Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity President Jack O'Keefe said he would like to show potential spring fraternity recruits what being a brother really means -- and it's not about drinking beer.
"Some younger guys think fraternities are all about parties, and they're really not," he said. In light of new fraternity recruitment policies, he's looking forward to a new group of brothers who are joining for the right reasons, he said.
After the Interfraternity Council (IFC) announced Sunday that spring recruitment beginning Monday would be "values-based" -- including a no-alcohol policy at all events -- some community members said they view this as a step forward. University spokeswoman Lisa Powers said the IFC's policy is an example other universities should pay attention to.
"It really shows that they would like to be seen as leaders on campus," she said. "It was an admirable decision. It was probably not an easy one and may not be a popular decision, but they have really taken the lead." She commends the IFC's "forward thinking" in the best interest of recruits. O'Keefe (sophomore-education) said he sees the new policy as worthy of a test run. He thinks the fear of being put on probation or being suspended will be enough for the fraternity system to uphold a dry recruitment.
As for former IFC President Luke Pierce, he's seen recruitment improve since his days as a recruit seven semesters ago. He thinks the progress is the result of a shift in mindset he has seen fraternities adopt since the IFC unveiled new social event requirements that eliminated Wednesday socials and mandated photo identification and bouncers. "In terms of recruiting effectively, it's not based on the social scene," Pierce said. "It's drawing perspective new members in with what a fraternity can offer for life."
State College Police Department Capt. Dana Leonard said the police applaud any efforts to control underage drinking, but sees room for more action.
