The Rambler (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 84, No. 1, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 30, 2000 Page: 4 of 6

View a full description of this newspaper.

4 The Rambler August 30, 2000
p. }
Here's everything you need to know about "Going Greek"
Donna Haney
CAMPUS UFE EDITOR
Editor's Note: This is the first in a
series of articles intended to inform
students about the various student
organizations on campus. The
information given here was provid-
ed by officers of each group and
does not in any way reflect the opin-
ions of The Rambler or its staff.
The walls, bulletin boards and
windows all over campus are plas-
tered with posters and flyers that
talk about "Rush" or
"Recruitment." This is the period
when sororities and fraternities con-
centrate their efforts toward show-
ing potential members what Greek
life is about.
How can you join one of these
organizations? How do you know
which organization is best for you?
One of the opportunities
afforded by Rush Week is that stu-
dents who may be interested in join-
ing a particular organization have
the chance to interact with current
members before making any com-
mitment. It's almost like buying a
new pair of shoes; you're able to try
them on before you spend your
money.
Each organization has rules it
must follow. Those rules vary
depending on local or national
bylaws. Although formal recruit-
ment is concentrated during this
time, most organizations welcome
new members during other times.
Organizations are sometimes
designated as social or service.
Although this may indicate an area
of concentration, all organizations
are involved in philanthropy pro-
jects and offer many social opportu-
nities to their members.
Wesleyan Greek Organizations
(in alphabetical order) are:
Alpha Phi Omega-
Alpha Phi Omega is a national
service fraternity established in
1925 and built on the traditions of
leadership, friendship and service.
The chapter is very involved in
community service projects includ-
ing Habitat for Humanity, Cowtown
Brush-up, Adopt-a-Highway and the
Masonic Home.
In addition, the men of Alpha
Phi Omega have dedicated them-
selves to campus improvements,
such as cleaning Dillow House,
Wesleyan's alumni facility. Last
semester, they joined forces with the
women of Gamma Sigma Sigma to
do some much-needed beautifica-
tion on the interior and exterior of
the building.
According to membership vice-
president Zach Sellers, Alpha Phi
Omega will involve new members
in service projects that will touch
young and old. Numerous leader-
ship positions allow each member
the opportunity to assume a leader-
ship roie.
Alpha Xi Delta-
The vision of Alpha Xi Delta
women's sorority is to inspire
women to realize their own greatest
potential. This national social orga-
nization was founded in 1893 at
Lombard College with its local
chapter, Zeta Lambda established at
Wesleyan in 1975.
Some of Alpha Xi Delta's ser-
vice projects for last year included
the Mother/Daughter tea, an annual
event in which members collect
teddy bears for a local charity. It
holds a Father/Daughter Day in
which members collect sporting
goods that are also donated to char-
ity. Members were very active in
last year's Women's Awareness Day
on Wesleyan campus.
Its annual social traditions
include the Crush Party, the
Sweetheart Bash, the Pink Rose
Formal, the Tacky. Prom and the
Double Alpha Party, a joint mixer
with Lambda Chi Alpha. The chap-
ter meets weekly on Sunday
evenings. For more information
about Alpha Xi Delta, visit its
website:
http://members.xoom. com/axidtwu.
Gamma Phi Beta-
This national social sorority
began in 1874. The sisters of
Gamma Phi Beta strive to provide a
nurturing environment that gives
women the opportunity to achieve
their potential through lifelong com-
mitment to intellectual growth, indi-
vidual worth and service to humani-
ty
The motto of the Delta Episilon
chapter of Gamma Phi Beta is, "We
are sisters bound by love instead of
blood."
During the fall semester,
Gamma Phi Beta has planned
numerous mixers, date parties and
philanthropic events with several
other Greek organizations. This
includes Meals on Wheels, a mas-
querade ball and several car washes.
The sisters of Gamma Phi Beta
encourage all potential members to
become involved in campus organi-
zations and activities to further their
own personal growth.
For more information, contact
the Panhellenic Council (organiza-
tion that enforces rules for recruit-
ment, new membership, initiation
and general sorority business):
PanTWU@hotmail.com.
Gamma Sigma Sigma-
Gamma Sigma Sigma is a
national service sorority founded in
October 1952 and is based the
ideals of service, friendship and
equality. The Beta Theta chapter's
theme for the semester is "For the
Love of Service."
Gamma Sigma Sigma does not
operate under the bid system. A bid
is an invitation to become a sorority
or fraternity member. According to
president Maria Montgomery,
"Gamma Sig accepts all potential
members with open arms."
Its traditional service projects
include Habitat for Humanity, Six
Flags Haunted House, Angel Tree,
Rocky Top Ranch, which provides
physical therapy to handicapped
children using horses, Cowtown
Brush-up, Adopt-a-Highway and
Masonic Home.
Last year, the Student
inately African-American fraternity
on Wesleyan campus, although
members welcome men of all races
and cultural backgrounds. This
local fraternity was built on the
desire to unify men of high stan-
dards who are willing to make a dif-
ference.
According to president Cedric
Adams, "Gentry Men offers its
members an in-house mentoring
program, study hall, leadership
development and brotherhood."
Panhellenic Recruitment
Thursday. August 31
6-7:45pm Informal Parties
Friday. September 1
6-8:15pm Informal Parties
Saturday. September 2
9am-3pm Formal Parties
Plan to spend Saturday evening
with your new sorority!
If interested in Recruitment
it's not too late to sign up
Student Life Office or
Call Amy Bretthauer at 531-4267 or
Brandi Smith at 244-7966
E-mail at PanTWU@hotmail.com
Government Association recognized
Gamma Sigma Sigma as the Most
Spirited Organization on campus.
Members also do a variety of
fundraisers like car washes and the
Men of the Millennium calendar,
with proceedes used to support ser-
vice projects.
"If you are looking for a great
group of women who are focused on
service and having fun with their
sisters, then come and see if our
organization is right for you," said
Montgomery.
For more information, visit the
sisters of Gamma Sigma Sigma dur-
ing Informal Rush on Wednesday,
Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. in the University
Club or Formal Rush on Sept. 7 at 6
p.m. in the Carter Conference
Room.
Gentry Men-
Gentry Men is the first predom-
The fraternity seeks to enhance
every facet of manhood with
emphasis on academic excellence,
leadership, brotherhood and dili-
gence.
Past accomplishments of
Gentry Men include active partici-
pation in Women's Awareness Day,
Student Government office
improvements and various activities
with the African American Student
Union. Members have an ongoing
Softball rivalry with the men of
Alpha Phi Omega.
Members are working to help a
new fraternity, Sigma Romeo, to
find its place on campus and
become officially recognized.
Their community involvement
includes active participation in the
William James Mentoring Program
as well as Big Brothers and Big
Sisters of America.
The members plan to continue
in their quest to be men of high stan-
dards as they seek new ways to raise
those standards to an even higher
level. They are looking for a few
good men to join them. Rush is
Sept. 7-10.
Lambda Chi Alpha-
This national fraternity was
founded in 1909, with the local
chapter established on the Wesleyan
campus in 1972. Since its inception,
Lambda Chi Alpha has grown to
become the largest active iuterna-
tional fraternity in the world.
Since the chapter's origin on
the Wesleyan campus, there have
been more than 330 initiated mem-
bers who have built a strong tradi-
tion of brotherhood and community
involvement.
According to president Ryan
Ridgeway, "Lambda Chi Alpha is
the only international social fraterni-
ty left on campus, showing the
strength of its brotherhood and its
ability to endure time."
Lambda Chi Alpha was the first
fraternity to abolish hazing practices
at the national level, which led to
major changes for all fraternities
and sororities. All Rush activities
are free for those who are interested
in learning more about this fraterni-
ty and transportation will be provid-
ed to those who need it.
For more information about
Lambda Chi Alpha, visit its website:
www.ramchops.com or visit the
nationalwebs te:
www, lambdachi. org.
Lambda Kappa Kappa-
Lambda Kappa Kappa is a local
social fraternity that has been active
on the Wesleyan campus since 1996.
Established to promote the presence
of Latino men on campus, its goal is
to help all members grow academi-
cally and socially, to serve as posi-
tive role models and to volunteer in
direct service with the community.
Lambda Kappa Kappa stands
for education, friendship, apprecia-
tion of heritage and tolerance,
believing that only as a strong and
wise group can members truly
become men. Members are dedicat-
ed to creating a positive image for
all minorities on campus. In doing
so, they will be better able to assist
each other and their community.
Last year, they participated in
Cowtown Brush-up, Boo at the Zoo
and Women's Awareness Day.
They invite all males who are
interested in learning more about
Lambda Kappa Kappa to attend
their first open meeting of the
semester on Sept. 5.
Sigma Kappa Lambda-
Sigma Kappa Lambda is a
Latina-based service sorority that
welcomes members from all back-
grounds and nationalities. A major
focus of the organization is to raise
community awareness of the contri-
butions of all cultures.
According to Karen Surita, for-
mer sorority president, members are
willing to overcome racial barriers
in society and in the university. The
goal of Sigma Kappa Lambda is to
promote education not only within
the Latin community, but also
among other cultures.
Sigma Kappa Lambda has par-
ticipated in several area college
nights, traveling to local high
schools such as Diamond Hill H.S.
and Northside H.S., as well as
Tarrant County College- Northwest
campus to distribute information to
junior college students considering
the transfer to a four-year university.
Last year, members participated
in Women's Awareness Day,
Cowtown Brush-up, and Boo at the
Zoo. They also served as volunteers
at the St. Joseph Heritage Home,
which serves residents with
Alzheimer's Disease.
The pledge period for Sigma
Kappa Lambda is 6-8 weeks.
Sons of Sakkara-
Sons of Sakkara is the oldest
social fraternity in Texas. Founded
after the admittance of men to Texas
Wesleyan College, it has evolved
and prospered throughout the years.
In the 70s, Sakkara became Sigma
Phi Epsilon, but still maintained
many of the principles that existed
during its local years.
Sons of Sakkara became an
active member of the Wesleyan
community in 1997. Its men have
built a legacy of commitment and
achievement. Three student body
presidents and numerous Golden
Shear recipients have been members
of this fraternity.
President Kevin Hardaway
said, "Our brotherhood is based on
the virtues that make a man, in no
better words, a man. We strive to be
known as the strong characters upon
which our university will thrive.
Our leadership as well as our repu-
tation as an enjoyable crowd is well
deserved."
Over the past several years,
Sons of Sakkara has participated in
several of Wesleyan's most enjoy-
able and well-attended social gath-
erings. However, members are
quick to point out that they don't
want to be judged as men who are
only interested in having a good
time.
"We are a serious group with
serious ambitions. Any man who
wishes to feel the bliss of brother-
hood while getting the most out of
his college experience should con-
sider checking us out," said
Hardaway.
For more information about
Sons of Sakkara, visit their website:
www. Sakaka. the society, net.
Next week, The Rambler will feature
the religious-based student organi-
zations of Wesleyan.
Voile;
prepa
' voile;
head
1
imprt
that
the
Rami
for
recoi
that
withi
did i
weel
"Pra
strot
weal
com
shoii
tour
Mas
A'mad' cow, a sunroof strangulation and a Barbie sleeping bag:
These are the absolutely true stories of the adventures of a Ram Camp counselor
Donna Haney
CAMPUS UFE EDITOR
I transferred to Wesleyan two years ago,
so I never had the freshman experience
known as "Ram Camp." Since I hate feeling
left out of anything, I elected to live the
adventure the only way I could; I signed up
to be a 2000 Ram Camp counselor.
Ram Camp is the
weekend adventure
where freshmen and
other new students
have an opportunity to
make a life-long con-
nection with other
new students. They
also get exposure to
the mysterious mental
workings of those
upper classmen who
volunteer as camp
counselors.
Seventy-two freshmen and 33 coun-
selors signed up for the day and a half pro-
gram held Aug. 26-27 at Camp Amon Carter
in Fort Worth. As counselors, we were
expected to plan events that would help the
new students bond and have fun.
The most logical activity to accomplish
DONNA
HANEY
these goals, we decided, was to have an "all
out, no holds barred, take no prisoners"
water balloon war between the four cabins
on our side of the camp.
The Cado cabin had about 200 balloons
armed and ready for the battle which was set
to begin at the stroke of midnight. In case
that wasn't enough, we also stockpiled 30
cans of shaving cream. After all, all's fair in
war!
We spent the first afternoon getting
acquainted with the newest students and
making plans for the talent show scheduled
for that night. This was a surprisingly will-
ing group of freshmen, agreeable to doing
just about anything we suggested.
I'm not sure if they were incredibly
spontaneous or just eager to please. A 6-foot
7-inch freshman basketball player named
Morton Kaspersen was willing to don a
blond wig and a borrowed bikini top and
dance for us.
Junior Carlos Medina and his "Ram
Camp Players" rolled up their shorts and had
the audience laughing hysterically at their
Richard Simmons parody.
Then, Medina and senior Mark Jax put
together a musical finale with original songs
that included "Just Kidding," "Naughty
Girls" and "Freshman Punk."
If you should happen to cross paths
with these two, ask them to sing a chorus.
Their songs are guaranteed to make you
laugh.
Please don't ask them about the Richard
Simmons act, though. Maybe they can be
persuaded to do an encore performance at a
future pep rally.
On the way to the
70's disco mixer sched-
uled for the evening, I
was asked to drive fel-
low counselors across
the camp to get their
stuff so we could all get
ready in the Cado cabin. Senior Erin
Delorantis assured me that if I continued
along the road, I would reach th^ntrance to
the camp.
Instead, we found ourselves quite lost.
At one point, my car was nearly airborne as
we came to a sudden drop in the road. When
we touched down, we found ourselves face
to face with a "mad" cow. We had landed in
the middle of a cow pasture. After
we stopped long enough to snap its picture,
the very large cow started following us.
Fortunately, we lost it somewhere after the
third wrong turn. That's when 1 stopped tak-
ing directions from Delorantis.
"At one point, my car was nearly
air-born as we came to a sudden
stop in the road. When we touched
down, we found ourselves face to
face with a "mad" cow.
We felt very foolish about our misad-
venture until we heard sophomore
Constance Richardson had nearly decapitat-
ed a freshman basketball player with her
sunroof. It seems he was sticking his head
out the top, catching a breeze, perhaps,
when she decided to close the roof and turn
on her air conditioner.
He is fine, by the
way. No damage
done. It was just
another Ram
Camp story to
tell.
The mixer was a
success, as it tends to be when you have a
captive audience. Freshman Alex Cardona
dazzled us with his break dancing and
Wesleyan exercise and sports study and
dance instructor Wendy Guess taught us the
Hustle and some salsa steps.
Counselors came to the dance in their
best 70's regalia. Junior Elisha Betz, in her
"funkadellic" dress, and senior Jonathan
Blissit, in his signature checked bell bot-
toms, were crowned King and Queen of the
dance.
At the stroke of midnight, the water bal-
loon war was declared. The guys in the
Comanche cabin (we think) had raided Cado
and confiscated a third of our balloons.
Fortunately, they didn't know where to look
for the shaving cream.
After two hours of battle cries and lob-
bing water grenades, the women ol Cado
emerged the clear winner. No matter what
the guys tell you, you can trust me on this!
We suffered one agonizing defeat, how-
ever. Somehow the guys in the Tejas cabin
managed to capture freshman Ashley
Ferguson. The guys took her into their
cabin, and covered their prisoner of war
with three cans of shaving cream. She
emerged looking like a walking Frosty the
Snowman, with revenge burning in her eyes.
Or perhaps that was just the shaving cream.
Ram Camp was a wonderful experi-
ence. I am already making my plans for
next year. Men of Tejas and Comanche,
consider yourselves warned!
Oh...and that Barbie sleeping bag? It
seems freshman Bryan Voskuil didn't get the
memo about bringing his sheets and had to
rely on the kindness of strangers. It's OK
though, Bryan. It's just another Ram Camp
story, destined to be told again and again.
Donna Haney is a senior majoring in
education and the campus life and entertain-
ment editor of The Rambler.

Upcoming Pages

Here’s what’s next.

upcoming item: 5 5 of 6
upcoming item: 6 6 of 6

Show all pages in this issue.

This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.

Tools / Downloads

Get a copy of this page .

Citing and Sharing

Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.

Reference the current page of this Newspaper.

Wright, Shelly. The Rambler (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 84, No. 1, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 30, 2000, newspaper, August 30, 2000; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth253231/m1/4/ocr/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas Wesleyan University.

Univesal Viewer

International Image Interoperability Framework (This Page)

Back to Top of Screen