Sigma Sigma Sigma holds first formal recruitment

The chapter came to MU last fall.

By Jasmine Osby

Published Aug. 25, 2009

The newest member of the Panhellenic Association, Sigma Sigma Sigma, participated in their first formal recruitment week at MU since coming on campus fall 2008.

Last year, the national organization for Sigma Sigma Sigma organized several events at MU in an effort to recruit women to the new sorority, President Jaimie Borislow said. The recruitment included informational sessions, parties and information spread by word of mouth.

At the end of the year, Sigma Sigma Sigma had around 140 members, she said.

"It definitely wasn't easy, but it wasn't stressful either," Borislow said.

Borislow said Sigma Sigma Sigma's first formal recruitment went well, but their national chapter must still approve the final tally of new members.

Sigma Sigma Sigma followed the basic format of recruitment, but had to completely start from scratch because they had no prior traditions.

When it came time for the walk out, a time for Sigma Sigma Sigma members to meet the new women, Borislow said they were unsure of what to do.

She hopes the new members are excited to create new traditions with Sigma Sigma Sigma.

New member Nina Angelillo, who has previously worked for The Maneater, said she's excited about being involved in the beginning of the Sigma Sigma Sigma history at MU.

"I think it's great to be a part of something brand new as opposed to old," Angelillo said. "You get more input and, as a freshman, you get a voice."

Angelillo said Sigma Sigma Sigma was her first choice and the new campus chapter was one of the reasons why she was so attracted to it.

"When I went there and talked to the girls, I found that they were really genuine and down-to-earth and I really liked that," Angelillo said.

She also said by joining a newer sorority she would have more opportunities to obtain leadership positions. Angelillo said in years to come, Sigma Sigma Sigma would be the one to watch.

Alpha Chi Omega President Carrie Dent said she's happy to have Sigma Sigma Sigma as neighbors and watching the girls go through their first recruitment was exciting.

"Just seeing and hearing their songs and chanting and seeing them walk out and jump into the Greek system with formal recruiting was exciting," she said.

Dent also said Alpha Chi Omega would love to see the Sigma Sigma Sigma house and bond with their members.

Borislow said the other chapters have been supportive of the Sigma Sigma Sigma women and she has nothing but respect for them.

"If there was a question I know I could call one of the other chapters and they'd help," Borislow said. "They're all an amazing group of women."

She said she hopes people will view Sigma Sigma Sigma as a group of down-to-earth women, striving to be successful.

"Our values are friendship, character and conduct and I hope that the rest of our campus sees the girls from Sigma Sigma Sigma displaying these values," Borislow said.