Family is Everything!

Family is Everything

by Cindy White

Cindy and her Greek Family at Chi Omega's Dishes for Wishes

Moving away to college brings a mix of emotions. The independence is exciting, but leaving home is scary. Although I’m only two hours away from my hometown, it was hard leaving. I love the city of Louisville, I didn’t want to lose connections within my community, and I’m close to my family. Plus, moving away meant I would no longer have my goofy dad to crack jokes when I have a bad day or my mom around to jam out to TSwift with me. What was I going to do without my family at school?

Fortunately, I found a family in Chi Omega. Right after Bid Day, I began going on “Owl Pal” dates with potential Bigs. I got coffee, ate lunch, and went to fitness classes with many sisters. A sophomore at the time, Anne-Marie, reached out to me. We talked at Jazzman’s for an hour and after the coffee date, I knew I wanted her to be my big. I would have been happy to have any of the older girls as my mentor, but I just had a feeling about Anne-Marie.

At Big/Little Reveal last year, I found out I got Anne-Marie as my big sister! I was so pumped to get to know her better and meet the rest of my Greek family. I was immediately assimilated and welcomed into the family, which was appropriately dubbed “the Empire.” We are a linear family, with each of us only being separated by a year in age. We keep in touch with the two girls who have graduated through a group text, sending random messages every once in a while and updating each other on our lives. Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know the four other girls in my family so well.

This year, I was lucky enough to get my own little sister! My little, McKala, and I instantly hit it off when we met before recruitment. She says from the moment she met me, she knew we were going to be close. Now she’s one of my best friends and our Greek family adores her!

The relationships in my big family are so important to me. Alex, who graduated the year before I came to UE, is now one of my closest friends. I still keep in touch with Hayley, who graduated last year and is living back home in Texas. Rebecca is a busy senior this year, but we still keep up with each other. My big and I see each other at least once a week on campus. My little and I are already so close and I can’t wait to see our relationship grow over the next few years.

My Greek family constantly provides me with inspiration, support, and humor. While I miss my family in Louisville, my Greek family makes Evansville feel like home. The six quirky and unique personalities in my family come together to form “the Empire.” I don’t know what I’d do without these women.

Twice the Fun!

Twice the Fun

By: Kristen Buhrmann

Kristen and her Greek family

A tradition among sororities is the Big/ Little program and the life-long relationships forged from that particular bond. A Big (big sister) is someone to look out for you, guide you, love you, spoil you, and be there for you no matter what. Being a Little (little sister) is something that almost every woman joining a sorority looks forward to. Years later, Littles still get together with their big sisters to catch up. Every sister within a sorority is close, but this is an extra-special bond with someone to whom you can always go to for advice.

This semester, I was honored to get not one, but two Littles! In Phi Mu, we lovingly call these twins, because they have the same big sister. Because my Big also had two Littles, making me a twin, I was so excited that I would get the same opportunity as my Big.

Leading up to the reveal, Bigs had four days to leave out gifts for their Littles. The women in our chapter have a tendency to go a little overboard in the spoiling department to show how excited we are for our Littles to be joining our Greek families. Between t-shirts, lions, and random things they like, by the end of the week, our Littles are eager to finally find out who has been spoiling them!

Watching my Littles find out I was their big was one of the most exciting moments I’ve experienced in Phi Mu – even more exciting than finding out who my Big was (which is pretty hard to accomplish).

Since Big/Little reveal a little over a month ago, I’ve gotten the pleasure of seeing my Littles get initiated, taking them out to dinner at IHOP and Buffalo Wild Wings, and hanging out and talking to them. My Littles and I are very busy people, but we find time to eat dinner together and catch up.

Although Bigs love spoiling their Littles, it’s the little moments that remind you how important that bond is. I have a tendency to always get lost or make stupid mistakes whenever I’m driving my Littles, and although it can be embarrassing, they make for wonderful memories to look back upon and laugh. I also have a minor obsession with bows and during Big/Little week, I gave my Littles about 14 bows each. I’m still surprised they weren’t able to piece those clues together since I am always wearing a bow! Whenever one of us spots the other wearing a bow, it’s always fun to giggle about how we have the same one.

I’ve loved every second I’ve spent with my wonderful Littles, Maggie and Payton, and I’m even more excited for all the future memories we’ll make, too. One of the reasons I was so eager to get Littles was that I wanted to be a mentor for someone else. Over the past year, I’ve learned so much about Phi Mu, our sisterhood, and what it means to be part of such a wonderful organization that encourages the bettering of oneself. I’m very enthusiastic to share all that I’ve learned with my Littles.

A Big is there to celebrate the high points with her Little, but also to help her through the low points. Although neither of my Littles has come to a low point yet, I know they are grateful to have me there for support. I can’t even describe how much I look forward to continuing and strengthening this bond with my two amazing Littles!

Dancing my way out of my comfort zone

Dancing my way out of my comfort zone

by Cindy White

Last year, I wasn’t so sure about this whole sorority thing. I had close friends back home that weren’t super supportive of Greek life, my parents didn’t show a whole lot of enthusiasm for my sorority, and I hesitated to embrace this new group. After all, sorority girls are just rich, stuck-up, party girls, right?

WRONG. These stereotypes are completely false. At UE, Greek women are on Dean’s List, take on huge leadership roles on and off campus, and carve time out of their busy schedules to serve others. Just like everyone else, we are here to gain a valuable education and build meaningful relationships. Who knew sorority women were just normal college students? UE Greek life gives me the opportunity to be one of these strong, driven, inspirational women.

Unfortunately, I let those preconceived ideas alter my view of Greek life last year. I didn’t get involved in philanthropies and social events as much as I wanted to. I was afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. So I stuck with my close group of friends in my dorm and didn’t broaden my horizons.

This year is so different. I mentioned in my bio that my main goal for my sophomore year is to get out of my comfort zone. I’m going after that goal headfirst and experiencing college in a totally new way. I’m joining exciting clubs, getting involved in philanthropy events, and meeting some pretty awesome new people. Without Chi Omega and UE Greek life, I wouldn’t be able to do that. Everywhere I turn, there are opportunities to get involved with Greek-sponsored activities.

Recently I’ve made huge strides in accomplishing my goal. A couple weeks ago was Rock for Riley, which is Phi Mu’s philanthropy benefiting Riley Children’s Hospital. It’s a dance and lip-syncing competition, where Greek groups and student organizations perform and the top three groups have to improvise a dance.

To give a little background, dancing is not my strong suit. I’ve been in musicals since I was little, but I always faked my way through the dance breaks. When sign-ups came around for Rock for Riley, I thought here’s my chance. What a better way to step outside my comfort zone than to dance and lip sync in front of a hundred of my peers?

So I did it. I actually performed in front of peers, professors, and total strangers. I had a blast! We were so nervous before the competition started, but one of my friends, who is a Lambda Chi Alpha, made a good point. He told us it’s silly to be nervous because yeah, we’re putting on a show, but we have to remember why we’re getting up there to dance- for the philanthropy. That really put things into perspective and helped calm our nerves.


We had a blast, two out of our three Chi Omega teams got second and third place, and Phi Mu raised a lot for Riley Children’s Hospital. While I still can’t believe I danced in front of so many friends and total strangers, I’m so happy I did it. Philanthropy events at UE get people together to help raise awareness and money for a great cause, all the while having a blast! Who knows what philanthropy I’ll participate in next?

Introducing Cindy White

Hello readers,

Meet Cindy White! Cindy is a new blogger for the UE Greek Life blog this year. She is a member of Chi Omega. Get to know Cindy.

Cindy's Stats:

Major: Music Therapy with a Minor in Psychology

Hometown:Louisville, KY

Year in School: Sophomore

A little bit more about me: Before UE, I never thought I’d join a sorority. But here I am! I am so proud to be a Chi Omega and a part of Greek Life at UE. I will eat almost anything, I love indie music, and coffee is my lifeline. My goal this year is to step outside my comfort zone and try new things. Follow along with my adventures at UE!

Your Greek Family

Littley Perfect 

By Marisa Patwa

Saying “big” in a room full of sorority girls is like screaming mom at the grocery store. A dozen or so heads–in cute, messy buns–will turn around, and look at you, hoping it is their big calling out for them. When you and your big finally lock eyes, you can not help but smile. You are theirs and they are yours.

This is one of the really truly rewarding things about being in a sorority: having a Greek family.

A few weeks after receiving my bid from AOII last year, I was gifted with a big of my own, Bobbi, or Notorious B.I.G as a I like to call her. I barely knew her but there I was, stuck with this girl for the seemingly rest of my life (Love you Notorious). I was skeptical of the whole process at first. But it is not just a random selection and for the most part, girls do have a say in who their big or little is going to be. And Bobbi and I just clicked. Funny enough, we are actually quite different people and I have learned a lot from her about the woman I want to be.

The great thing about bigs is that they are there to help guide you through integrating into being in a sorority, which is not exactly a natural thing. There are meetings, philanthropies, service hours and ritual and your big is there to remind you to attend Rock for Riley and to eat chili cheese dogs with you at Sonic when you just need to cry it all out. They are there to help you through your first time on the other side of recruitment, listen to your silly jokes, encourage you when you do well and help you when you fall down.

Contrary to popular belief, we do not spend every waking second together. We can go weeks without talking or talk every single day, but I know she will always be there for me. And I will always be there for her.

It is not a contrived relationship like most people assume but a special kind of relationship you will never be able to have with someone else.

Except for your little.

This year, I knew I was going to have a chance at having a little. I also knew that I may not get one at all, which made me kind of nervous. I wanted to have one, not just for the sake of being able to say “little!” but to help a younger sister through joining a sorority like B.I.G. helped me. I also knew how much responsibility having a little was and I wanted to take it on completely. I just had a feeling that having one would change me and help me mature and grow in more ways than and I could imagine. And it has. Or should I say she.

Recruitment was the first time I ever spoke to my little. It was the first night of 1st Party and as soon as I sat down to talk to her, I knew she was going to be my little. I’m well aware of how annoying and cliché that is but it is unabashedly true. I had no inkling during recruitment that I was going to have an instantaneous connection with anyone. If it happened it happened and if it didn’t, then that was alright because each girl truly is unique and great. But with Gisela, I just knew.

I first resonated with the fact that we both have darker complexions and hair. My second bias was when she began to discuss her love for “Gossip Girl”. Our talk was easy and fun, just like our relationship would later be. I was lucky enough to be able to pref her as well, which means I was able to spend an hour with her on the last night of recruitment, explaining to her my story: why I went through recruitment, why I joined AOII, and why it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The next day, as my entire chapter waited out on the grassy knoll to see who are new sisters would be on bid day, I was so thrilled when I saw Gisela run out to us as she had accepted her bid to AOII.

In only a few short weeks, I would get a call from our new member educator, Shannon while shopping at Wal-Mart telling me the great news: Gisela was my little.

I giggled as you would expect any high-pitched sorority girl too and pounced on my sister that was with me then, my home girl Marissa.

The next week was big/little week, five days of bigs dropping off special gifts to their little’s dorm rooms or to the suite. The main purpose is to hand down a lot of your own sorority paraphernalia, which for AOII, usually includes hoards of shirts and anything and everything Pandas–our mascot. My favorite part of that week was on Friday, a few days before big/little reveal. I went shopping with Gisela–who still had no idea I was her big–and she told me something that almost made my heart stop.

“I know who my big is,” she said, smiling deviously.

I glanced down at my phone nervously, trying to play cool.

“Oh yeah?” I said. “Who?”

I was going over how I was going to play it off in my head if she guessed me when she said the name of another sister.

I almost burst out laughing but I remained collected. You see, one of the most fun parts of big/little week is making the littles guess who their bigs are and trying to keep them guessing all week. The reason we do this is because it is all the more special when they are surprised at reveal. And boy was my little surprised when she found out it was me.

It’s only been a few months and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect little.

The thing about littles is that they are not just your little but one of your closest friends, confidants and sisters. You share each other’s secrets, complain about chapter, laugh at each other when they look bad and hug each other even after being a part for only a day. At least this is how my little and I are, and I wouldn’t trade it or her for the world.

Gisela was initiated this Sunday into our chapter and I could not be more excited for her and the next three and a half years she gets to spend here as an AOII. And little, if you are reading this, I love you, your awkward emo phase through middle school and all.

Introducing Marisa Patwa

Hello readers,

Meet Marisa Patwa!  Marisa is also a new blogger for the UE Greek Life blog this year.  She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi.  Get to know Marisa.

Marisa's Stats:

Major: Communications with a specialization in journalism and minor in political science

Hometown:Evansville, IN

Year in School: Junior

A little bit more about Marisa:  She prides herself on being a pop culture aficionado and drinks Diet Coke more than a mermaid with a sore throat drinks water. Her favorite novel is "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"​ and her greatest regret is not signing her contract when Willy Wonka offered his factory to her. When she's not looking up movie trivia on IMDB, she's ordering a beach club with no provolone cheese at Jimmy Johns. She loves her Greek family and like all of her sisters, tries to shine grace and light every day–even when she's planning her revenge on a certain retired candy factory owner.

Changing Perspectives

Changing Perspectives
Kristen Buhrmann

Hi there! My name is Kristen and I am a member of Phi Mu Fraternity for Women at the University of Evansville. I have a rather unique story behind joining a sorority, and I think it’s important that people hear it. If you’ve ever wondered if Greek life is for you, or why people join, or even what it’s about, then this one is for you. And if you’ve ever thought Greek life was the stupidest thing ever, then this one is especially for you.

Going into college, I had no intentions of joining a sorority. It was nothing my parents ever asked me about – none of my family was Greek – and I didn’t think it would be a good fit for me. Then again, my only information about Greek life was what I saw in movies and television shows, both of which are not real life representations of being Greek. My understanding of being in a sorority involved paying for friends, binge drinking at fraternity houses, looking like Barbie and acting like Regina George. My understanding was FAR from reality.

During Welcome Week, I met multiple Greek women – all very sweet and polite, but none selling me about Greek life. I was still stuck on my pre-conceived notions of Greek life.

Then some of my good friends joined sororities. Although they didn’t talk about it all the time, it was now an important part of their lives, and they enjoyed talking about their new sisters and fun things they were involved with. I saw pictures of my friends having fun with their new sisters – having mixers with fraternity men, participating in philanthropies, and having movie nights with sisters. Oddly enough, I became jealous of all the fun they were having.

About a month later, my friend Ashley, a member of Phi Mu, invited me out to dinner with another sister. They talked about getting big sisters, and the philanthropy they donated to, and meeting all types of people through their sorority. I started asking questions, and I became interested.

Over the next couple weeks, I met more and more Phi Mus. The more and more sisters I met, the more I wanted to join. Lucky for me, they were participating in Continuous Open Bidding, and hosting fun events to attract potential members. I was unable to attend these events, but I attended a meeting. I enjoyed myself at the meeting – a feat most people laugh at (how many people do you know that have fun at meetings!). After a couple days of hanging out with their sisters, I was offered a bid to join Phi Mu.

I’ve never looked back from that point on, and I’ve never regretted my choice. Joining Phi Mu has significantly changed my life; I’ve become more outgoing, proactive, and have developed into a strong leader. Even though I joined through Continuous Open Bidding instead of Formal Recruitment, I love my sorority and my sisters with all my heart and I couldn’t imagine my college experience without Phi Mu and all the opportunities my sorority has given me.

Greek life is NOT about paying for friends, or binge drinking, or looking or acting fake. Greek life is about brotherhood and sisterhood, sharing an unbreakable bond, and learning to become a better man or woman than you were the day before. Greek life is not about being better than everyone else, but bettering yourself and becoming the best person you can possibly be.

Introducing Kristen Buhrmann

Hello All,

Meet Kristen Buhrmann!  Kristen is a new blogger for the UE Greek Life Blog this year. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity for Women! Here is a little bit about her before her first blog!

Kristen's Stats: 

Major: Communication

Hometown: Normal, IL

Year in school: Sophomore

Hobbies: Reading, kayaking, making videos, attending meetings, and hanging out with sisters. 

Sorority Recruitment Team final introductions

There is just 1 week left to register for Sorority Recruitment! 

Women who are interested in sorority life are invited to Panhellenic Preview Day this Saturday from 10am to 12pm at the Panhellenic Center and Delta Omega Zeta house.  You can come and learn more about each sorority and recruitment.  This event is open to all campus women, you don't have to be registered for recruitment to attend! 

If you do want to register for recruitment, please do so by 5pm CT on Sunday September 7, 2014!

Finally, here are the last three Recruitment Team members we haven't introduced you to! 

Dimi M.

Hometown: Oxnard, CA

Major: EXSS - Pre-Physical Therapy

I love Greek Life for the connection it provides to others who are passionate about everything they are involved in from their philanthropy, to their education, other organizations, and to their friends. It has given me the opportunity to make friendships that I know will go beyond my years at school.

Amy N.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Major: Advertising and Public Relations, Marketing and Exercise Science minors

I love Greek life because it allows me to be myself within an organization that supports individual growth and fosters lifelong friendships.

Anneliese T.

Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana 

Major: Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy

My favorite part about Greek life is the multiple opportunities that it creates, for example from participating in philanthropies, volunteering, intramurals, and of course sisterhood events. There is always something to do that correlates with each individuals interests. 

GO GREEK! 

Recruitment Team Introductions Take 4

Just a few more days until move in and the start of the Fall 2014 semester! We can't wait to meet everyone and see old friends.

There are just 21 more days to register for sorority recruitment.  Make sure you've completed the online application by Sunday September 7, 2014 at 5pm to participate in this great experience.

We hope you find a few familiar faces when you arrive on campus this weekend.  So here are just few more recruitment counselor introductions.  Be sure to say hello when you see us, we'd love to meet you!

Stephanie S.

Hometown: Palestine, Illinois

Major: Elementary Education

I love UE Greek life because it feels like a big family. I have been able to make many friendships through Greek life and those friendships will follow outside of graduation.

Stephanie also serves as the Panhellenic Council Vice President of Inter-Greek Affairs.  

Taylor S.

Hometown: Pickerington, OH

Major: EXSS/Physical Therapy

The Greek community provides me with a sense of belonging.  My sisters love and support me, as well as inspire me to develop into a better woman.  I could not imagine my college experience without Greek life!

Molly W.

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Major: Nursing

I love Greek life because it's a sense of community. You'll always have something in common with someone, even if you're in a different chapter.

Elaina R.

Hometown: Carbondale, Illinois

Major: Exercise Science, Pre-PT

I love Greek life because it helps you make connections that will last a lifetime, while also giving you an amazing support system that you can turn to no matter what. It gives you a place to belong, a home away from home.

To Register for Recruitment Click Here! 

Recruitment Counselor Introductions Take 3

Only 35 more days left to register for recruitment 2014!!!

With the summer nearing its end, we thoght it was time to introduce you to more women on our Recruitment Team! We hope you're getting excited for the start of the school year...it's just a few weeks away now!

Say hello to our recruitment counselors...

Sydney D.

Hometown: Poseyville, Indiana 

Major: exercise science 

I love Greek life because it has helped me grow into a better person. I have become more involved with my community and giving back to my community since joining a sorority. I have also met some of the best friends I will ever have! :) 

Abby S.

Hometown: Franklin Indiana

Major: Professional Chemistry

I love the family the Greek community gives me here at Evansville and how it can bring so many people so close together!

Dev M.

Hometown: South Bend, Indiana

Major: Anthropology and Criminal Justice

I love how Greek Life has allowed me to make great friendships with girls all across the Panhellenic community. Not only that, but it's given me the chance to form a bond deeper than friendship with my sisters. And, being the oldest in my biological family, I got something I've never had but always wanted, a big sister!



Remember sorority recruitment registration is open now! Visit our website to sign up!  

Recruitment Team Introductions Part 2

July is winding down and we're only 49 days away from the close of sorority recruitment registration!

We'd like to take a moment to introduce you to a few more women on our Recruitment team!

First let us introduce you to our Panhellenic President.  While she does not lead a small group, our President is a vital member of the Recruitment Team and our sorority community.

Kim C.

Hometown: Lawrence, KS

Major: Elementary Education with a minor in Reading

Greek life at UE provides so many opportunities to get involved not only on UE's campus but also around the community. I love that we aren't the stereotypical sororities you see in movies, we actually do so much to help others. 

And here are a few of our Recruitment Counselors...

Chrissy P.

Hometown: Plymouth, WI

Major: Archaeology

I love how I have been able to meet so many inspiring and amazing women in Greek life, no matter what letters they wear.

Shannon M.

Hometown: Johnson, Vermont

Major: Nursing 

I love how Greek life has created such a supportive and loving family for me. I have so many friendships that I know will last way more than my four years at UE. Without Greek life I would be lost. 

Maggie L.

Hometown: Troy, IL

Major: Exercise and Sports Science/Pre-Physical Therapy 

I love Greek life because it has given me such a strong support system at UE, which has helped me thrive during my first two years here. I also love that Greek Life has given me so many opportunities to get involved on campus and take on leadership roles. I never pictured myself “going Greek,” but I’m glad I did. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!​

Remember you can register for recruitment now on our website!  We can't wait to meet you in a few weeks! 

Recruitment Team 2014

We're half way through the summer and are gearing up for another great year in UE Greek Life! We're just two short months away from sorority recruitment.  So we thought we'd get you prepped by introducing some of our great Recruitment Team members!

Each year the Panhellenic Council selects upperclassman women to be YOUR guide through the recruitment process.  These women temporarily "disaffiliate" from their own organization to give you support and guidance during recruitment.  These are your Recruitment Counselors (RC).

Our recruitment team is lead by our Vice President of Recruitment, Jackie Samyn.  Get to know Jackie and a few other RC's right now! 

Jackie Samyn

Hometown: Crown Point, IN

Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice

What amazes me about Greek life here at UE is that each chapter is made up of a diverse group of women but is able to maintain a unique identity all while meshing together as one Panhellenic community.

Amanda B.

Hometown: Fishers, Indiana

Major is Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy

I love Greek life because there is a place for everyone. Everyone can find a home away from home where they will be loved, supported and challenged to be a better person.

Ashley M.

Hometown: Mokena, Illinois

Major: Psychology

I love Greek life because it provides me with laughter, philanthropic opportunities, people striving towards the same goals, fun times, and most of all a never ending support system. Greek life is an experience you can make your own, it's a gift that keeps giving.

Lauren L.

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Major: Art Education, Art and Associated Studies (Painting focus)

I really enjoy the communal aspect of Greek life at UE.  Through my involvement in the Panhellenic community I have had the privilege of becoming acquainted with a diverse group of individuals I might not have otherwise met.  These individuals have not only acted as my support system but many have become my closest friends.  My decision to "go Greek" has been the source of my fondest collegiate memories, and I am confident that it will continue to prove beneficial in my post-grad future.

Don't forget you can sign up today online, simply visit our website for more information.   And check back throughout the summer for more RC introductions!