A rumbling of anticipating chatter hummed throughout Harwood Arena around 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, for Meet the Greeks.

The Greek organizations of Kean University waited with bated breath for the doors to open and to flood the arena with curious students, all of whom were searching for a Greek organization to call home.

The students who gathered outside the entrance of the D'Angola Gymnasium to participate ranged anywhere from freshmen to transfer students to students looking for a Greek organization for their final year at Kean University. The doors opened at 5 p.m., and the arena was swarmed with eager faces and searching eyes.

Greek organizations welcomed newcomers with open arms, obviously just as jittery as those looking for a new place to belong. The colorful thematic displays of each organization clearly showcased the diversity throughout campus. 

Delta Phi Epsilon, an international sorority as well as the largest on Kean University's campus, had a hippie themed table with a tie-dye themed backdrop and sparkly letters. The sisters wore matching dresses and flowers crowns, and the slogan for the night was "all you need is DPhiE."

Another large sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, coordinated outfits with matching baseball t-shirts as well as the slogan "slide home to Theta Phi Alpha." Creativity was plentiful throughout the gym, and the smiles were bright.

Another sorority that seemed to be making a splash among the attendees was Nu Theta Chi.

"Meet the Greeks gives non-Greek-org members the chance to get to know exactly who we are," said Debb Frost, senior art history major and a sister of Nu Theta Chi.

Sororities were not the only organizations attracting new members however. Gamma Psi Epsilon, a local fraternity celebrating its 10 year anniversary, was aiming to attract new potential pledges with its sophistication and diverse organization. 

"We look forward to Meet the Greeks every year because we like to meet students who are interested in becoming a part of Greek life. People of all different colors, backgrounds and religions. We value diversity," said Thomas Finocchio, senior history education major and the Vice President of Gamma Psi Epsilon.

Attendees circulated throughout the gym, getting to know all of the options of Greek life. Freshman Alexes Aquilina seemed to be very excited about Meet the Greeks.

"I want to get to know the sororities and figure out which one is best suitable," said Aquilina. 

The attendees were herded to the bleachers around 6:30 p.m. as the Greeks lined up to take the stage and introduce themselves to the audience. This provided a chance for the organizations to appeal to every attendee, and not just the ones who they had already spoken to. 

The Greek Senate started the introductions. Every sorority and fraternity that took the stage had something interesting to share about its unique organization. 

Nu Delta Phi claims itself to be one of the most diverse and unique fraternities on campus.

Sigma Beta Chi sorority announced the change of its philanthropy to Donate Life New Jersey after losing a sister who had been waiting for a transplant on the donor list.

Nu Sigma Phi is said to be the largest fraternity on campus.

Midway through introducing each Greek organization, host Orlando Taylor, President of the Greek Senate, announced the start of a dance off where five people from the crowd were invited on stage to compete for the chance to win gift cards. The result was a tie between a freshman and sophomore.

Following the dance-off, the remainder of the Greek organizations took the stage; but this time each organization's introduction was followed by a performance. The energy in Harwood Arena rose greatly as the crowd anticipated each group taking the stage. The bleachers were packed and as more students piled into the arena, the overflow filled the space around the stage. 

From step and dance routines to salutes, each Greek organization gave attendees a taste of what its sorority or fraternity is all about. 

Anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to get involved could definitely find a home in Greek life, since each organization is so different. Each Greek represented their sorority or fraternity with their attire, matching their sisters and brothers. Each table was decorated with their letters and the values each organization represents.

Between ticket sales, donations, the 50/50 raffle, the concession stand and the fee each Greek organization paid for the event, Meet the Greeks raised $3,850 for Kean Dance Marathon (KDM), which is being held in the spring of 2017. The event brought in 2,007 people including Greek members, workers and attendees.

The evening closed with the DJ turning up the music in the arena and allowing all of the Greeks and attendees to come together one last time.