On Sunday night, about 200 UND women found out which sorority would be their new home on campus

Amy Halvorson

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-16-2014

Abstract

On Sunday night, about 200 UND women found out which sorority would be their new home on campus

This past weekend, nearly 200 women joined UND's Greek Community.

Among them were two women who came from different "Greek" backgrounds: Mirabella Yaggie, from Wahpeton N.D., a freshmen, who is majoring in economics, went through recruitment as a triple Delta Gamma legacy, meaning that three of her close relatives were members of the Delta Gamma sorority; and Morgan Watterson, from Williston, N.D., a freshman majoring in nursing, who is the first in her family to "go Greek."

Yaggie and Watterson became sorority sisters when they accepted their bids, or invitations, for membership from the Delta Gamma.

All year long, the sororities on campus prep for this one important Rush Weekend, when they find out who they will be able to call their sisters and who will carry their chapter on to new heights.

"Fraternities and sororities have been a place for students to develop leadership skills, to be challenged, to be academically successful, to serve the UND and larger Grand Forks community. In essence, they have been a place for students to learn and grow outside of the classroom," said Cassie Gerhardt, assistant dean of students for student involvement and leadership.

"UND has a rich history with fraternities and sororities," said Alyssa Walker, coordinator for fraternity and sorority life. "They have been on campus for over 100 years and our Greek alumni are some of the most involved UND alumni because they have such a strong connection with their chapter."

Yaggie's mom and aunt were members of the Delta Gamma sorority and her older sister is a current member of the sorority.

"(By being a legacy) I saw how much fun they had doing it and all the great friends they had made and I knew it was definitely something I wanted to do," said Yaggie.

Yaggie says that she had always expected to go through recruitment and that she already hopes that her kids will one day carry on the legacy and go through recruitment.

In contrast, Watterson was dead set against joining a sorority before she came to UND, but she ended up going through with it because her friends were and she ended up deciding that it would be a good way to meet people.

"I expected it to be just like the movies, but it was nothing like that," said Watterson. "I had so much fun and it was the experience of a lifetime."

But there is one thing both women firmly agree on now and that is the impact of Greek life on their college experience.

"Being a part of a sorority will make my UND experience more fun and I'll get to meet a lot of great friends," said Yaggie.

"Being in a sorority allows you to participate in activities and events, and allows you to always have someone to do it with," said Watterson. "It also makes you a better student since you are required to maintain a certain GPA."

Last Sunday night, all of the women going through recruitment were able to find out which sorority would be their new home. And in the quad, waited members from each sorority cheering and waiting to welcome their new sisters home with open arms.

"It's a great opportunity to meet people from all different walks of life and to find that home away from home." Walker continued, "and the cool thing is that (Greek life) is not just for your college years, you can stay actively involved for the rest of your life."

Amy Halvorson University & Public Affairs student writer

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