More than 1,600 IU women gear up for rush

More than 1,600 IU women are scrambling to make 19 copies of photographs of themselves and think of witty things to say while trying to find the perfect pair of jeans before 11 a.m. Saturday.\nPanhellenic Association President Stephanie Grohovsky said they expect 1,634 girls to attend 19 Party, the first formal sorority recruitment event of the year. Every potential sorority member will visit each of the 19 chapter houses in small groups.\nThe event will begin Saturday, and after almost 20 hours of touring chapter houses, it will end at 7 p.m. Sunday. \n“I think it’s really great because you get to see all the houses all at once,” freshman Danielle Patras said. “(The event) gives you a really good idea of which houses you might want to be a part of.”\nPatras, who is rushing, said she hopes to find a house where there are “people who are dedicated to the service activities and to each other.”\nGrohovsky said 19 Party is the most casual event of female formal recruitment, and the environment is “relaxed.” That extends all the way down to the dress code required for all potential sorority members: a recruitment T-shirt and jeans.\nBut the relaxed environment will not lack energy. What the event lacks in formality, it makes up for in “lots of cheers and excitement,” Grohovsky said.\nBut it’s not all cheers and games. There is a bit of friendly competition, so Grohovsky urged those rushing to work to make a good first impression at each house.\n“They only have 10 minutes or so to show off their personalities,” Grohovsky said. “(Recruits should) make sure they really speak up and they’re talkative.”\nWomen going through the recruitment process are well aware of that fact.\nFreshman Paige Keefe said she was most nervous about “trying to make a good impression and getting the girls to like” her. \nAlthough she’s worried about staying enthusiastic for two whole days, Patras said she thinks she’ll make good first impressions.\n“I think my past involvement (from high school) will make me stand out,” Patras said. “And also hopefully just conversation – someone who is nice to talk to.”\nGrohovsky said she knows from her own rush experience that 19 Party is a long and tiring process, but that every sorority will be looking specifically for enthusiasm.\n“Although it’s a long day, just keep it up because every chapter does have something special to offer,” she said.\nKeefe said the long event will be worth it for her in the end.\n“It gets you really involved with philanthropy and on campus,” Keefe said. “And (a sorority) gives you a really good close group of friends.”