Rush numbers reach new levels

By Bobby Philbrook

Both business fraternities and social sororities saw an increase in interest this year, spurring talk of bringing a new sorority to campus.

This year 230 girls rushed three social sororities, and 170 were given bids to Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Gamma and Alpha Phi, up from the 130 bids offered last year when 170 girls rushed. Two co-ed business fraternities, Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi had 95 people who rushed this quarter.

"Rush went really, really well," Christina Vicencia, president of Santa Clara Panhellenic, said. "I think it showed that all three houses are doing well and expanding. It also showed the need in a few years for a fourth house to be added to our community."

Brian Ross, Alpha Kappa Psi's vice president of publicity and marketing, said this fall was their most successful recruitment, or "rush," since the organization inception in the spring of 2005. Both business fraternities also hold a spring rush.

"We had an interest list at one time of about 165 people. Fifty-five people rushed and we ended up with a pledge class of 32. It's a very selective process. We did very well," said Ross.

During last fall's rush, Alpha Kappa Psi admitted 16 new members.

Carolyn Sted, president of Delta Sigma Pi said both organizations court "the best of the best." However, DSP did not significantly increase its membership this year.

"Forty people rushing DSP was a little bit more unexpected, but taking 12 students was about normal for us," said Sted.

Last year, Delta Sigma Pi accepted 12 new members during fall rush 2005.

Citing rules from their national organization, the heads of Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta were unable to comment for this story.

Santa Clara does not recognize the social sororities as official student organizations.

"I think the biggest reason business fraternities are recognized is the professional business fraternities are centered around an academic experience," said Michael Harvey, presidential fellow.

Ross recognizes the benefits of a close relationship with the university to increase visibility and interest. He said the business fraternities are able to advertise in business classes and have even had some professors offer extra credit to students who attend their events.

"We held an on-campus event called Managing your Finances 101. We advertised in Benson with posters and on the TV screens," said Ross.

Social sororities and fraternities ended their association with Santa Clara in 2001 after University President Paul Locatelli, S.J., banned future rushes.

While business fraternities can concentrate on recruiting within the business school, members of the social sororities have to rely on word of mouth instead. Many post their group's greek letters on their windows or wear T-shirts with their group's slogan to raise their house's profile with students.

"Its funny how the school pretends like they don't even exist," said Daniel Daugherty, a junior who often does his homework on the Benson patio.

"I mean, all I see on the way to class is Delta this and Kappa that," he said.

Contact Bobby Philbrook at (408) 554-4546 or rphilbrook@scu.edu.