As freshman pledges work their way toward initiation into Penn's Greek system, the University's newest sorority is beginning its formal recruitment process.
Last night, more than 100 women -- both freshmen and upperclassmen -- gathered in Logan Hall to meet representatives of the national chapter of Sigma Kappa and get a taste of what the sorority has to offer.
"We definitely plan on establishing a strong and competitive chapter from the start," said Maggie Thompson, Sigma Kappa's district recruitment coordinator.
Although Sigma Kappa held its first informational session during the Panhellenic Council's formal rush period in January, it is now holding an independent recruitment process. On Thursday and Friday, it will hold open informal events as well as "personal visits" with each prospective sister. Invitation-only events will follow on Saturday evening, and women will receive bids to join Sigma Kappa later that night. The process will culminate with a formal pledging ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
Sigma Kappa representatives began advertising several weeks ago, distributing flyers and making phone calls to prospective sisters.
During Wednesday evening's information session, members of the sorority's National Colonization Team, including National President Angela Guillory and Colony Consultant Lindsay Castelein, spoke to the interested women. In addition to welcoming the prospective sisters to the Greek system, they emphasized Sigma Kappa's commitment to scholarship, tradition and philanthropic achievements.
"We are so excited to add your university to a list of phenomenal chapters we have in this area," Guillory said, noting Sigma Kappa's 127-year history. She also stressed the fact that in joining the sorority, women will be making a "lifelong commitment."
Once founding members have been chosen through a mutual selection process, they will participate in a new member education process -- called a "Promise Program" -- and will be initiated in April, once the colonization process is complete.
"Our goal is to take you from a new colony to a self-sufficient chapter," Castelein said. She added that part of her role in the colonization process will be to "make sure you all have the most enriching and positive experience."
Sigma Kappa has approximately 129,000 members in more than 100 chapters nationwide, including 2,300 alumni living in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Castelein said that the organization is working to recruit women from all classes -- including graduating seniors. She added that she doesn't anticipate having problems generating sufficient interest.
And Panhel President Alison Ng said that she expects to see interest from a variety of women.
"I think it's a mix... of girls who have gone through recruitment and girls who have not," she said. "A lot of these girls are friends with girls who are currently in the Greek system."
College sophomore Ciara Brady said that although she did not rush as a freshman, she thinks that "the best way to meet new people and make connections is through Greek life."
As a freshman, "Greek life seemed to me to be mostly about drinking," she said. "Since that, I've changed my mind."
College senior Melanie Signorile said that her interest in joining Sigma Kappa stems from the fact that as a new chapter, there are no stereotypes attached to it.
Ng stressed that Panhel, as well as Penn's seven current chapters, are highly supportive of Sigma Kappa and will be very involved in its colonization process.
"They're going to be completely welcomed into the system," Ng said, noting that the new chapter will appoint a delegate to the council.
Sigma Kappa's national organization is looking for a chapter house near Penn's campus.
"The University is working with us, and it will happen," Guillory said, adding that alumni will also be involved in the search. She predicted that a house would be secured by the beginning of 2003.
