Panhel inducts new Exec. Board

Jessica Lennon took the reins as the new Panhel president Wednesday. A gavel switched hands from one Jessica to the next as the Panhellenic Council's Executive Board members transferred power to their successors Wednesday night. "We're not going to use the mike because the mike's taller than we are," outgoing Panhel President Jessica Schreck said as she began the "Circle of Sisters" ceremony. But the 400 pledges and sisters in the Nursing Education building all heard the College senior and Sigma Delta Tau sister honor her outgoing partners -- College seniors Hayley Lattman and Florence Legaspi, Nursing senior Alison Tibbetts, Wharton senior Karissa Kruse and College junior Alyse Dann -- and thank them for their dedication to Panhel. Incoming President Jessica Lennon, a College junior and Delta Delta Delta sister, and her cabinet of College juniors Bethany Rubin, Jen Wigman, Mary Woland and College sophomore Beth Linn were welcomed by their predecessors with a speech and a rose. And Legaspi, the outgoing vice president in charge of rush, presented her successor, Alpha Chi Omega sister Wigman, with a toy sword as well. Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum was the program's keynote speaker. "She is the students' biggest advocate," Schreck said, adding that Greeks should especially appreciate McCoullum because they "couldn't do anything without her." McCoullum -- a BiCultural InterGreek Council sorority alumna -- expressed her delight at the pledges' decision to join Panhel chapters. "To look out over this sea of absolutely gorgeous faces is such a great pleasure," she said. "You are all Penn's treasure." She added that the new members of Panhel had gained sisters across the country. "I'm honored to be here," McCoullum said. She apologized that she had to hurry because she had left her son-in-law and sleeping grandson in her double-parked car. Despite her haste, she made sure to hug each of the incoming and outgoing Panhel officers. After pledge educators led the newest sisters in an oath to join the "chain of Greeks that stretches from coast to coast," Schreck gave the pledges advice. Although each pledge would have her own experiences, Schreck said, it was important they remember that the more enthusiasm, ideas and participation they gave to Panhel, the more they would receive in return. Schreck also reminded the women that although they had chosen different chapters, they were -- as McCoullum had said --"all sisters." "You are eight houses strong [and] the largest women's organization on campus," she said. "Please give Panhellenic your heart and time."