As the clock struck 6:00 p.m. on January 21, 2016, the beeping of metal detectors and shuffling of feet began to accompany the roars of laughter and excited chatter that would soon fill Harwood Arena.

Anticipating success but prepared for chaos, Greek Senate watched their hard work burst into real life as the Greek organizations of Kean University set up their tables and displays in hopes to attract potential members. Banners, paddles, mascots, candy, recruitment schedules, informational pamphlets and much more was presented to entice future interests. Coordinated attire amongst the different organizations simultaneously created a sense of uniqueness and belonging upon entering the arena.

Sisters of  Lambda Theta Alpha performing for the crowd
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Organizations such as Nu Sigma Upsilon, Theta Phi Alpha, Nu Theta Chi and many others displayed their Greek letters largely and loudly with life-sized cutouts and synchronized chants that were hard to ignore. Colorful displays and matching apparel helped guide students in the potential direction of new homes.

“Kean [University] is more of a commuter school,” started Carissa Eagle, sister of Theta Phi Alpha. “And I wanted somewhere that I could belong.”

Sorority and Fraternity brothers and sisters all welcomed potential pledgees with open arms, excited to integrate their organizations with new faces, new personalities and most importantly, new friends. Omega Psi Sigma sister Samantha White was bubbling over with excitement for Meet the Greeks. Extending full hospitality to all that passed by her sorority’s table.

“[Meet the Greeks] is such a great opportunity for open minded people to see all of the sororities. We’re always looking to grow with new sisters every semester.” She stated excitedly.

Potential pledges roamed the arena in search of their to-be sisters or brothers, looking for a new family to be welcomed into. Maggie Ortuso, a sophomore transfer student, waited patiently and quietly in the bleachers for the performances and festivities to begin after returning from making her way around the arena to meet the different organizations.

“[At Meet the Greeks] you meet and get to know new people. Sororities make great connections and I’d love to be a part of that.” She says when asked what she expected to take away from Meet the Greeks.

The latter half of the night was devoted to the spectacle of strolling, stepping and saluting. According to artofstepping.com, stepping (amongst other ritualistic dances) originates with multi-cultural and Pan-Hellenic organizations creating these calling cards as ways to stay in touch with their ethnic routes, as well as make a statement.

Sisters of Delta Sigma Theta performing for the crowd
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As Greek life began to grow and expand, everyone began to step, stroll and salute together as organizations to identify themselves and create unity. Meet the Greeks at Kean University is very special due to the elaborate performances put on by so many of the organizations. It was clearly showcased that not only do the organizations here at Kean have so much to offer from a cultural perspective, but the performances were a wonderful display of talent. Multiple fraternities sported matching outfits but one, Beta Kappa Psi, completed their ensemble with letter jackets branded with nicknames such as “Young Gun” and “Freestyle,” showing that you can still be recognized as an individual while also being a member of an organization.

“Beta Kappa Psi is an organization that believes in promoting brotherhood, knowledge and developing pride,” read the information offered at Beta Kappa Psi’s table.

Another notable fraternity, who caused quite a stir, was Gamma Phi Epsilon, who introduced themselves to the crowd by saying they were in “the business of taking boys and turning them into men.”

Kean University’s organizations sported their individuality with eye-grabbing, themed displays. Delta Phi Epsilon grabbed the attention of so many ladies with their Gossip Girl themed apparel and display table. Other eye-grabbers among the sororities were Sigma Beta Chi’s Paris theme, and Omega Psi Sigma’s army getup.

From multi-cultural, to national, to local, to Pan-Hellenic and now even co-ed fraternities and sororities, one theme is constant among the Greek life at Kean University: the sense of family and belonging. These organizations clearly consider each other family, and it is a wonderful testament to the relationships and friendship that build here on the Kean University campus. The diversity throughout the school brings students from so many different walks of life together and this fact that clearly portrayed during the goings-on at Meet the Greeks in several different ways.

This familial theme is not limited within specific organizations but spans over the entire collective. Whether a sister or brother, alumni or pledgee, the members of Greek life at Kean believe that they have all become family under the umbrella of their beliefs of community and philanthropy. Whereas these ideals bring Greeks closer together, it is their histories that set them apart. Lambda Theta Phi, Lambda Theta Alpha and Nu Sigma Phi were all founded here at Kean. The members from these organizations radiate with a sense of pride for being a part of such an important aspect of the university’s history that would go on to influence a nation, and at the very least the student body of Kean University.

“Brotherhood comes first. It’s all we have,” said 2014 graduate and brother of Nu Sigma Phi, Kyle Toffolo.

Brothers of Sigma Beta Tau
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Another crucial aspect of Meet the Greeks, especially the one that takes place every spring semester, is that it lends a huge helping hand to the Kean Dance Marathon (KDM), a charity event incorporating all of Greek life and the students of Kean University. Last year, Meet the Greeks raised over $2,000 in ticket sales that were donated directly to KDM. Every member of Kean’s campus is encouraged to construct a team for KDM and raise money for a worthy cause: The Children’s Specialized Hospital of New Jersey. This year’s KDM will take place on April 15, 2016, in Downs Hall.

As usual, Meet the Greeks was a phenomenal success this semester. Brothers and sisters left the arena with tired by content expressions, and new potential pledgees exited Harwood with hopeful faces, looking forward to the next step of their Greek Life journey. Meet the Greeks opens so many doors for so many students every semester, and this time was the furthest thing from an exception.