Alpha Phi becomes Creighton’s seventh sorority due to the growing demands of women wanting to be a part of Greek life.
Creighton chose to be Alpha Phi’s 155th chapter because of its strong national presence and unique philanthropy that complements the sororities already on Creighton’s campus.
“Alpha Phi is committed to women’s heart health,” said Margaret Zimmer, assistant director of student activities for Greek Life. “It was important to the committee that Creighton’s newest sorority was helping the Panhellenic and Creighton community become more aware of an issue that is not already addressed on campus.”
Another important factor in choosing Alpha Phi is that the organization is a prominent staple on many Jesuit campuses, meaning that the values of the sorority are very much in line with those of Creighton.
“Their values of scholarship, leadership, service and character development in particular are mirrored in Creighton’s values of Magis, Men and Women For and With Others and Unity of Mind, Body and Spirit, respectively,” Zimmer said.
Alpha Phi started its efforts of colonization on Creighton’s campus by participating in the first three days of women’s formal recruitment.
“We had a really positive experience from the PNMs [potential new members], the chapters and Rho Mus [recruitment mentors],” said Kelly Stewart, Creighton’s Alpha Phi educational leadership consultant.“We just wanted to get our name out there and have an appeal. If Alpha Phi had an appeal to the girls, awesome, but if not hopefully they still had a positive enough experience to tell their friends.”
Alpha Phi plans to have its own recruitment that runs from next Monday to Feb. 3 and are looking for outgoing, polished, creative women who can build on the tradition of sorority life at Creighton.
“The women need to have a drive and creativity to make Alpha Phi and their Greek experience their own,” Stewart said. “We want people who are passionate, but also well-rounded.”
Alpha Phi hopes to hit the ground running by planning events such as a spring philanthropy and socials immediately following its recruitment.
“We want to do everything in our power to mirror Creighton’s Greek community so that the new members feel a part of the community right away,” Stewart said.
Alpha Phi will give women a chance to do things such as becoming a leader in the chapter from day one, as well as providing event ideas for socials and philanthropies that will become the traditions of the chapter; something women wouldn’t have had a chance to do in other sororities.
“I think the most exciting thing about Alpha Phi is the opportunity for its founding members to decide what Creighton’s Alpha Phi chapter will grow to be. It is rare to have an opportunity to build an organization from the ground up,” Zimmer said.