     Alpha Omicron Pi is the newest Panhellenic organization at Oklahoma State University. For those new members, it is one of the most exciting times of their lives. Each new member, all 191 of them, are part of starting a new sorority, a new reputation and new opportunities for the upcoming formal fall recruitment.
     Last year, Oklahoma State’s Panhellenic voted on extension, the process of adding a new sorority on campus. OSU’s incoming freshman class grows every year, and consequently so does the number of girls participating in formal fall recruitment. In order to provide a greater likelihood for participation in the Greek system, all other female chapters currently in Panhellenic voted to pass extension. Alpha Omicron Pi then began the process for official recognition.
     Last week, AOII began their colonization events, beginning Jan. 19. On Jan. 21, AOII had its “Black Tie Affair Preference Ceremony” during which the girls began to understand AOII and its foundation and realize whether they wanted to be a part of it or not.
     Then, on Jan. 22, Gamma Chis, the recruitment counselors for 2012, delivered Bid Day cards to each girl, inviting them to the Bid Day celebration. Afterward, Alpha Omicron Pi invited the OSU campus to their colonization ceremony, an open ritual, to share in the special time with these girls.
     All other sororities on campus had members present to support their newest Panhellenic sisters, and members of all fraternities were present as well to show their support for the Greek system. An adviser from another sorority commented, “This is a great time for Oklahoma State. We are all so lucky to be able to share in the extension of our amazing Greek community.” Also, a new member commented saying she was really excited about the opportunity to be a part of this new sisterhood and find some new friends.
      Alpha Omicron Pi is a place for girls to find themselves in college, and friends along the way. Now that it is an official colony within the Panhellenic council, AOII can be part of formal fall recruitment and all other typical Greek events, such as Spring Sing, Freshmen Follies, VarsityRevue, Homecoming and much more. To AOII, welcome to campus.
Â