Monmouth University’s Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) hosted its annual Fraternity Open House last Wed., Jan. 27at 10 p.m. in Pozycki Hall Auditorium. The council invited all potential new male members to attend and learn about the fraternal organizations the university has to offer.
The Inter-Fraternity Council is comprised of all fraternity presidents and an executive board to oversee all seven fraternities at Monmouth. According to the Monmouth University Greek Life website, the council’s goals are to: “promote harmonious relations among the fraternities of Monmouth University; promote inter-fraternalism participation in intramurals and all fraternity/sorority events; standardize, control, and regulate the recruitment activities; support and recommend expansion of new fraternities; and cooperate with the University and Campus organizations in matters of common interests.”
To begin the night, the council’s executive board introduced each organization and allowed each group to give a brief presentation to the potential new members, before breaking off into separate rooms. The organizations included all seven fraternities and Monmouth’s professional business fraternity: Alpha Kappa Psi, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Pi, Sigma Tau Gamma, Tau Delta Phi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Theta Xi. Each organization presented information about its chapter’s history, founding members, current members, philanthropy, community service events, and brotherhood. The event is to help potential new members understand what each organization values, and to encourage them to find their best “fit.”
“The main message of IFC is to join a brotherhood where you feel is most alike to your best friend group at home, that you can be yourself in, and that will help you grow,” said Kevin Zielaznicki, sophomore finance student and IFC President.
As the potential new members (PNMs) were learning about each organization, the chapters had brothers in separate rooms of Bey Hall set up for the PNMs to visit after the presentations. This is to ensure that PNM’s go into depth when searching for their potential future organization. It helps them to meet chapter members individually and give them more detailed information about the fraternities. There is more opportunity to learn and grow with face-to-face communication in the rooms, rather than watching a video or presentation.
“It’s always great to see the excitement buzzing around IFC recruitment. Regardless of where each new member ultimately decides to go, you know they’re making a decision that can shape the rest of their lives,” said S. Derby Sale, Intern for Student Activities.
The benefits to joining IFC, or Greek life at Monmouth in general, are endless. Being a part of a Greek organization offers connections, potential leadership roles, community service and philanthropy opportunities, etc. The reason one may join an organization may be as simple as the desire to find a friend you share similar values with, or the want for more activities to place on your resume. However, there are more reasons to discover along the way. The brotherhood or sisterhood with one another is not only for four years of college, but for the rest of your life.
“By joining Greek life, I was able to expand my horizons and help better myself. Joining Tau Delta Phi has been an amazing experience and it gave me the opportunity to be a part of the Inter-fraternity council, which has also been a great experience. Greek life is an amazing experience, and it brings you lifelong friends and beneficial connections in the future,” said Maximillian Sperling, IFC Administrator.
No matter which organization you join, they all share similar values and want to share those values with others. With fraternity recruitment coming to a close and sorority recruitment around the corner, it is important for potential new members to keep an open mind while seeking the organization that will best fit them and their interests.
