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.”

Fraternities will recruit today until Friday, said Interfraternity Council Recruitment Chairmen Pierre Banks.

“Recruitment has been going on since school started, but formal recruitment starts (today),” the Zeeland junior said.

Many fraternities are hosting events to allow potential recruits to get know the group.

Kalamazoo senior and Lambda Chi recruitment chairman Chad Murphy said the beginning of the week will involve some sports activities. The fraternity will host a screening of Monday Night Football, then a basement hockey game Tuesday.

Murphy said both events are at 7 p.m. at the Lambda Chi house, 3400 E. Deerfield Road, Apt. C.

Sports and movies

Phi Kappa Tau recruitment vice president Joey Dombrowski said the group has been looking for new members since MAINstage.

Dombrowski, a Macomb Township junior, said Phi Kappa Tau already started holding events with potential new members.

“We played softball with some new guys, frisbee and football. For formal recruitment, we will have Phi Tau flicks, which is where we are going to have a big projector movie, similar to drive-in style,” Dombrowski said.

He said the movie is from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday at the Phi Kappa Tau house, 906 S. Main St.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon recruitment chairman Steve Lambert said the fraternity is not holding a normal mixer.

“Wednesday, we will be having one-on-ones, which basically gives the potential new members a chance to get to know the active members on a deeper level,” the Grand Rapids junior said.

Other fraternities will have themed recruitment events, said Sigma Tau Gamma recruitment chairman Josh Lee.

“Wednesday at 7 p.m. in one of the U.C. rooms, we will have it decorated casino style. Whoever cashes in the most chips at the end will win a prize,” the Troy sophomore said.

Detroit freshman Justin Newberry said he is looking forward to joining a fraternity this year.

“Being in a fraternity helps you in the long run with connections,” Newberry said. “It looks really good on a resume. Anything that can help me with job placement would be great.”

Recruitment begins today for sororities, which will give female students the chance to find out if it is the right fit for them.

Tours of each group, beginning at 6 p.m. today and Thursday at Warriner Mall, will start the recruitment phase. Phi Mu President Stephanie Eidson said each tour is broken down into 40-minute intervals, beginning with house tours.

“We will show them the house and the actives will take them into different rooms. In each room, there is a different theme. They will be learning about our sisterhood, our philanthropy, our academics and learning more about our chapter,” the Rockford senior said.

Recruitment will continue after the tours with a sisterhood event Friday, a philanthropy event Saturday and will finish with ‘Jump’ Sunday.

“Jump is where the potentials literally jump of the stage and run to their sorority,” said Whitney Dubay, a Phi Sigma Sigma member and Essexille senior.

The potential members are offered bids from the sorority they are most compatible with and announce their decision in front of all the sororities at CMU, Dubay said.

Is it for you?

A lot of individuals wonder what is so wonderful about being a part of the Greek community.

Senior Nicki Doherty said being in the Greek community is a fulfilling experience.

“You get to do a lot of networking and get the chance to meet great people,” the Port Huron native said.
Eidson said it is all about the experience for her.

“Going Greek opens a lot of doors of opportunity to people. They are joining an organization where they have things in common with other women who are all working toward a common goal,” Eidson said.

She said it gives students the chance to have different leadership positions in the Greek community.