Glitter, laughter and balloons filled Greek Village on Saturday during Fall 2022 Bid Day. The event marked the end of Mercer’s delayed formal recruitment, which started Sept. 5.
According to Associate Director of Campus Life and Student Involvement Meridith White, 84 women were extended bids to join the panhellenic chapters this Saturday.
Bid day takes place after a week of recruitment where potential new members attend events at each sorority. At the end of this week, they are offered a bid (a formal invitation) to join a chapter. This chapter will become a crucial part of their community at Mercer.
“As a senior, getting to celebrate new women joining a sweet sisterhood that I have enjoyed throughout my college experience makes me smile so big,” Kathryn Rhodes ‘23 said in a message.
Alpha Gamma Delta Director of Community Service Brianna Hamlin '25 said her sorority is important to her because it gave her a place to connect with other women.
“As a commuter I did not have the same interactions my freshman year as other people did,” Hamlin said. Hamlin also values the emphasis that her sorority places on community service.
Each sorority also had a theme for recruitment week. Chi Omega’s theme was “Only the Best Join the Nest.” Alpha Delta Pi’s theme was “Smile, you went ADPi.” Phi Mu’s theme was “LollaPHIlooza.” Alpha Gamma Delta’s theme was “The Dancing Queens of Alpha Gam.”
“Running the hill” happens on Bid Day when the new members formally accept their bids and “run home” to their sorority. Alpha Gamma Delta was the first to run the hill at 1:45 p.m. followed by Phi Mu, Chi Omega and Alpha Delta Pi, in three-minute increments.
“We were very worried about inclement weather, but it held off to allow the festivities to continue as normal,” White said in a message.
Fraternity delayed recruitment takes place the week immediately following sorority recruitment, starting Sept. 12 and ending on Sept. 17.
Eliza Moore ‘24 is an English and Journalism student at Mercer University. She is now in her second year working as The Cluster’s News Editor after a semester abroad. She is currently producing work for Macon Magazine and Georgia Public Broadcasting in addition to her work with The Cluster. She loves breakfasts, the ocean, and all things related to writing.
