In the following weeks the phrase, "Go Blue, go Gray, go Greek" will be repeated tirelessly by many students on campus.
Next week, the InterFraternity Council will hold its formal recruitment, also called Rush, at The University of Memphis.
Rush will be from Sept. 18-22. Events will include house tours on Monday and Tuesday and a Bid Party on Friday. Each house will host its own events that will have been approved by the IFC executive board.
Zach Lyons, VP of recruitment for the IFC, has been working diligently to ensure that fall recruitment goes very well both for the fraternities and for potential pledges.
"We have been doing a lot of advertising for the week," Lyons said. "Today we stood outside near the fountain and passed out flyers, shirts and cups to guys as they passed. We are really trying for a great group of guys this year."
According to The U of M Office of Greek Affairs, the GPAs of Greek students are higher than those of non-Greek students and Greek students tend to be more active on campus than non-Greek students.
"I love being in a fraternity. I have found real brothers and true friends," said Rik Tiwana, a junior journalism major. "Being a member of my organization has helped me grow both in my organization and as a person."
Brandon Harvill, a U of M freshman, enjoyed going through summer recruitment and has already received his bid.
"I never thought that I would ever join a fraternity, but I am," he said. "I have the chance to get to know a lot of new people. The organization has helped me get involved on campus and helps me stay focused in classes."
Tiwana spoke well of his entire experience of going through Rush and eventually joining a Greek organization. He hopes that other students would go through the process.
"I encourage everyone to go through Rush," he said. "You get fed at every event, and you just might find and organization that you like."
This year all the forms to sign up for IFC Fall Rush are online.
Students will need to go to http://www.memphisgreekifc.com to complete the form. The last day to sign up for Rush is Sept. 18.
"Being in a Greek organization means a lot to me and it is a great feeling," Lyons said. "It is the place where you will find life-long friends and your best man.
So, 'Go Blue, go Gray, go Greek'.
