This year’s sorority recruitment placed 290 women in one of the five Panhellenic sororities on campus, becoming the largest recruitment class Murray State’s Greek organizations have ever seen.

The total number of women who participated in recruitment surpassed last year’s numbers by 46 percent. The number of participants who were placed in a sorority last year totaled 199.

Jason Hinson-Nolen, Greek Life coordinator, said even with an increase in numbers, recruitment still ran remarkably well.

“It’s amazing to see so much growth within a single year,” Hinson-Nolen said. “I’m very proud of the Panhellenic executive board for reaching out to the incoming freshmen and making this happen.”

Hinson-Nolen said he encourages all of the new Greek members to live through the values of their organizations.

Each of the five sororities were able to meet quota, accepting between 57-59 new members each. This was an increase from last year’s totals, which had each organization accepting between 38-41 new members.

Alex Sharpe, junior from Paducah, Ky., said deciding to rush this year was one of the best decisions she has made so far in her college career.

“I feel like I have finally found my home on campus,” Sharpe said. “The week of recruitment was exhausting, but worth it in every way.”

Sharpe said she cannot wait to represent Alpha Sigma Alpha by wearing its letters and to see what is in store for the upcoming year.

Hinson-Nolen said even with each of the established sororities on campus growing substantially, there are still 140 women signed up for recruitment with Kappa Delta, the newest sorority on campus.

Kappa Delta was re-established this fall, coming back for the first time to Murray State since 1984.

Informal recruitment for Kappa Delta will be held between Sept. 6-8 for women interested in joining.

Celeste Chockley, director of recruitment, said she was glad to see such a large number of women pursuing the opportunities Greek life offers.

“The opportunities which are presented to members through their organizations can open so many doors,” Chockley said. “It helps to grow you as a person and teaches many important life values.”

Each of the five sororities on campus are involved with various philanthropy projects throughout the school year to raise funds for their different organizations and foundations.

Chockley said she encourages all new Greek life members to get involved as much as possible and to cherish the memories they will make.

Said Chockley: “Take advantage of every second and opportunity you are given, because the time goes by faster than you think.”

Story by Rebecca Walter, Staff writer