ONE NIGHT – INFORMATION FOR A LIFETIME

Is there any more exciting time in life than finishing up a successful high school career and heading off to college? Prom, graduation, maybe a wonderful family vacation and then it’s time to track down the Twin XL sheets and begin an entirely new academic adventure.

For young women participating in sorority recruitment, there can be a layer of uncertainty or worry, but college-bound women who live within the boundaries of District 86 have guidance from a group of women who are devoted to helping make introductions and provide support.

Hinsdale Area Alumnae Panhellenic Association (HAAPA) is comprised of delegates from each of the 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and is committed to helping area women succeed with the first of many steps in sorority recruitment across the country.

HAAPA hosts a highly anticipated Recruitment Information Night in May. The evening, founded by former HAAPA president Cyndi Meyers, features a collegiate panel of sorority leaders who attend universities around the country offering real insights into what recruitment might be like for those participating. “We coach the girls to be themselves. We want them to know that they are loved, they are genuine, and there is a place for them,” says longtime HAAPA registrar Katie Zidell.

This 90-minute session has been honored six times in the past 10 years by the NPC for outstanding recruitment programming. Anyone who is even considering recruitment should attend. “It’s an opportunity to get your mindset in the right place for recruitment and recruitment is great experience for job interviews, it’s really a chance to learn skills that will serve you for the rest of your life,” says HAAPA president Sarah Magnesen.

Daphne Bigelow, a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma, attended Information Night as a senior and went on to enjoy her time in an OU sorority. She has been a member of the panel for several years and will be on hand to answer questions again this time. For those who are attending college outside of the region, Daphne feels sorority membership can be especially beneficial. “I didn’t know anyone when I arrived on campus. After two weeks of only speaking to a few people on campus, I participated in recruitment, and everything changed. I found my chapter, found my best friends. It was such a relief,” she says.

HAAPA encourages mothers, even those who loved sorority life with all their hearts, to let their daughters take the lead from Information Night through recruitment. “Things have changed since we were in school. Let your daughter hear from the collegians, let her find her place,” Katie says, with Sarah and HAAPA officer Nancy Bigelow concurring.

The real work begins after information night. Using submitted resumes and additional forms, HAAPA turns to local alumnae to ensure that every young woman has a letter of introduction to each of the NPC chapters at her chosen school. “It’s smart to attend and give us your information now,” says Magnesen, adding “you can always change your mind later, but just as you are preparing for other areas of your move to college, you should definitely prepare for this one.”

To accomplish this daunting, but joyful task, an array of area women write thousands of introductions according to their own organization’s guidelines and systems. Some are active members of their respective alumnae chapters. Others aren’t as involved locally, but still feel connected to their college days and the lifelong friendships. “You are a collegian for four or so years, but an alumna for the rest of your life,” says Nancy.

It’s extraordinary, really, that the potential new members have a small army of women on their side, singing their praises to help them stand out in the crowded fields of recruitment. “It feels good to be helping my sorority and helping my community,” says Katie.

Hinsdale Area Alumnae Panhellenic Association Information Night is the week of May 15, 2023, at Hinsdale Central High School. hinsdalepanhellenic.org.