All 15 fraternities held open houses last week designed to allow freshmen to meet brothers and to see the houses in an informal atmosphere.
The event was sponsored by the Interfraternity Council. Guy Harrison '94, president of the IFC, said the purpose of the open houses was "to allow freshmen to see the houses in something other than a party atmosphere."
"By creating a relaxed environment, the freshmen can look at a variety of houses and begin to make an informed decision," he added.
The open houses went well and were well attended, according to John Merhige '94, president of Chi Gamma Epsilon fraternity. "I think that the open houses should be continued next year," he said.
David van Horne '95, a rush chair at Phi Delta Alpha fraternity, said the open houses allowed prospective rushees to meet house members, making them feel more comfortable visiting fraternities for rush next fall.
Dana Ash '94, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity's president, said, "We are glad that the IFC is making some concerted effort to involve freshmen in the Greek system outside of the party atmosphere."
He said that the open house was "beneficial and successful" for SAE, although he added that the event on Friday conflicted with the schedules of those with parents visiting for Freshman Parents Weekend.
The reactions of freshmen were also positive. "I thought the Open House was a good idea. I went late so the houses weren't very crowded, but it was the first time I met some of the brothers outside of a party atmosphere," Bryan Knutson '96 said.
The Panhellenic Council is also sponsoring a similar program for freshmen at the sororities. Each sorority is hosting one of the campus a capella groups during an informal event for freshman women.
