Balloons on bid night

Spring rush is a done deal for this year's sorority girls.

Last night, a new class of recruits received their bids as part of a wild ceremony in Houston Hall's Hall of Flags.

The ceremony marked the end of a week-long process of dances, tours and sorority parties, which College freshman Jamie Nichol described as "speed dating, only with girls."

Rushing took on a literal meaning this year, as girls in formal attire hurried with their Rho Gammas - upperclass advisers - from one house to another, anxious to avoid temperatures plunging into the teens.

"It was so cold," College freshman Alexa DePasquale said. "We had to use some desperate measures, like carrying Uggs around in bags with us."

Last night's celebrations began when recruits filed into the Hall of Flags, filling a sea of blue chairs and chatting anxiously, grouping around their Rho Gamma advisers.

"The anticipation's been so long," said College freshman Megan Cassidy, "that I'm almost not nervous anymore."

As part of the girls-only event, the Panhellenic executive board and Rho Gammas took off their sweatshirts, revealing their secret chapter affiliation on bright shirts underneath.

Finally, after nearly two weeks of waiting, the girls opened their envelopes revealing the sororities' decisions.

Afterward, new recruits poured out into Wynn Commons, where each house waited in a group.

Dressed in their Greek colors, each sorority clutched colorful balloons, waved signs and cheered on their new sisters, making a racket that quickly attracted a small crowd. After collecting all their new members, the groups took pictures and finished the night with special celebrations at each sorority house.

"It's a very exciting time for new girls and upperclassmen," said College senior and Panhellenic Council President Drew Tye.

But as always, sorority recruitment had its ups and downs.

"A lot of girls cried," DePasquale said.

New recruits said they enjoyed the rush experience.

"It was such an amazing time," said College freshman Molly Otto, "But I'd never do it again."

College freshman Alexa Luzecky added, "It was definitely exciting."

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