A gift basket auction held by the Central Michigan University chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 7 in the St. Clair and Lake Huron rooms.

The bidding period will begin at 6:30 p.m. to give bidders a chance beforehand to look at the 25 gift baskets to be auctioned.

“The items being auctioned off are baskets put together by girls that volunteered to make them,” said Livonia sophomore and Service Chairwoman Nicole LeVasseur. “Each (basket) contains items related to a different outing. For example, a basket might be themed for going ice skating.”

A variety of items will be auctioned off for dates including snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating and an ice cream social.

Alpha Gamma Delta Philanthropy Coordinator and Clio junior Ellaine Ursuy said this is the first year AGD has held a basket auction.

“A few (of my) sisters had spoken about wanting to do a basket auction during my new member period, and I knew I wanted to act on the thought as soon as I heard the details,” Ursuy said.

The proceeds from the auction will benefit the chapter’s philanthropy.

“Our philanthropy is the Alpha Gamma Delta foundation, which (is) an umbrella organization for three specific causes,” Ursuy said. “(It supports) volunteer and leadership training, SIS grants, which help sisters in hard times, scholarship and Juvenile Diabetes Research.”

Williamston junior Jacob Maran said he is looking forward to the event.

“Ellaine [Ursuy] told me about it at work and it sounded like a good idea,” Maran said. “Plus, as a single guy, I can go to this to support a friend’s sorority as well as have a nice evening.”

Students should be present to bid, but if for any reason they can’t attend, it is encouraged to send a proxy in their place, Ursuy said.

The social fraternity has received a sanction of suspension from CMU until the fall of 2014 for hazing potential members. The university and Alpha Chi Rho’s national chapter investigated reports of hazing and decided to issue the suspension on Sept. 23.

Assistant Director of Student Life Tom Idema said in an email, the punishment was issued by the Alpha Chi Rho national fraternity with university policy.

Idema said the decision was not made by the Interfraternity Council, which determined the fate of CMU’s Lambda Chi Alpha chapter in early September.

“The university received a complaint that Alpha Chi Rho had been hazing its members. The University worked with the national office of Alpha Chi Rho to look into these allegations,” Idema said. “The national office decided last Friday to close the chapter until the fall of 2014. The university adjudicated this case, according to the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures.”

The decision comes less than a month after the suspension of Lambda Chi Alpha, which was suspended for four years following a recruiting violation involving non-members and alcohol.

Unlike in the case of Lambda Chi Alpha, in which letters were removed from the fraternity house and the house closed, Alpha Chi Rho will continue to display letters on their house and members will continue to live there.

The loss of the Alpha Chi Rho chapter leaves only nine social fraternities left on CMU’s campus, two less than the 11 social sororities.

Members of Alpha Chi Rho’s CMU chapter declined to comment on the suspension to Central Michigan Life.

The Alpha Chi Rho national office was unable to be reached for comment by the time of publication Sunday.

More than 260 girls participated in “Jump,” a sorority recruitment event, near parking lot 8, where potential new sorority sisters announced what group they will be pledging for the upcoming semester. Sorority recruitment this semester had some of the biggest numbers in years, giving each sorority 23 or 24 potential new members.

Sorority members talk to each other after Bid Day on Friday afternoon by Lot 8. The event was held for potential new members to select and join one of the 11 Central Michigan chapters. Each chapter gained about 23 new members during the event. (Adam Niemi/Staff Photographer)

Woodhaven junior Jessica Torok said she decided to go Greek because many of her close friends are involved in sororities. Torok discovered Phi Sigma Sigma would be her sorority after a long week of meeting sisters in all 11 sororities for recruitment.

“(Recruitment) is kind of intimidating a little bit, because there are so many girls and a lot of them are so extroverted,” Torok said. “I’m a junior, so seeing (Greek life) for so long and finally being a part of it is really cool.”

Sororities also welcomed back the Gamma Chi sorority members who help guide the potential new members through recruitment to their respective groups. For over four weeks, the Gamma Chis have hidden their sorority from potential new members and avoided contact with their sisters to create unbiased decisions for those looking to join a sorority.

Kalamazoo senior Stephanie Glidden was in charge of the Gamma Chis this year, ensuring potential new members stayed in the recruitment process. Glidden said being away from some of her closest friends in her sorority for so long was lonely, but the Gamma Chi experience was great.

“At first, it’s really exciting, because it’s such a new experience,” Glidden said. “Then, you start missing your friends and what we’re used to in our houses, and you have no idea what’s going on in your sorority.”

Glidden said she was excited to see such a large number of girls participate at “Jump” and to see Greek life continue to grow.

“This was one of the largest recruitments we’ve had in about five years,” Glidden said. “I was just hoping we trained the Gamma Chis well enough to keep girls in the recruitment process and jumping houses.”

Clinton Township senior Danielle Ternullo said she was also excited to see such high numbers for sorority recruitment this semester. Ternullo, a former Gamma Chi, was happy to be able to welcome the new Sigma Sigma Sigma recruits to her chapter with her sisters.

“It’s totally different being a Gamma Chi than it is being back with your chapter,” Ternullo said. “It was lonely in the sense that I was away from my best friends but you have the Gamma Chi’s.”

With 273 registered student organizations on Central Michigan University’s campus, there are many options for students to find their niche, no matter what it might be.

Tom Idema, assistant director of Student Life, said every organization welcomes new members.

“Groups aren’t exclusive and they all want new members,” Idema said. “Students should all get involved in something. An RSO will allow you to get the best out of your college experience.”

To join an RSO, students can log on to OrgSync and peruse the entire list. Each group has a brief description and contact information to find out more about activities and requirements.

With over 1,200 students in a sorority or fraternity, Idema said Greek life is the most popular form of RSO. The Volunteer Center, Program Board, traveling club sports and political and religious organizations are among other top picks.

“By getting involved you learn skills that you can apply to other stuff,” Idema said. “It’s a great way to get connected, learn how to work in a team and build on to your resume.”

Hailey Uribe is involved in various Greek Life RSOs. The St. Louis senior is part of Phi Mu Fraternity, the Panhellenic Council and a Greek Life Intern.

“In terms of RSOs, don’t judge a book by its cover,” Uribe said. “Go for it and give a few a try. You never know who you’re going to meet and what you’re going to get. There are a ton of opportunities and it will make your college career a whole lot better.”

Saginaw junior Nicki Rowlett has made the most of her CMU experience by participating in 10 different RSOs. Rowlett said she became involved to increase her leadership skills and make new friends.

“I have learned more being heavily involved on campus than in any other classroom,” Rowlett said. “Through an RSO, you can make new friends, learn new things and actually experience situations that can prepare you for the real world.”

If students do not find a group that meets their needs, they can create their own. All that is needed is a minimum of three students, a faculty advisor and constitution, and Student Life will help put the rest together.

The neighboring properties, 1005 and 1007 S. Main St. will be demolished and then reconstructed.

Each property will have a rear parking lot with 14 spaces.

Olivieri Homes is working on the properties, along with other nearby properties 1029 S. Main St. and 1001 S. Main St.

“We’re really going to clean up that block,” said owner Joe Olivieri.

Existing buildings at 1007 and 1001 S. Main St. will come down this year, while 1005 will be torn down in the summer of 2012.

The buildings will have the same concept as the recent sorority house Olivieri built at 802 S. Main St, he said.

In the past, there have been complaints about overflowing dumpsters associated with these type of large buildings.

The problem does not stem from the numerous tenants in the buildings, but from illegal dumping of trash from others passing by.

“Once we put a dumpster out it becomes fair game, so we got rid of the dumpster and are now using four trash carts,” Olivieri said.

If that is not enough, Olivieri will provide more carts, he said.

L-1 Bar and Grille

The planning commission approved an amendment to the design of L-1 Bar & Grille, 1705 S. Mission at Thursday’s meeting .

Previously the commission had approved a design that would allow for 100 seats during restaurant hours and 75 seats when the dance floor is cleared for dancing.

But it was discovered that 100 seating was supposed to be maintained at all times.

“This new layout is intended to comply with standards and remain under code,” said Jeff Gray, director of planning and community development. “This will not go over the occupancy code.”

The commission approved the new plan to be used for both the restaurant hours and nightclub hours.

Kerry Chahil, president and CEO of L-1, Inc. said the day before opening, city officials will be able to see the restaurant and receive a complimentary food and beverage.

“We want you guys to see we are being held to the highest standard,” Chahil said.

A new two-story house was approved for construction by the Mount Pleasant City Commission last December and completed this summer.

The home is located on the corner of Main Street and High Street and also features a newly finished basement. It contains 12 bedrooms, six bathrooms, a double-kitchen and two laundry rooms.

Essexville junior Meghan Wisniewski is one of the twelve sisters who lives in the house. The upgrade from their original building was met with a large amount of excitement, she said.

“It was old and run down,” Wisniewski said. “It didn’t have enough space for us.”

Former sorority adviser Heather Peasley is very pleased with the house.
“You can’t miss it,” Peasley said. “It is big and beautiful and I love it.”

Phi Mu members St. Louis senior Kelly Shinabargar, left, and Southgate senior Katie Bryne watch a video as Monroe senior Brittany Coxon gets a hug from Cedar Springs sophomore Sam Wysocki Tuesday in the living room of their new house, 802 S. Main St. (Jeff Smith/Staff Photographer)

After many years in the old house, they began looking for an upgrade.

First, landlord Joe Olivieri sent a letter to all of the sororities on campus, asking if any of them would want a new house.

Olivieri owned the set of apartments, which were previously on the plot of land where the new Phi Mu house now stands. He wanted to tear the apartments down and build a house, Wisniewski said.

Phi Mu saw it as the perfect opportunity.

After they decided they wanted to try and get the house, they formed a housing committee. The committee consisted of six Phi Mu members who volunteered because they were interested in the project.

“I was the liaison between the alumni house corporation and our chapter,” Wisniewski said.

Olivieri did all the work regarding the property and building, while the sorority members did the rest of the work.

Phi Mu has big plans for their new big house.

“We’re hoping to have different philanthropy events here,” Wisniewski said. “And also lots of recruitment activities.”

Then, the Lapeer junior made a decision that changed all of that — she decided to go Greek.

Each fall the 11 sororities and 10 fraternities at CMU hold a week of formal recruitment where students hoping to go Greek decide which chapter they wish to pledge to. For Courser, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, it is a life-changing experience.

“I always have my sisters to fall back on. If I’m stressed out about something I always have someone to talk to — they’re always there for me,” Courser said. “I’m very glad I went Greek.”

Formal recruitment this year will be held Sept. 11‑17. While men and women may be rushing at the same time, the process is still quite different.

Sorority recruitment

Women going through sorority recruitment are placed into a group with a Gamma Chi, a member of Greek Life whose chapter remains anonymous until the last day of the week.

With the Gamma Chi group, ladies will start the week by visiting all 11 chapters and rate which chapters they would and wouldn’t like to visit again. At the same time, each sorority rates the girls based on who they would most like to see back.

“When you join a group, most people think that all of the girls are the same, but every girl is unique in her own way,” said Harper Woods senior Alex Cheolas, president of Phi Sigma Sigma. “I joined because it’s a great way to meet people and you get to experience things you never get to if you’re not Greek.”

Fraternity recruitment

The process for fraternity recruitment is less structured. During formal recruitment week, each fraternity will offer approved events open for any interested male student to attend.

While it is not required for men to look at every fraternity, Alpha Chi Rho president Fred Bartolomei recommends looking at more than one.

“I would recommend they see lots of houses,” the Sterling Heights senior said. “You might like one house, but you might like another house more.”

Following the week of formal recruitment, Bartolomei said most fraternities have a week of informal recruitment where men can continue to get to know the members and decide which house is right for them. At the end of the week, most chapters hand out their bids.

Bartolomei said the best way to find the times and dates of Greek events is through Facebook and flyers. Sign-up for sorority recruitment is available online.