For members of the Gamma Chi sorority at Northern Kentucky University, their bond is one that extends far beyond the surface. It is a thriving sisterhood that fosters a sense of community, support and lifelong friendships for incoming members of the Panhellenic Association.  

Consisting of 14 members, usually one or two from each sorority, the Gamma Chis are a diverse but connected group of women committed to leading potential new members (PNMs) throughout the entire recruitment process. 

However, a strict stipulation of becoming a part of this organization requires complete secrecy and disaffiliation from their current sorority. An active member temporarily steps away from their initiated chapter to help a PNM find the best fit for them without any biases. This is to ensure that new members find their way based upon personal preference rather than influence.

“You can’t be included in anything recruitment related to your chapter. You can’t say that you’re in that chapter,” explained this year’s Gamma Chi Director Piper Bollen. “You can’t wear anything, you cover up your car stickers, you take away anything that relates to the chapter you’re in.”

Although it can be a long and demanding task, ranging from May 1 to September 8, there are many women that step up to be these dedicated guides. Bollen explains that she wanted to be a part of this group due to her previous positive experiences as a PNM herself.

“I had an amazing Gamma Chi, and she was the reason why I wanted to be a Gamma Chi,” said Bollen. “I just loved her so much, and she just made [recruitment] such an easy process and made me feel comfortable and safe and like I could ask her anything.” 

To form such a close and impactful bond with new members, the Gamma Chis go through an extensive training process that details the responsibilities and goals of the group. They also engage in fun bonding activities with each other during the summer to further grow the newfound sisterhood of the members. 

“We did shirt making, with those hand-stitched letters. We did movies. We had a dinner,” said Bollen. “But we try to do a variety of different things, and try to have fun with it and get to know each other more.”  

Up until Bid Day on September 8, which is the official day that these PNMs are welcomed into their sorority, the Gamma Chis are right alongside them. With a large number of freshmen and underclassmen present in the fall rush, many may have doubts not only about the recruitment process but college life in general. 

“We’re kind of there to answer all the questions, because we’ve been through recruitment, we know how it feels,” said junior Zoey Siegert, an active member of the Gamma Chis. “We know there is going to be a mix of emotions. They need someone to listen and give them an unbiased opinion, is the idea.”

Freshman Piper Morgan, one of the incoming PNMs, is excited but apprehensive for her first time in the recruitment process. “I am a first-generation college student, so no one in my family ever did Greek Life or anything like that,” said Morgan. “But, going to orientation and meeting with the sorority girls and seeing how sweet every single one of them is is so sweet.”

Each member of Gamma Chi is assigned around eight PNMs as they sign up for recruitment to ensure everyone has their questions answered and is comfortable with the complex process. Morgan credits her Gamma Chi, Abby Gordon, for creating a comfortable and positive environment, allowing her to feel confident in herself prior to recruitment week.

“One day we [her Gamma Chi group] were trying to meet at Starbucks, and no one could come, except for me and Abby,” said Morgan. “But I got to meet her and actually talk to her, and she’s been really encouraging, and had a lot of helpful tips and a lot of preparation for things I necessarily wasn’t expecting.” 

As recruitment nears, the Gamma Chis and PNMs alike are looking forward to a week filled with excitement, friendship and the growth of their sisterhood. On Bid Day, the Gamma Chis unveiled their secrets and returned to their chapter after five months. 

“I’m just excited to watch the Gamma Chis, because we’ve been training them all summer,” said Bollen. “[…] And then also running home again and reaffiliating with my chapter and just watching all the PNMs run home. It’s just a different kind of excitement each day, and I love it.”