Fraternity recruitment kick-off gives rushees view of greek life

As rain poured over Dunn Meadow on Friday morning, Stephen Poremba, Interfraternity Council vice president of recruitment, feared a repeat of last year’s recruitment kick-off in which rain hindered attendance. But by Friday afternoon, the downpour stopped and the kick-off was back on.

“It was extremely nerve-racking,” Poremba said. “I was calling all of our sponsors and the University trying to figure out what we were going to do. It was very hectic.”

Poremba estimated 1,200 to 1,300 men showed up, but the IFC is still figuring out the official count. The goal was 1,300 to 1,400, so members of the IFC sent fliers out, chalked sidewalks and placed advertisements in the Indiana Daily Student to publicize.

“It was definitely a success considering what it could have been if it had rained,” Poremba said.

Cale O’Bryan, the IFC director of recruitment publicity, said potential greek members, predominantly freshmen, came in waves to the open house. They were offered free Pizza Express and greek counselors – current greek members temporarily not affiliated with any house – walked around to help answer any questions.

“It’s a very informal process, very relaxed,” O’Bryan said. “It’s a lot different from the sorority rush.”

Each chapter had its own table with active members to tell each potential recruit about their house. Alpha Tau Omega Rush Chair Dean Koelbel said they set up trophies from Little 500 and a picture of their house to attract men. He also said the freshmen seemed a bit intimidated.

“Some kind of looked confused because when they’re walking up to a table they don’t know what to expect,” Koelbel said. “You have to interact with them to make them feel better because they’re freshmen. They’re scared.”

Yet despite the new environment, freshman Ryan Kramer said he liked talking to active members, even though he hasn’t decided if he wants to go greek.

“The guys seemed really cool and really relaxed,” Kramer said. “I’m still a little unsure, but my brother was in a fraternity in college and he really enjoyed it.”

Kramer said he is a little worried participation in a fraternity might keep him from studying but he might join because of the benefits of being a brother.

“The brotherhood is awesome,” Kramer said. “It’s an experience like none other. You get to meet so many new people.”

Recruitment went beyond the festivities at Dunn Meadow. On Saturday and Sunday, men went around to each house for the IFC Chapter Tours.

“It’s a time for the men who are thinking about rushing to go around and see the fraternity, how it’s working and get to see some of the brothers that are there and to just feel the environment of the house,” Poremba said.

After, men interested in recruitment went to Dunn Meadow and had chances to interact with current members. O’Bryan said he hopes they take advantage of what greek life has to offer.

“I believe you should try to experience it for yourself,” O’Bryan said. “As long as you keep an open mind about how you feel about going greek, I think there’s a lot of opportunity to have a good time, and it’s a good experience to enhance your college career.”