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NEWS
| October 10, 2003
A
Sweet Serenade
Nervous Greeks sing and dance
for one another at “Pledge Presents” Thursday.
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| The Shorthorn: Awais Ikram |
| Economics junior James Young, a member
of Phi Gamma Delta, serenades nursing junior Ashley Andrews,
a member of Alpha Chi Omega, during Pledge Presents on
Thursday in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom.
Seven fraternities and four sororities participated in
the annual event where members sing and exchange gifts. |
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By Mindy
Hutchison
Contributor to The Shorthorn
Kevin Howard slowly removed his button-up shirt as he dropped to
the ground in front of a group of giggling Alpha Chi Omega members
while a medley of N-Sync and Ludacris songs played.
Howard, a Phi Gamma Delta pledge, said he was nervous about performing
at first, but soon found his confidence.
“As you begin, it just flows, you don’t have to worry
about anything,” the music junior said.
Forced into the University Center’s Bluebonnet Ballroom by
rain, fraternity and sorority members serenaded each other as part
of Pledge Presents on Thursday evening.
The weather, however, did not dampen their romantic spirits.
The event was planned to take place on Greek Row Drive with seven
fraternities visiting four sorority houses. Greeks have used this
as a way to introduce pledges to each other for about 10 years,
said Greek Life Advisor Elizabeth Wade.
Howard said the pledges practiced for about two hours each day this
week to prepare for their hip-hop-themed performance.
John Palmer, president of the new class of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said
he and his brothers were nervous before the event. The business
freshman said the group was still practicing its routine moments
before performing.
Each fraternity had its own theme and look — some wearing
formal slacks and shirts while others came in drag, decked out in
pink skirts and bras. Delta Epsilon members danced to “I’m
a Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears.
Some danced to hip-hop and pop music. Beta Theta Pi members slow-danced
with members of Delta Delta Delta.
Criminal justice junior Brad Bannister, a member of Phi Gamma Delta,
said he hoped the women would remember him by his performance.
“They completely love it. It’s all for the ladies,”
he said. “We’re singing the sweet slow songs to them.”
But men were not the only ones singing.
Sorority members lined the floor and sang to each fraternity, incorporating
individual fraternity names into each song.
Delta Delta Delta women sang “Don’t You Call Me Sweetheart”
to their Sigma Chi sweethearts and gave the fraternity members decorated
chalkboards.
Some sororities decided to come formal in black cocktail dresses,
but Delta Zeta found a way to stand out.
Dressed in black slacks and white tank tops, they thought it would
be would be easier to dance in casual clothes than high-heels and
dresses.
Delta Zeta pledge Ashlee Voda said being serenaded will help her
remember her fellow Greeks.
“When I see other fraternity members on campus, I’ll
be familiar with their faces,” the advertising junior said.
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