CONTRIBUTED
BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY
A record number of 1,872 women registered to participate in Auburn University’s Panhellenic recruitment, which began Friday, Aug. 6, and concluded with Bid Day on Saturday, Aug. 14.
In the past three years, Auburn’s Greek Life office has had record-breaking recruitment registration numbers, according to Lindsay Holdren, assistant director of Greek Life.
“These numbers have helped the Panhellenic community continue to grow and sustain,” Holdren said.
To welcome the largest number of participants, the Greek Life office and Panhellenic community took the summer to adjust schedules, logistics and plans, such as adding additional recruitment parties to ensure party sizes were kept at a manageable number.
“The Panhellenic community has shown nothing but sheer excitement for the record number of registrants that we have this year,” said Kate Lightfoot, Panhellenic vice president of recruitment. “The women in our community have been incredibly flexible considering the changes we have made to accommodate the larger number of students.”
This year’s recruitment included both virtual and in-person events. Additionally, a fully virtual recruitment process was available for students.
Holdren also credits Pi Chis, or recruitment counselors, for making Panhellenic recruitment possible. This past spring, the Panhellenic recruitment executive board selected 124 Pi Chis, who represent all 18 Panhellenic sororities, to ensure a positive and fun experience.
Lauren Smith, Panhellenic head Pi Chi, shared that her favorite part of recruitment has been watching potential new members embrace the recruitment process. The week began with a virtual kickoff event, followed by the virtual Ice Water Tea Round. In-person parties included three days of the Philanthropy Round, two days of the Sisterhood Round and one day of the Preference Round.
Panhellenic recruitment ended with Bid Day inside Auburn Arena, where 1,690 bids, or invitations to join a Panhellenic organization, were given.
“We are so humbled and honored to have so many students interested in joining our community,” Lady Frances Hamilton, Panhellenic president, said. “I am incredibly proud to be a member of Panhellenic, and we are so excited to welcome new members into our circle of sisterhood.”
Auburn University’s Panhellenic Council represents 18 Panhellenic sororities and is open to all women who are accepted to or enrolled at Auburn University.
Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.