Spring rush turnout ‘better than expected’

Fraternities filled the Indiana Memorial Union’s Frangipani Room on Friday from front to back during the Interfraternity Council’s Spring Rush Kickoff.

The event marked the beginning of spring rush, where non-greeks had the chance to meet and talk to representatives from all 29 IFC-recognized fraternities.

Though fraternities expected a smaller turnout at this recruitment event due to weather concerns and a smaller class of interested men, IFC Vice President of Recruitment TJ Blair said 226 potential rushes turned up – which was more than anticipated.

“I’m kind of amazed,” Blair said. “The turnout was way better than expected.”
In addition to the surprising turnout, sophomore Dave Sartoris, Sigma Pi social chair, said he saw the types of men his fraternity looked to recruit.

“We’re looking for guys we wouldn’t mind hanging out with,” Sartoris said. “We hope to get a pledge class of good guys everyone gets along with.”

IFC President Colin Nabity said the rush kickoff met his goals.

“We hoped to get as many people out here so they can learn what we’re about,” Nabity said.

Freshman Nick Shumny, who attended the kickoff  “just to check it out,” said the event was very informative.

“You learn about the different fraternities and get the lay of the land,” Shumny said.

Interested men will have the next three weeks to continue learning about the different fraternities and meeting current brothers.

At the end of the three-week recruitment period, each fraternity will submit to the IFC a list of its new members, who will then be on their way to becoming brothers.

Freshman Nathan Eckstein, Sigma Alpha Epsilon recruitment chair and eminent correspondent, said though IFC’s Spring Rush Kickoff helps all chapters build pledge classes, the event is especially helpful for off-campus fraternities.

“It helps us get our name out,” Eckstein said. “We have to make sure that we really do stretch out and coordinate rides and reach out to people we’re looking to recruit.”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon hopes to recruit 10 to 15 new members, Eckstein said.

“You can tell when guys are interested,” Eckstein said. “We should be able to hit our goal.”

Though the number of potential fraternities for men to join can be overwhelming, Sartoris said last year’s event was a successful experience for him.

“I was hoping to find the right fit for me,” Sartoris said. “I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”