women they will be.” Tri Sigma has two to three larger philanthropy events planned yearly that Taylor said members will continue to work on and grow, while also taking part in volunteering in the Auburn community at places like the Salvation Army and the Lee County Humane Society. Taylor said that her sorority looks for genuineness and a sense of connection with other members during rush, and she hopes that new members will
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
title. Soon after being immersed in this new world of college I realized being in a sorority doesn’t make you basic, and you don’t have to be this perfect Barbie doll with a good Instagram feed and thousands of followers. I can be me, you can be you and we can still contribute to a cohesive sisterhood. Sorority girls are also often associated with party scenes. Yes, we go out together, but no, that is not all we do. When you join a sorority you join a group of girls who want to be there for you. They go with you to the doctor’s office, to bible study, football games or a nice hometown visit.
The point is, we can’t generalize Greek Life as a shallow group of people who are in it for the popularity. Sure, there are some people like that, but they were probably already like that. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what letters you’re wearing. As students, for the most part, we have the same goals – to put school first, do well and graduate without messing up too badly along the way. These goals don’t change depending on if you’re wearing omegas and kappas all over the place. And to all the new members who just endured the long week of rush, welcome home.
come to know Tri Sigma as a home where sisters can be themselves. “I have found my home at Tri Sigma and made some of my best friends. We love and support one another in everything we do,” Taylor said.
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
CONTRIBUTED BY ANNE DAWSON
Thursday, August 24, 2017 Kailey Beth Smith COMMUNITY WRITER
“Our Order was founded on the knightly ideals of reverence, gentility, leadership, knowledge, and excellence,” said Jackson Fite, president of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Founded on December 21, 1865, at Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, the Kappa Alpha Order recognized reverence, gentility, leadership, knowledge, and excellence to be some of the most important values for young men to uphold. The Nu Chapter was founded at Auburn in 1883. It is Kappa Alpha Order’s 11th oldest chapter and Auburn University’s 3rd oldest fraternity. “We have had a proud and distinguished heritage, and we look to continue and preserve the legacy
The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life that has been left by those who came before us,” Fite said. Last year, the Nu Chapter hosted “Stomp the Plains,” a freshmen dance competition, as well as a silent auction. They raised almost $13,000 in total for their chosen two recipient philanthropies: the Rally Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order is one of the largest at Auburn, with a membership of 209 young men. “I believe the brotherhood and relationships we have at KA are very special and unique despite the size of the fraternity… I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and met people who have had a huge impact on my life,” Fite said.
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KAPPA ALPHA ORDER KΑ
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, August 24, 2017
ALPHA TAU
OMEGA Alex Hosey COMMUNITY REPORTER
ΑΤΩ
A fraternity with a long history of giving back to its community, Alpha Tau Omega’s first Auburn chapter was chartered in 1879 and included historic Auburn figures like Sheldon Toomer and William Samford. President of Alpha Tau Omega Reagan Drake said his fraternity’s dedication to leadership and service is what makes it stand out around campus. “Our members don’t just seek to be involved on campus, but know they can better Auburn by pursuing leadership roles in places on campus they’re passionate about,” Drake said. “Whether it’s IFC, SGA, Impact, AUDM or Camp War Eagle, you’ll find ATΩs giving their time.” Alpha Tau Omega was founded at the Virginia Military Institute in 1865 in order to use Christian brotherly love to facilitate reconciliation between the North and South in the aftermath of the Civil War. Reagan said the fraternity values the Christian principles it was founded upon as well as the leadership, diversity and good works its members show.
During rush, he looks for young men who possess those characteristics. “We look for guys who want to get involved on campus, who have proven their leadership and scholastic capabilities before coming to college, and who value the friendships they’ll build as well as those they already have,” Drake said. “We try to build our pledge classes with a diverse background in life experiences so they can build each other into more well-rounded men.” Alpha Tau Omega’s Auburn chapter was third among ATΩ chapters in the U.S. for money raised this year thanks to its brother efforts. Charities the fraternity has given to include the Arnold Palmer Foundation for prostate cancer, the Filter of Hope organization for clean water filters and the Lutzie 43 Foundation. Reagan expects the fraternity to end formal rush with about 45-50 members and looks for Auburn students who are interested in forming lifelong friendships and are being challenged to give their all in whatever they pursue to be a part of Alpha Tau Omega.
Meet the Panhellenic Council
Alex McFadden
Madeline McLean
Susan Purvis
Sadye Ball
President
Administrative VP
VP for Recruitment
Executive VP
Alex is a sophomore from Green-
Madeline is a junior from Chat- Susan is a junior from Huntsville, Sadye is a sophomore from Char-
ville, South Carolina majoring in
tanooga, Tennessee majoring in
rehabilitation and disability stud-
Supply Chain Management with
ies.
a minor in Anthropology.
Alabama majoring in nursing.
lotte, North Carolina majoring in sociology.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Meet the Interfraternity Council
Duncan Asbury
Danny Nocharli
Austin Hughes
Taylor Johnson
President
Executive VP
VP of Administration
VP of Recruitment
Duncan is a senior in mechanical engineering from Opelika, Alabama.
Danny is a senior in civil engi- Austin is a senior in biomedical Taylor is a senior in history and neering from Atlanta, Georgia.
sciences from Decatur, Alabama. pre-law from Birmingham, Alabama.
CONGRADULATIONS
Kappa Alpha Theta PC 2017!
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Lily Jackson MANAGING EDITOR
ALPHA PHI
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
ALPHA PHI ALPHA
ALPHA
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on December 4, 1906 on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca New York. Malcom Walker, president of Alpha Phi Alpha said the fraternity was founded on “manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind.” “We take pride in being the first black intercollegiate fraternity in American,” Walker said. Walker said the brothers are multifaceted, intelligent and involved in campus and community life. The active brothers look for those who work to be involved in other elements of campus life, aside from the fraternity. “In its simplest terms we don’t look for typical, we always strive to find those who have extraordinary qualities that are naturally embedded in them,” Walker said. Walker said they are a service driven fraternity and they focus on that mission. They volunteer at Boys and Girls Club during a school program called “I Am My Brother’s Keeper.” Alpha Phi Alpha alson works with retirement homes and lend a hand in Campus Kitchens. Walker said Alphas are involved in Student
Congratulations to the 2017 New Member Class of
DELTA GAMMA!
Goverment Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Plainsman and the Black Student Union. “Along with community service we also participate in step shows and throw parties to keep a balance of work and play within our organization,” Walker said. Walker said Alpha Phi Alpha is different from other organizations because of the actions they take. He said he hopes the actions catch the eyes of others, because that’s what caught his. “There is saying in one of our poems that calls Alpha ‘The school for the better making of men’ and I truly do believe that is so,” Walker said. “Along with also bettering the men of our organization, the men further fortify and build up the name of Alpha with their work in the respective community.”
ΑФΑ
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
PHI DELTA
THETA Kailey Beth Smith COMMUNITY WRITER
A fraternity to which George Petrie, the man credited with authoring the Auburn Creed, and Cliff Hare, of Jordan-Hare Stadium, belong, the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity boasts of a long history of successful men. The fraternity was founded on Friendship, Sound Learning, and Moral Rectitude. “Our members gain the leadership skills that allow them to excel outside of the fraternity as well as within,” said Brandon Stokes, the current president of the fraternity. Phi Delta Theta began in 1848 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, founded by several students nicknamed the “Immortal Six.” The fraternity has almost 190 active chapters and colonies throughout the Unit-
Thursday, August 24, 2017
ΦΔΘ
ed States and Canada. Since 1879, the Alabama Beta chapter of Phi Delta Theta has been at Auburn University. “We are a fraternity with a long history on Auburn’s campus with a vast amount of room to grow so that we can make even greater contributions within the community and campus,” Stokes said. Phi Delta Theta’s current roster is comprised of 45 men, but they are looking to complete fall rush with more than 70 members. The chosen philanthropy of Phi Delta Theta is the ALS Association, for which they helped raise more than $5,500 in the last year. Three of the chapter’s men hold the distinction of Iron Phi, which means that they have raised more than $1,000 individually for ALSA.
CONTRIBUTED BY PHI DELTA THETA
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r wa
A
Auburn Panhellenic receives top national award
Lily Jackson MANAGING EDITOR
Out of more than 600 other organizations, the women of Auburn’s Panhellenic have earned the highest possible award that a college can win from the National Panhellenic Conference. The College Panhellenic Excellence Award recognize women who demonstrate success in areas of academics, recruitment, communication with their NPC advisor, judicial procedures and Panhellenic operations, administration, programming, community impact and relations. “With over 4,000 women and an average GPA of 3.32, our sorority members are engaged on campus and committed to philanthropic works,” said Auburn’s Di-
rector of Greek Life Jill Martin. “Our Panhellenic leaders have challenged and encouraged the community toward success and I am proud of their accomplishments.” Before the NPC, Auburn Panhellenic students created a packet that showcased their accomplishments and activities over the past academic year. Highlights from this year’s packet included the organization’s collaboration on events like Greek sing and Panhellenic convocation, along with their academic achievement and member retention. “This recognition is a testament to the work our Panhellenic leaders have done to move our community in the right direction,”
Martin said. This October, representatives from Auburn Panhellenic will receive a plaque of recognition during the annual NPC “Celebrating Panhellenic Excellence” luncheon. Nineteen other campus Panhellenics, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and William and Mary which both have Auburn alumnae advisors, will also receive the award. “Our Panhellenic members continue to excel in areas such as academics, recruitment, community engagement and more,” said Panhellenic graduate assistant Lindsay Ollis. “I couldn’t be more proud of our Panhellenic women for being recognized.”
MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Thursday, August 24, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
ALPHA OMICRON CONTRIBUTED BY ALPHA OMICRON PI
Christina Sullivan Lifestyle Writer
AOII was founded in 1897 at Barnard College, one of the oldest women’s colleges in the world. Our four founders came together to form an organization that would provide opportunities for women to make lifelong friendships. Fast-forward 120 years, and AOII is now an international fraternity that is advancing women all across North America. With 143 collegiate chapters and 164 alumnae chapters, AOII has grown from the original 4 founders to over 191,000 members strong. Their president is Mallory Meagher and they accepted 82 new members this year. “AOII values every member during Recruitment, but something that we specifically look for are girls who are
genuine. We love meeting girls who are not afraid to be themselves, whether that means girls who will make us laugh uncontrollably or make us fall in love with their personalities!” AOII’s philanthropy is the Arthritis Foundation, and specifically raise money for juvenile arthritis. They host an annual 5k, Strike Out Arthritis, every fall as well as Slice Out Arthritis every spring. Last year they raised $35,000 for the Arthritis Foundation and donated over 100 stuffed pandas to children with arthritis in Montgomery. “AOII is different because we are strong, we are capable, and we are loving,” Meagher said. “AOII doesn’t tell you who to be, but they ask you what you want to do and help you get there. We don’t ask people to fit into a mold, but instead value every member simply for who they are. AOII is real love.”
PI
ΑΟΠ
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life
Thursday, August 24, 2017 PHOTOS BY MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITO
“When you look at Greek Life at Auburn, the students that come here and join fraternities and sororities are more likely to come back.” Jill Martin, Director of Greek Life
Thursday, August 24, 2017
KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
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The Auburn Plainsman: Greek Life Kailey Beth Smith COMMUNITY WRITER
Founded in 1870 by six young women at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, Kappa Kappa Gamma enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest social fraternities for women. It was declared an official organization when the six young women marched into the campus chapel, donning their official Kappa keys in their hair. “The sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma are funny and personable. There is never a dull moment in our chapter! Kappas are also genuine and selfless women that love each other fiercely and are always there when you need someone,” said Laine Daffin, president of the women’s social fraternity.
Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Every fall, they host Kappa Kappaccino, where the chapter room is transformed into a coffee house. Throughout the school year, members of Kappa visit daycares and read to children who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Daffin said, “During recruitment, we look for genuine young women that embody our organization’s ideals of friendship, leadership, and service. We seek members that will lift each other up and look for opportunities to grow as both individuals and as a sisterhood.” The Auburn University chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has just added 78 new members to the organization, and is looking forward to the year ahead.
CONTRIBUTED BY KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
KKΓ DELTA ZETA Welcomes
80
New Members!