Pi Phi to start rush at U. in Sept.

Unlike other school years, the start of Greek rush this season will involve very few men. In fact, the first rush of the year will attract only women -- those interested in joining a new sorority arriving on campus this semester. Pi Beta Phi sorority, which announced its forthcoming arrival last spring, will begin the rush season on September 29. During the summer, the organization sent mailings to many female undergraduate University students who were not already associated with a sorority. Pi Phi, as it is commonly known, will also hold rush registration on Locust Walk during the week of September 21st. According to Pi Phi Resident Consultant Ann Rossi, 85 women have responded so far. Rossi said she is pleased with the number and hopes the rush will continue to generate enthusiasm. "We just want strong women who are excited and interested in starting something new," she said. Rossi said that the sorority colonizing process typically lasts about one year and consists mainly of recruiting new members and teaching them the traditions and heritage of the organization so the sorority can exist on its own. Despite the fact that one sorority on campus last year had a very small pledge class, Rossi said that she thinks Pi Phi can succeed at the University. "I think there is a growing sorority system here," she said. "There is more than enough room for us." And PanHellenic Council President and Sigma Delta Tau sorority member Debbie Frank echoed these sentiments with equal confidence this week. "The PanHellenic Council," she said, "is anxiously awaiting the colonization of Pi Phi. We have no doubts of the chapter's ability to thrive on Penn's campus." Pi Beta Phi's organizing rush ends on October 4. They will also hold a normal spring rush along with the other sororities.