Panhel ushers in new executive board

In a highly symbolic ceremony of giving gifts and reciting oaths, the Panhellenic Council formally transitioned to a new executive board last night. All incoming sorority pledges gathered in Meyerson Hall for the annual "Circle of Sisters" event. Executive Vice President of Panhel Janet Temko began the night by welcoming the pledges into "the global community of Greek women." "As this past year's executive board symbolically steps down from our positions, we can look back over the past year to see all that we have accomplished," Temko said. "As the new board takes over the responsibility for the Panhellenic Association, we look into the future." Indeed, the night was focused on looking both toward the past and the future of Panhel. After being introduced with praise and appreciation by Temko, outgoing Panhel President Alison Ng took the podium. Choking back tears, Ng spoke to the bittersweet nature of the night, lauding the efforts of the outgoing executive board as "truly exceptional and unparalleled" and speaking of the personal importance that her position took on. "Appreciate your time here," Ng urged to the pledges assembled before her. "Some of us never want to let go of it." Associate Director of Programming for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Lea Shafer then spoke about the history of Greek life at Penn as well as the opportunities and responsibilities connected with being a member of a sorority. The executive board transition ceremony then commenced. "Gifts are passed down to succeeding executive board members to signify the continuity and tradition of the Panhellenic Council," Temko said. "These symbols were chosen as a representation of the high ideals of the council." One by one, members of the outgoing executive board took the podium and called on their successors, presenting an array of symbolic gifts such as a lightbulb, shield, candle, lamp, scroll, sword, evergreen and gavel. This formal transition included a brief explanation of the importance of each gift, as well as an exchange of flowers and a celebratory hug. When Ng presented incoming Panhel President Elizabeth Kimmelman with a gavel and extended her congratulations, the crowd cheered wildly, enthusiastically raising posterboard signs of exclamation overhead. Kimmelman welcomed the "future of the Panhellenic system" and urged activism on behalf of the new sorority women. She addressed Ng directly, then turned to the audience. "I can't think of a better birthday present," Kimmelman said. "I am truly honored to serve as president of this amazing community." Ng called on the women to rise and hold hands, repeating an oath of commitment to Greek life. In her first official duty as president, Kimmelman recited the Greek Responsibility Statement, which the pledges repeated. After the event, Kimmelman stated three goals she hopes to accomplish in her tenure as president -- improving intersorority communication and the image of the Greek community and community service. "We know [the new board will] carry out and improve everything we've worked on," Ng said. "I really want to see them work on implementing the strategic plan." Shafer anticipates that the new board will be very successful, having witnessed the teamwork and unity of the outgoing leadership. "They have really great mentors to turn to," Shafer said. In the words of outgoing Panhel Vice President of Recruitment Anu Singla, the night was "inspiring."