Fraternity rush concludes as new members sign bids

Some were wearing suits, and some were wearing sweats. But no matter what the attire, the approximately 450 guys receiving invitations to join fraternities at yesterday's bid night were becoming a part of the largest student group on campus. And it's a group with some impressive history -- 63 percent of presidential cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek. "I hope these are the best years of your life," said incoming InterFraternity Council president Mark Zimring during his opening remarks. The men attending the bid night event were greeted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski, outgoing IFC president Andrew Mandelbaum, Zimring, and outgoing IFC vice president for rush and new member education Mark Valenti. All those in attendance received bids for a fraternity, as many houses called the men they wanted to join their house prior to bid night. "Please be responsible," urged Zimring. "You represent more than yourself." This event marked the culmination of a two-week rush process, with over 551 bids issued -- about a 3.4 percent increase from last year. Roughly 78 men received multiple bids, according to Reikofski. "This seems to be a very successful year all the way around," OFSA Associate Director for Programming Debra Bonaminio said. Mandelbaum said he is optimistic about the year ahead. "I think this is a great freshman class for the system," he said, adding that "I'm looking forward to seeing these guys become the future leaders of the Greek system." Among a few hugs and handshakes, guys were called in alphabetical groups to receive their bids. Once received, they had to sign and return them, either accepting or declining, before they could leave. And for some, this was a process much more difficult than expected. Engineering freshman Adam Kolom had an extremely trying decision to make -- choosing between a "loyal" fraternity and one that is trying to re-establish itself. "I'm going to have to turn down the guys that have been so good to me for the opportunity to do something new, something extraordinary," he said, accepting a bid from Beta Theta Pi instead of one from Phi Kappa Sigma. "It's been the hardest choice of my life," he added. Most of the new members had good things to say of their experiences with rush. "It was an extremely tiring experience," Engineering freshman and new Beta Theta Pi member Ed Martin said. "But it was definitely the most fun two weeks I've had since I've been here." "It was a once in a lifetime experience," Engineering freshman and new Phi Kappa Psi member Joe Maylie said. "I'll probably never have the opportunity to eat and receive so much free food." But, as with most things, there were also critics. College freshman Jason Glick, who declined to specify which house gave him a bid, wished the rush process could have had a more innocent approach. "Why don't you have a rush that's come and meet us instead of come and lose your mind," he asked. "I think they should have milk and cookies."