Alpha Xi Delta announced on Nov. 11 that the women’s fraternity will be rejoining the Greek life community at Wittenberg University next semester.
The Panhellenic Council has been in the process of bringing another sorority on campus for the past three years. Campus-wide interest in sorority recruitment has been increasing in the past few years. Last spring, 156 women registered for recruitment, 141 of which actually pledged a sorority. This extension will allow the chapters at Wittenberg to maintain manageable sizes and give women additional opportunities to become members in a sorority.
“Alpha Xi Delta will provide a new involvement opportunity for women interested in sorority membership, leadership and educational programs that are aligned with institutional priorities, and opportunities for Wittenberg’s many Alpha Xi Delta alumnae to reconnect with the university,” Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Carol Nickoson said.
Founded on Apr. 17, 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, this Zeta Chapter made its first appearance at Wittenberg in 1904. It was the first Greek organization to appear on Wittenberg’s campus.
The Alpha Xi Delta’s vision is “inspiring women to realize their potential,” Nickoson said. “During their extension presentation visit, it is clear that Alpha Xi Delta’s programs are designed to help women recognize and make the most of their individual strengths.”
“I personally believe that campus will benefit in many ways,” Vice President-Recruitment, Panhellenic Council, Emma Brems, ‘16, said. “First of all, a new sorority means more opportunities for women to participate in Greek life. It also reestablishes a lot of alumni relationships of previous members to Wittenberg and the Greek community. I know for me, it is so amazing to see how excited everyone is about bringing a new sorority to campus. I love being a member of the Greek community, and the fact that campus officials want to offer as many opportunities for people to join extra-curricular clubs and organizations is exciting.”
In previous years, the sorority has partnered with Autism Speaks and has raised more than $3 million since their partnership in 2009.
The colonization recruitment process will start on Jan. 25, 2016, the day after bid day for Witt’s current five sororities, when Alpha Xi Delta will hold its own recruitment. It will be a two-week time period that will consist of events showcasing its sisterhood, philanthropy and colony life.
Representatives from the sorority have been on campus throughout the past week to begin the public relations campaign.
Alpha Xi Delta will have membership dues and fees that are comparable to the existing sororities on campus.
Female students who are interested in joining a sorority or fraternity can view recruitment dates and information online at Wittenberg’s Greek Life webpage. For more information about Alpha Xi Delta, email Heather Chibuk at hchibuk@alphaxidelta.org.
