After a visit to MSU a few years ago, Matt Papa knew he wanted to be a part of the fraternity his brother was president of — Pi Kappa Phi — when he transferred from a community college this year.
“It was a given (to join this fraternity),” Papa said. “You meet a lot of people and I think it looks really good on a résumé because it shows you’re a part of something.”
Papa, who now is a construction management sophomore, is one of many students participating in Rush, which spans the next two days and ends Thursday evening.
Josh Bradford, a supply chain management senior and the president of the Delta Chi fraternity, said people might get the wrong idea that Rush is strict. However, he said it is similar to a “mixer with all guys” — really informal and there is no pressure to commit to anything.
“All Rush is, is an opportunity to come and see what (fraternities) are all about,” Bradford said. “It’s an opportunity to come out and get some free food and hang out for a while. If you like it and want to join, great. If not, then that’s cool too.”
Bradford joined Delta Chi in fall 2009 as a freshman after a lot of encouragement from his parents, who were in fraternities in their college days.
“They thought it’s just a way to better yourself,” Bradford said. “(It’s a way) to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a lifetime experience and a lot of these friends are going to be your friends after college.”
Rama Gupta, a human biology senior and the Interfraternity Council’s vice president for recruiting, said fraternities are about more than partying and can get you ready for your career after college.
“If there is an older guy in the chapter who is in your major or has the same class, it’s a good opportunity to get good access to a tutor or mentor,” Gupta said.
Bradford said after Thursday, his fraternity will meet and decide if those rushing will make the fraternity better in the long run. If they do, the fraternity will extend a bid to those students.
“All houses are different and not in a good way or bad way,” Bradford said. “They all have different cultures and people they like to hang out with.”
Gupta said it doesn’t matter which fraternity they choose, students should rush because being a part of a fraternity offers many opportunities.
“Fraternities really enrich the college experience,” Gupta said. “(Fraternities) give you social opportunities, academic opportunities and career opportunities.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
