A crowd of about 200 well-dressed young men flocked to the Great Hall of the Student Union on Wednesday evening for the Interfraternity Council Fall Recruitment 2009 Kickoff.
The kickoff allowed the 22 IFC fraternities’ recruitment chairmen to publicize their groups’ rush schedules and answer questions from potential members.
IFC President Charlie Winn opened the festivities by advising potential recruits to view the organization with an open mind and get to know every fraternity before making a decision to join one.
After the program, potential recruits met with recruitment chairmen for each fraternity in the back of the room.
Program coordinators stressed that alcohol is forbidden during all rush events.
The young men in the room seemed optimistic about the social opportunities joining a fraternity would bring.
Shahir Amin, a sophomore business major from Charleston, W.Va., who transferred from Emory University, said he is looking to Greek life to provide social opportunities.
“It’s a good way to meet a bunch of people from campus,” he said.
Jeff White, a freshman political science major from Jackson, said he is rushing in part for the prospect of campus involvement.
“There is so much stuff you can get involved with, with fraternities,” said.
Current members of the UNC Greek system offered their advice on how to make the most of rush week.
John Pulliam, one of five rush chairmen for Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, said he would advise recruits to come into the rush process with a positive attitude.
“Keep your options open and be honest with yourself,” he said.
Lex Janes, a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, said he thinks Greek life has had a positive aspect on his campus experience and would advise recruits not to limit themselves to a specific fraternity.
“Be open. Go to as many of the fraternities that you like,” he said.
He added that his experience has been a positive one. “It sold itself,” he said.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Interfraternity Council kicks off fall 2009 recruitment
Potential recruits gather tips on rush process
Mike Pizza, bottom left, and Will Hoyle, bottom right, talk with Josh Taylor, a freshman from Decatur, Ga., Wednesday evening.
