Record Numbers Rush

Music from the Backstreet Boys and the Dave Matthews Band sounded from the Student Union's Great Hall on Thursday night as the Panhellenic Council kicked off its 2007 recruitment season.

A record-setting 650 potential members gathered to learn more about each of the 10 sororities and to get an overview of the recruitment process.

"We haven't had this many girls since 1992," said Meredith Martindale, vice president of recruitment. "This is something we've been planning for so long, and it's exciting to see it all start, especially with so many girls registered."

Jenny Levering, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life, said the record registration numbers are part of a national trend.

"We've never reached 650 before," Levering said. "Panhellenic numbers are going up all over the nation, so it's not just at UNC."

Sororities introduced themselves to the potential new members through a series of claps and chants.

After the spirited introductions, each sorority's chapter president and recruitment chairwoman welcomed the prospective members and described the sorority's various philanthropy projects and social events.

During the next week, potential members will visit each sorority and meet its members in order to help them decide which one they would like to join.

This year's kickoff included the introduction of Phi Mu sorority, which recolonized on campus this fall. Martindale said the large number of potential members would help Phi Mu gain a foothold on campus.

"There are a lot of girls registered, so this will be good for Phi Mu," she said.

Some of the potential members said they decided to take part in the recruitment process because of the variety of opportunities available.

"I like that they're all involved in so many things," sophomore Melanie Marsh said. "You can do anything, from having leadership roles to volunteering."

Marsh, a political-science major, said that she isn't sure which sorority she wants to join but that she has thought about pledging for some time.

"I always knew it was something I wanted to do," she said. "Plus, my mom and aunts were members of sororities when they were in school."

Others said they decided to rush because they want to get involved with the campus community.

"I think it's a good experience to meet new people," said Abigail Forrister, a freshman political-science major. "I'm really excited about the whole thing."

Source:The Daily Tar Heel