HUB Heritage Hall was filled with music and dancing Tuesday night as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) held its "Meet the Greeks" information session.
The NPHC is composed of nine black greek organizations, of which Penn State has eight active organizations on campus.
After an introduction from the NPHC President Cordero Thompson (senior-accounting), each organization was given the opportunity to inform interested students about their group through a power point presentation.
Each organization told prospective greeks about their history, accomplishments and events. Each group also listed famous brothers and sisters of their organizations, ranging from Bill Cosby to Rev. Jesse Jackson to Aretha Franklin. Phi Beta Sigma fraternity announced former president Bill Clinton recently became an honorary member.
Students were given the opportunity to write any questions they had about greek life during an intermission. At the end of the program, the presidents of each fraternity and sorority answered those questions.
One of the main concerns of students was how to join the organizations, because unlike the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the NPHC has no formal rushing.
Interested students must approach the groups with discretion and contact them in secrecy in order to join a fraternity or sorority. Part of the reason for this discretion is because NPHC organizations are very selective, Thompson said.
"Quality over quantity," Thompson said.
During the breaks throughout the program, the fraternities and sororities danced and party walked to the music provided by a DJ.
At the end of the night, any interested students could approach the tables set up by each organization around the room to learn more about the groups that they are interested in joining.
"I thought it was very helpful," Zainab Kamara said. "I had fun."
Kanara (sophomore junior-criminal justice) said she was planning on joining a sorority but couldn't say which she was interested in
because of the NPHC discretion policies.
The event was coordinated primarily by Keturah Figueira, the executive vice president of NPHC, with the added help of all the officers.
"I think it went really well and I'm really happy with the turnout," Figeria (senior-supply chain and information systems) said. "I'm proud of what the council is doing. I feel like we're an asset to the Penn State community."
