Pi Phi bids go out Saturday

The University chapter of the Pi Beta Phi sorority will offer its first bids tomorrow morning. According to the sorority's Grand Vice President of Membership Carolyn Lesh, Pi Phi's colonizing rush -- which took place this week -- has been a success. "We are really pleased with the support that we have received from the PanHellenic Council and the number of women who have expressed interest in Pi Phi -- 150 women signed up," she said. Rushees said they were introduced to the sorority through parties and a group interview this week. Many seemed excited about the sorority and said fall rush is unique. "It's a lot different from spring rush because we have sophomores, juniors and seniors rushing at the same time and also because of the timing and because there's only one sorority," said College senior Amy Pezzillo. "This way you can focus on Pi Phi." Wharton sophomore Laura Froehlich said that she especially likes the the idea of being part of a new organization. "Because it's a new sorority, it doesn't have stereotypes and the first pledge class can form it in whatever direction it wants," she said. "I wanted to be involved in something that wasn't set in its ways, that I could have an influence on in the way things are in the future." Though both Froehlich and Pezzillo are still rushing, not all of the rushees remained with the program. "Even though I only rushed the first night, I think it has the potential to be a very strong house because it drew a diverse group of people," said College sophomore Melissa Barkan. Pi Phi leaders must still consider a key issue: the number of bids they will offer. "We want to take enough [pledges] to be competitive with the other sororities, but [remain] small enough so that they can bond into a cohesive group," Lesh said.