The newest addition to Greek life is developing, or colonizing, at USC during the fall of 2016. Alpha Xi Delta sorority has introduced a new chapter, joining the University of South Carolina Sorority Council's many sisterhoods on campus. The chapter held their Bid Day on Sunday.
While they did participate in the regular rounds of sorority recruitment, Alpha Xi began their colonization recruitment process on Aug. 25. Colonization signals that it is the very beginning of the USC chapter. The chapter also held a "Piece it Together" philanthropy event on Aug. 31, which was an opportunity for potential new members to learn about the sorority's work with Autism Speaks.
During the first week of September, potential new members signed up for personal information sessions. This was an opportunity for Alpha Xi leaders to get to know their PNMs.
Upon the start of recruitment, educational leadership consultants Renee Shields and Rachel Weatherford were available on campus to give information about the sorority and to encourage PNMs to sign up for the personal information sessions. Shields and Weatherford visited Russell House, Greene Street and the Pickens Street bridge to publicize the colonization of the new chapter.
"I joined Alpha Xi because of the women that make a difference in my life. They encourage and challenge me," said Hannah Maggiore, a student and Alpha Xi sister at Oklahoma State University.
Bid Day and the pledging ceremony took place on Sunday. The new colony welcomed over one hundred new sisters. These are the founding sisters of USC's Alpha Xi Delta chapter.