Araceli Macias
Staff Writer
Lively music and small crowds were the backdrop for potential new recruits, as University of La Verne students participated in Greek life and club enrollment fairs on Monday and Tuesday in Sneaky Park.
The event marked a joyful return for students to in-person outdoor activities following a year-and-a-half online.
Sororities present were Alpha Omicron Phi, Iota Delta, Phi Delta, Phi Sigma Sigma and Sigma Kappa. Fraternities Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Delta Theta also participated. The College Panhellenic Association, who is in charge of planning all Greek life events, was also there.
Lizzy Navarro, senior business administration major and president of Phi Sigma Sigma, said she was excited to make up for lost time because all events were held online last year due to the pandemic.
“I just think that it’s really special that all of our girls are so different,” Navarro said.
“I’m most looking forward to experiencing sorority (life) in person since … we went online so it’s like a whole new experience for me,” Lauren Cassidy, junior criminology major and sorority recruiter for Iota Delta, said. “When you’re online there’s sort of a disconnect, but when you’re in person, they can see you’re actually excited to talk to them,” she said.
The music continued while recruiters and students played games and got to know each other. Some of the sororities also shared their hopes for the semester.
Kayla Berger, freshman math major, said she was most interested in Phi Sigma Sigma because of their philanthropies and focus on college readiness in schools. She said her main reason for joining a sorority is to meet new and different types of people
Among the campus clubs present were Model United Nations, La Verne Buddies and the Campus Activities Board. Some clubs that offer hands-on experience to students interested in specific careers like American Marketing Club and Phi Epsilon Kappa shared more about their organizations and their hopes for the semester.
“We help non-profits or elementary schools with marketing and running social media,” Vanessa Lopez, senior business administration major and American Marketing Club member, said. She added that her club also focuses on resume building and networking.
Jessica Stepanian, senior kinesiology major and Phi Epsilon Kappa member, said this coed health fraternity is focused on connecting students who are interested in pursuing careers in health as well as giving back to the community through fundraisers and events.
“We’re hoping to … make an impact on campus in a positive way,” Stepanian said.
Additional clubs participating included the Middle Eastern Club, Pep Band and the Wilson Library-based Makerspace, which offers students access to technology like 3D printers, a 3D pen and a sewing machine.
Some club leaders also offered general advice to new students.
“Keep an open mind and get to know everyone,” Navarro said. “The worst thing you can do is just focus in on one organization because you really never know people can surprise you.”
Araceli Macias can be reached at araceli.macias@laverne.edu.
