Recruitment has sprung for Greek Life, and Thursday night, landed at the Campus Rec Center for hoops and meaningful conversation.
On the basketball courts at the Rec, several members of the brotherhood greeted potential pledges. Theta Chi hosted the rush event to begin spring recruiting. This stage of recruitment is where rushes search for their future family.
Housing Chair and Assistant Recruitment Chair John Steiner believes it’s essential for students at NKU to get involved even if they aren’t interested in Greek Life.
“Some people don’t want to have that aspect of college, where they go out with us and have a good time with the boys and that’s okay. It’s not for everyone, but the guys that are interested in that, we want to be here for them and get involved as much as we can,” said Steiner.
A major hindrance Steiner notes is the stigma around commuter schools. Almost 85% of students enrolled at NKU are commuting.
“I know it’s pretty easy just to go to class and go home, but I think it’s important to be as involved on campus as you can be,” urged Steiner.
Other members attribute the apathy to the season. During the fall, rush events attracted as many as 30 recruits, but during the colder weather, they are lucky to have 10. This event attracted as many as six recruits.
Although less than the fall, some are already feeling brotherhood chemistry.
“I think it’s definitely great just to meet a bunch of new people and build connections early on in your time at NKU,” said freshman Casey McClure. “I just instantly clicked with a bunch of people that were all similar-minded, really cool, and just a fun time.”
That’s exactly what Theta Chi is hoping these events will do. Many chair members hold personal connections with the brotherhood and strive to share those feelings.
“We want the same thing that happened to us to happen to them. It’s so important for them to learn what we’re about and for us to teach them because Theta Chi doesn’t just set you up for college, we set you up for the rest of your life,” said Brandon Oberst, recruitment chairman.
Oberst emphasized the burden lifted from getting involved. He says finding friends and a life in college can feel quite heavy, but the support you find in their brotherhood can carry that for you.