The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Friday, March 29, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

Panhellenic sororities welcome new members

Four hundred and ninety-eight female students found out Thursday night which sorority they received a bid to in Coker Arboretum.   Members of Zeta Tau Alpha (above) cheer as the new pledge classes await opening the envelopes that contain their coveted bids.
Four hundred and ninety-eight female students found out Thursday night which sorority they received a bid to in Coker Arboretum. Members of Zeta Tau Alpha (above) cheer as the new pledge classes await opening the envelopes that contain their coveted bids.

Cheers, tears, and hugs swept through Coker Arboretum on Thursday as 498 female students discovered their new sisters.

Bid Day, the annual ceremony that welcomes 10 new pledge classes to UNC’s Panhellenic sororities, provided an eventful ending to participants in the weeklong rush period. But with about six weeks of pledging on the horizon, it was also just the beginning.

“It’s the last day, everyone is just really happy,” said Jill Zartman, Panhellenic Council vice president of recruitment.

Kayte Fry, coordinator for fraternity and sorority life, said more than 680 girls signed up to rush — 30 more than last fall.

Fry said girls typically drop out during the rush process for financial or academic reasons.

Each of the 10 sororities sported unique Bid Day themes ranging from Delta Delta Delta’s ’80s theme to Zeta Tau Alpha’s rodeo theme.

As the potential new members filed into the center of the circle, each sorority yelled cheers in unison to help show their excitement.

On one edge of the circle, a line of recruitment counselors — Greek members who lead each recruitment group throughout the week — stood watching the action.

As each group cheered, the counselors revealed their specific sorority shirt hidden beneath their “Go Greek” cover.

At 6:25p.m., the moment had finally come. The envelopes were handed out.

“One… Two… Three!” the leadership team chanted.

Envelopes were frantically torn open and expressions ranging from joy to surprise to disappointment met the girls’ faces.

“I was just so completely excited,” said freshman Lauren Burton, who received a bid from Alpha Chi Omega, her top choice.

“I feel like I’ve known these girls for so long, you know?” she said.

A large sound system blared pop music as the girls embraced.

Senior Clare White said she loved her job as a recruitment counselor, but that it was hard to keep her affiliation a secret.

“The best part was seeing the look on their faces,” White said.

White said Bid Day was bittersweet since many of the girls in her recruitment group would not join her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi.

Freshman Jasmine Thompson said she was elated to be invited to join Zeta Tau Alpha.

She said she felt an instant connection with the girls when she first visited the house.

“As soon as I went, I knew these girls would be my friends,” she said.

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.

Zartman said the girls and the current members would go back to their houses to participate in celebrations.

“There’s been a big push this year to make them feel welcome,” Zartman said.

“They really want them to feel a part of the organization.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.

Special Print Edition
The Daily Tar Heel's Collaborative Mental Health Edition