Last Thursday, Aug. 23, the Greek Life community welcomed a new set of letters among the tables of baked goods and herds of neon fraternity tanks at the Taste of Greek Life. Pi Beta Phi, the new sorority on the horizon, made its debut at the Welcome Days event with representatives in search of ambitious young women to be the founding members of its first Case Western Reserve University chapter.

With Pi Phi’s arrival on the scene and Delta Chi fraternity’s official charter signing this September, CWRU’s Greek community is looking at an even more successful season of rush and recruitment, Greek Week festivities, and lasting memories for the 2012-2013 year.

“Delta Chi is really proud and excited for our chartering banquet in September, where all current members will sign our charter with Delta Chi Nationals and become founding members,” said Delta Chi member Beau Reddington.

“I’ve gotten more than I could have imagined out of Greek Life at CWRU,” Reddington said. “It’s the people you meet, the time you invest, the Greek Weeks you sweat and cheer through, philanthropy and social events you attend, and lives, including my own, that you see change for the better that have made me proud to be a member,” he said.

CWRU students go Greek for a countless number of reasons – from expanding their social circles to embracing all of the leadership and networking opportunities Greek Life has to offer.

All Greeks come together to share one week of competition that is arguably more arduous than finals; this is known as Greek Week.

“I love seeing all Greeks represented at events and cheering their friends on, regardless of their letters,” said Aiste Degesys, president of the Panhellenic Council and member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

During Greek Week, sororities and fraternities compete in traditional events to be named Greek Week champions. Last year’s theme was “This is Fun, Dammit!” a playful poke at the Greek community’s enduring competitive spirit. Aside from the pinnacle week of the Greek Life calendar, members support and participate in each other’s unique philanthropy events, mixers, and rush and recruitment events throughout the year.

“I love that the entire Greek community is a support system for one another,” Degesys said.  “Greek Life at Case is an opportunity to meet people who share the same values as you and are willing to help you grow.”