New Greek women ‘jump’ into their futures

Girls were seen dancing, singing, screaming and even crying with joy in front of Warriner Hall Sunday evening.

It was all part of the annual Central Michigan University sorority jump, an event aspiring and current Greeks were preparing the last week.

Newcomers to the Greek scene were ecstatic. Warren sophomore Rachelle Stawinski and Grand Blanc freshman Andie Dabideen were two of them.

“I feel like I’m starting a new chapter of my life,” Dabideen said.

Stawinski and Dabideen looked into each house, but said they got a different feel from talking with the sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma, which they declared to become new members of.

“It felt like a home when I walked in,” Stawinski said. “We talked about more than just what we wanted to major in.”

Girls gathered around the stage in Warriner Mall on a gloomy evening, and were unable to do the traditional jump after it was determined the stage was set up too high for it.

Julie Dudderar, a Rockford junior, hugs a potential new member after she chose Phi Sigma Sigma on Sunday evening. (Jake May/Staff Photographer)

None of that seemed to dampen the moods of those in attendance. All 11 campus sororities gathered in front of the Warriner seal and watched as the new Greeks shouted out their choices and donned their new sorority T-shirts.

Waterford freshman Stephanie Siegrist anxiously stood by waiting for her turn. She had spent much of the past several days visiting houses and trying to arrive at a decision.

“I’m really excited, but really stressed out at the same time,” she said.

Afterward, the members took turns dancing on the stage in celebration.

Finally, each sorority made the trek north of campus, on to their new homes.

Assistant Director of Student Life Tom Idema and Clinton Township graduate assistant Elizabeth Doyle took in the event from the side.

The “jump” started as a fraternity tradition and eventually transferred over to the sorority side, Idema said.

Doyle talked about how going Greek offers certain advantages to students, particularly freshmen.

“Put it like this — you’re a freshman, you just came to Central, it’s you’re first semester here,” Doyle said. “Now you have 50 plus sisters who have been at Central… who can mentor you and help you.”