For most students, coming into a new college or university freshman year is filled with fun and friends, but it also can be difficult at times. On Villanova’s campus, there are many options to get involved in extracurricular activities. Many students and faculty encourage each other to get involved in the community one way or another. A great way to do so can be through a sorority or fraternity. For current freshmen, or even students who are currently not involved in Greek Life, it is an amazing way to make new friends, seize new opportunities and give back to your community, all in one organization.
Each year, sororities hold several events to inform newcomers of their organizations and their purpose, and also give current members the ability to talk to potential new members about formal recruitment, which takes place at the end of Winter Break and before Spring Semester begins. This school year, each sorority participated in the Involvement Fair, which took place Sept. 6. More recently, each group participated in “Meet the Greeks,” on Oct. 1 on the Rowan Campus Green. This was for prospective members, or anyone who is interested to meet current members in all sorority and fraternity Life.
For anyone debating if they should participate in recruitment this upcoming winter, The Villanovan asked several women in each sorority on campus why they love their organization.
Evelyn Dunne – Alpha Phi
“I love my sorority because of all the people I have met. A-Phi has truly been one of the best additions to my life. It has brought me to my people that add to my life a joy, happiness and love that I have never had before them. I found my favorite people in A-Phi.”
Micki Loud – Alpha Gamma Delta
“My sisters are always there to support me no matter what is going on in my life. At the end of the day, I know I could talk to anyone in Alpha Gam, and they would be there for me, and that’s something super special.”
Ava Tower – Chi Omega
“I love [Chi Omega] because of the amazing support system it has given me throughout my college experience. These girls are so genuine and thoughtful, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to call them my best friends.”
Jesley Delgado – Delta Gamma
“I have met the most empowering women that will forever be my sisters. DG has made my four years at Villanova the best years that I will cherish forever.”
These testimonies show the excitement and care that women have for each of their prospective organizations. They provide a social structure for women to be around empowering women, no matter the age or background they have. They all have a group to belong to and be involved in, and sharing that appreciation for their sorority uplifts one another and creates a community within Villanova.
For those looking for something more, each sorority contributes and works with philanthropic organizations. They hold events and fundraisers to raise awareness, and also to raise money to donate to each philanthropic organization.
Morgan White and Emily Ciccarone – Alpha Chi Omega
“We support a cause that is really close to our hearts, domestic violence. By doing events like ‘AXO Open’ and ‘Ladies Tea,’ [we] raise money for the Laurel House, a local women’s shelter. Overall, [it is] the best group we have been a part of on campus and has changed our college experience for the better. I cannot imagine what Villanova would be like without AXO.”
Grace Nugent – Delta Delta Delta
“Tri-Delt has not only given me the opportunity to meet new friends, but to give back [to] my local community through Alex’s and Saint Jude on a larger scale. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience the past 3 years.”
Each sorority has its own philanthropy, which supports an organization. This includes raising money and doing charity events in collaboration with those organizations, as well as raising awareness not only for their members, but to others on and off-campus, as well. This gives great opportunities to girls who want to incorporate community service, and philanthropic values into their day-to-day life.
For women who want to really form a bond with one another, and who are nervous about being accepted at college, sorority life can create lifelong bonds and allow you to be yourself and feel accepted doing so.
Mia Clingham – Kappa Kappa Gamma
“Kappa is the reason I was able to find my key connections and community on Villanova’s campus. Coming from a toxic high school experience, all I wanted was to find a community that accepted me, for me. I talk a lot about how things that have happened to me here feel like divine intervention, but without exaggerating I truly believe that Kappa and the connections I have made within this group of women are the reason that I have found the confidence, empowerment, and happiness that now occupy my life. I cannot suggest participating in formal recruitment more and hope you all find your people like I did.”
Sophia Warner – Kappa Delta
“I love Kappa Delta because the women in my chapter inspire and push me every day to be my best self. Wherever I am, I know I’m only one corner or call away from someone who would have my back in any situation. More than that, we are a group of intelligent, confident leaders who make an impact all throughout campus. I am so proud to lead this organization of women.”
There are also several culturally-based sororities within Greek life at Villanova. These culturally-based fraternal organizations carry out their own joining procesess, separate from the Villanova Panhellenic Recruitment. They participated in the involvement fair, as well as “Meet the Greeks.”
Tesh Jean-Philippe – Delta Sigma Theta
“I love Delta Sigma Theta for the sisterhood it gave me for a lifetime. I’m forever grateful for my line sisters and my chapter members. To know I will always be loved, supported and seen no matter [what] is a blessing.”
Keshyne Washington – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
“I love Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated because it is where I met my lifelong sisters. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who enjoy serving our community and genuinely care about my success.”
Andrea Morales – Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated
“LTA has given me the opportunity to be surrounded by inspiring women who have made me feel so loved and supported. These women are truly incredible in all that they do and push me to constantly be the best version of myself.”
Although sorority involvement does not make or break the Villanova experience. For those interested, it can be the most fulfilling experience throughout your undergraduate years. Sorority connections in college not only help women with academics, friendships and community service, but they help form lasting connections after graduating, for job connections and so much more. For any prospective students debating if they should participate in recruitment, do not hesitate to try it. The recruitment experience is organized to help students find a good fit within Greek Life. It never hurts to give something a try, and one has no idea what could come from it.
