Greek Life

Greek organizations urge freshmen to join

When Panhellenic adviser Megan Francis came to UH from the University of Arkansas where she served as graduate assistant in the office of Greek life for 2 years, she saw an incredible opportunity in front of her.

“The women of the Houston Panhellenic Council are capable of making their community whatever they want it to be and I am excited to help them through the journey,” Francis said. “I believe that my experience can help the women grow their community into one that is a nationally competitive Tier-One sorority experience.”

Both the Panhellenic board and Interfraternity Council  are in the midst of recruiting potential members for the fall semester and while members of Panhellenic are excited about the influx of interest, UH fraternities are also seeing a spark in their recruitment.

“There are more incoming freshmen looking to get the college experience,” said Sigma Chi Fraternity President David Gelovani. “Largely, I feel that each fall the interest in fraternities grow and everyone’s benefiting.”

To provide women with the chance to meet members and learn more, Panhellenic will be hosting several events on behalf of its six sororities in the upcoming weeks including a Greek picnic at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at Bayou Oaks Apartments.

“Joining a sorority is a great way to make friends, especially for those new on campus,” said HPC President Laura Singleton. “It’s an opportunity that will help women throughout college by providing them with a good support system as well as networking beyond school.”

Many students participating in the University’s Greek system have echoed the benefits of having a nearby, loyal support system.

“There are many things I can take from my experiences with my sisters, but something I value most is always having someone by your side,” Chi Omega member Vanadie Carpio said. “Through thick and thin they are always there.”

At UH, there are 15 IFC fraternities. Vice President of Recruitment Joshua Chipley encourages students to push aside any stereotypes and come witness fraternity life for themselves.

“Find which fraternity you feel like has the most brotherhood,” Chipley said. “In many cases the fraternity you choose will provide lifelong friends.”

Both the fraternities and sororities work hard year-round, participating in events such as Frontier Fiesta and Homecoming in addition to hosting their own events to raise money for an assortment of philanthropies.

“Supporting each sorority and fraternities philanthropic causes are my favorite events to attend,” Carpio said. “It really goes to show where our values stand as Greeks. Yes, we like to have a good time, but we know there are greater things in the world and we have the opportunity to put our time and efforts into causes that really matter.”

The IFC’s recruitment continues until Sept. 28 while the deadline to sign up for Panhellenic recruitment ends Sept. 7.

For more information on the University’s Greek system visit uh.edu/panhellenic and uhgreeks.theginsystem.com.

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