Panhel inducts its new board

Smiles mixed with tears last night as hundreds of emotional sorority sisters bid farewell to outgoing Panhellenic Council President Becca Iverson with a standing ovation. The women packed the lecture hall in Logan Hall as the members of the 1999-2000 Panhel Executive Board handed over the reins to their successors. The ceremony, called the "Circle of Sisters," marked the formal inauguration of the 2000-2001 Panhel board, which was elected in November. College junior Jen Chanowitz, a Sigma Delta Tau sister, took over Iverson's position. "The new board members all have a lot of experience," said Iverson, a Chi Omega sister and College senior. "Jen was on the executive board this year, and a lot of the other girls were on Panhel committees. I'm confident that the new board will do a great job." Director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Scott Reikofski began the ceremony by addressing the incoming board, expressing his belief in the womens' leadership capabilities. "The incoming board? you have big shoes to step into. But I am confident in your ability to be able to continue on the good work that we've done," Reikofski said. The members of the new board said they were optimistic as well. "This year is going to be exciting and fun," said Chanowitz, the outgoing vice president of publicity. "I hope it goes as well as last year." In addition to serving as the inauguration for the Panhel board, the "Circle of Sisters" also marks the swearing-in of the new sorority pledges. "I'm pleased to inform you that you have chosen to join the top sorority system in the country," Reikofski told them. "We're looking forward to seeing your talents and your energies as we continue to move forward and to improve." The evening's main speaker was Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, who spoke about the value of the Penn sorority experience. She urged the new pledges to become active both within and beyond the Greek system. "Continue to really exemplify the type of leadership that 21st century women would want to exemplify," she said. After Reikofski and McCoullum spoke, the old board and the new board exchanged flowers, and the new board was presented with the symbols of their offices. For instance, Chanowitz presented her successor as vice president of publicity, Chi Omega sister and College sophomore Katie Klein, with a lamp, which represented "leadership, scholarship and enlightenment." Other symbols included a laurel wreath, a sword and a gavel. After the presentation, the new pledges, led by Chanowitz, took oaths of loyalty and integrity.