Braving cold showers of hail, fraternity rushees stormed Meyerson Hall last night to receive their bids and witness the transition of the InterFraternity Council board.
Twenty-eight houses issued 466 bids this year, and 38 rushees received two or more bids, according to Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski. Approximately 585 bids were issued last year.
"Most of [the rushees] will accept," outgoing IFC President Seth Cohen said. "My guess is high 300s to 400."
Rushees were asked to hand in their signed bids to Reikofski and OFSA Program Coordinator Larry Moses. Absent rushees must return their bids to the OFSA office by Friday.
Before the bid-signing process began, Reikofski took to the podium.
"You are the lifeblood that perpetuates the system," he said.
Cohen elaborated on the theme of service and history.
"Get involved as soon as possible," he said. "The ball is in your court. ... Don't wait for someone else to take responsibility."
Cohen then introduced the incoming IFC president, Engineering junior Conor O'Callaghan.
"By signing your bid cards tonight, you're making one of the best decisions of your life," O'Callaghan said, addressing the future brothers.
"Statistically, there's a decent chance that somebody [sitting] near you will introduce you to your future wife ... hopefully, many years down the road, one of your fraternity brothers will eulogize you at your funeral."
When the ensuing laughter subsided, O'Callaghan continued on a more serious note.
"When I first became the executive vice president of the IFC, there were six Greek houses under investigation for various infractions," he said. Cohen "has worked tirelessly to restore credibility to our once-tarnished organization and has set us on the right path for a successful future. ... Realize that your actions reflect not only on you, but also on your fraternity, the Greek system at Penn and the University as a whole."
O'Callaghan said he felt prepared for his leadership role.
Cohen has "done a great job in showing me the ropes," he said. "Also, I have complete confidence in my board. I think it's the best group of guys the IFC has ever had."
O'Callaghan's short-term priorities are "getting the Program for Excellence approved and implemented ... and also working for the smooth recolonization of Sigma Alpha Mu."
SAM was shut down in 2000 for violating alcohol policy during rush. The fraternity was under probation at the time.
