Time to put your best face forward; recruitment week is here! We have prepared short descriptions of each organization, along with their philanthropies of choice.
Sororities and fraternities are an integral part of many colleges; Rollins is no exception. At Rollins though, FSL is much more welcoming than some of the slightly terrifying depictions of frat life in the movies (Sydney White, anyone?).
However, even with this friendly atmosphere, students not participating in recruitment will have to deal with the throngs of girls and guys clacking around campus in matching colored dresses and heels (or the recruitment t-shirts depending on the night) as they move from house to house trying to find the perfect place for them. Correction: the guys will probably not be in dresses or heels. Though that would add a new dimension to recruitment.
To help interested potential members learn what each of these sororities and fraternities are about and to give un-interested students an idea on why people would participate in recruitment in the first place, The Sandspur has created a guide to each recognized group.
Sororities
Alpha Omicron Pi, Mu Lambda Chapter: Members of AOII “form a family that provides love, support, opportunity, and unforgettable memories; in return, the ladies ask one another only this: ‘exceed the expectation.’” AOII prides itself on the “strength of sisterhood and friendship between our exceptional, individual members.” AOII gives back to the community through support of its official philanthropy, The Arthritis Foundation.
Chi Omega, Upsilon Beta Chapter: Chi Omega thrives on their definition of sisterhood: “Sisterhood is not letting petty differences get in the way of anything. It is about being true to yourself. It is about experiencing new adventures by entering the realm of others. It’s knowing that there will always be someone there for you. It’s dreams shared and goals achieved. It’s counting on others and being counted on. It is real.” Chi Omega makes a difference in the community by working with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Delta Zeta, Pi Theta Chapter: Sisters in DZ “strive to be selfless and loyal in their mission to create a loving and understanding community in which we hold each other accountable.” DZ unites “its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action.” DZ sisters give back through their work with The Painted Turtle Camp and Speech & Hearing.
Kappa Delta, Zeta Xi Chapter: Kappa Delta strives “to make great things happen on campus, in the community, and in women’s lives.” Its sisters are “committed to inspiring women to reach their full potential by offering opportunities and leadership, community service and sisterhood and promoting confidence in women and girls.” KD girls make a difference through their work with Girl Scouts and Prevent Child Abuse America.
Non Compis Mentis: NCM is the oldest local sorority in the south and the only local sorority on the Rollins College campus. According to Adrienne Barton, President of NCM, NCM is special because it is a “place where you get what you put into it. We run, manage, and sustain ourselves, with every sister having a vested interest in the overall development and functioning of the organization.” To Barton, NCM is “a place where I feel secure and consistently encouraged to be the fullest and truest version of myself possible… I can definitely see how I’ve grown more into someone I’m proud to be, and a lot of it has been fostered through this really supportive environment.”
Sigma Gamma Rho, Omicron Lambda Chapter: According to the chapter president or SGRho, girls in SGRho form bonds “in college that will stay with [them] long after [they’re] finished. When you join SGRho, it is a lifetime commitment. SGRho is special because of the people that are in it. We come from various backgrounds, and we welcome Barbies to biker chicks.”
Fraternities
Chi Psi, Alpha Mu Delta Chapter: According to Nathaniel Winters, Chi Psi is “unique because we do not fit one stereotype as we have a variety of brothers ranging from international students, athletes, scholars, and even local Floridians.” Guys should consider Chi Psi because it has “withheld the tests of time on the Rollins campus. We take pride in our history of being the first social fraternity ever in the U.S. and withhold our values socially, morally, educationally throughout our time as brothers of Chi Psi.”
Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta-Gamma Colony: Lambda Chi Alpha plans to “cultivate a progressive environment at every chapter that will allow men to become better men through the help of their fellow man.” Although Lambda Chi has a rich history at Rollins, it returned to Rollins just three years ago in the spring of 2011. Members of this fraternity give back to the community by participating in the North American Food Drive each year.
Phi Delta Theta, Florida Beta Chapter: Phi Delta Theta was founded based on three pillars: “the cultivation of friendship among its members, the acquirement individually of a high degree of mental culture, and the attainment personally of a high standard of morality.” The main goal of the fraternity is to help each member achieve his true potential. Members give back by helping at their philanthropies, Relay for Life and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Tau Kappa Epsilon, Zeta Phi Chapter: Just returned to Rollins, Tau Kappa Epsilon—“better men for a better world”—believes that the “essential elements of true brotherhood are Love, Charity, and Esteem.” Although they no longer reside in Pugsley Hall, TKE has an active presence on campus and in the community where they give back through the Children’s Miracle Network, Drug Free Living, and Adopt a Highway.
X Club: X-Club is the oldest fraternity at Rollins College and the only local fraternity at Rollins. To William Glass, X Club represents brotherhood: “The brotherhood is so diverse and comprised of guys with many different interests, but we are able to bond over a set of shared values: Leadership, Honor, and Valor. I wake up every morning and know that I have 35 guys that always have my back and support me in becoming a better version of myself each and every day. That is something that I truly value, and I can honestly say has helped shape me to become who I am today.”
Why do students participate in recruitment?
“Girls should rush for the experience. It is a fun time and the people that you will meet that you may not have otherwise is invaluable. During rush girls will get the opportunity to get a glimpse of each sorority and hopefully find the group that they form a connection with.” – Amanda, SGRHo
“I found a quote online that I thought was a really apt way to describe how I’ve viewed my time in my sorority. It is ‘the best kinds of friendships are fierce lady friendships where you aggressively believe in each other, defend each other, and think the other deserves the world.’ I’ve yet to read a more accurate definition of a sorority. I’d also like to mention that, while going through recruitment one of the goals is to join a chapter at the end of the process, there’s nothing wrong with not joining one, and there are many good relationships and friendships that women spark and build in going through the process together, or just meeting the diverse individuals in the many chapters.” – Adrienne Barton, NCM
“Every unaffiliated man should go through recruitment because it is one of the best ways to network, make new friends, and help you find a place at Rollins. It doesn’t cost anything, you get free food all week, and you’ll gain a better understanding of what the purpose of fraternities are on this campus. Many times people make assumptions and listen to stereotypes about all of the fraternities, but the honest truth is that we are all just normal groups of guys that hold ourselves to a higher standard through our values and
the service we perform for the community and the school.” – William Glass, X Club
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