Honor frat seeks more visibility

Phi Sigma Pi, the University's coed honor fraternity, highlights service and scholarship. Attached to more than a few sweaters around campus are ribbons and Greek lettered pins, serving as a reminder that both the Panhellenic Council -- and its male counterpart, the InterFraternity Council -- have begun their pledge periods. But one Greek organization is just completing its rush process. Phi Sigma Pi, the University's coed honor fraternity, held its last rush event last night. During the fall, sophomores and juniors with minimum GPAs of 3.0 were invited to rush Phi Sigma Pi. But spring rush is open to freshmen as well. Rush Chairperson and Engineering junior Ellen Long said 215 of the 1,300 students who received invitations registered to rush. Phi Sigma Pi President Mark Rosenstock explained that his fraternity's rush numbers are low because "people don't know that much about Phi Sigma Pi in general." But College senior and Phi Sigma Pi member Alison Sherman said,"This semester's was a really big rush." The fraternity designed its six rush events to facilitate conversation between current and prospective members, said Long, who was "dead set against being in a sorority," but nevertheless rushed Phi Sigma Pi last fall. "It's all learning about the brothers and national organization," she added. Long said rush also highlights Phi Sigma Pi's primary objectives -- service, scholarship and a good social environment. Phi Sigma Pi affords members "fraternity fellowship" and the opportunity to participate in events for which they'd ordinarily have to join many clubs -- such as rockclimbing excursions, charity fundraisers and trips to the symphony. Wharton freshman David Inauen said he thought meeting people and "doing fun stuff" -- such as playing board games and participating in improvisational comedy skits -- has provided a "really great" rush experience. But he's still unsure -- although he's "leaning towards yes" -- about whether he will accept a bid if he is offered one. Inauen explained that he still has more to learn about the fraternity's goals. He added that his interaction with members has been limited to mostly seniors, and he'd like to meet more of the people who will remain at the University next year. Current members are encouraged to pick pledges based on their instincts. "There's no mold for people we're looking for," Sherman said. After bids are distributed this weekend, current members and pledges will set up a pledge schedule, said Rosenstock, a Wharton and Engineering junior who also rushed IFC fraternities. Long added that initiation always takes place prior to reading days. "It was the best time I had here [at the University]," Sherman said regarding her own pledge period. Phi Sigma Pi members are not excluded from rushing social fraternities and sororities, but Wharton senior and Sigma Nu brother Andrew Barkan is the only brother who is a member of another Greek organization, Long said. "I'm really excited," Rosenstock said, adding that he's noticed "great potential for a great pledge class."