The Alpha Delta Pi sorority is returning to Ole Miss’ campus this fall and will participate in fall rush. Nestled among a variety of tables in front of the Union this month, Jessica Johnson and Logan Sparks from Alpha Delta Pi Sorority prepare to begin the recolonization efforts of the organization’s Delta Sigma Chapter this fall.
“Panhellenic has not been open for expansion in a while at Ole Miss,” leadership consultant Johnson said of the opportunity to re-charter the university’s chapter. “We are very excited to be here.”
The Delta Sigma Chapter has been dormant since 1995.
Recruitment will take place this fall, and it will focus on introducing interested women to Alpha Delta Pi on a one-on-one basis.
“We will be participating in the first two rounds of formal recruitment,” Johnson said. “We will have a tent outside the Union for water parties, and (we) will ask the Gamma Chis to tell PNMs (potential new members) to visit ADPi on their breaks.”
“We will also be participating in the first day of philanthropy rounds, October 1,” Johnson said. “We will be doing a presentation style round, rather than 80 women entering a house and being recruited by another woman. We will host women from other ADPi chapters around helping us out.”
Alpha Delta Pi has elected to host the remainder of their recruitment events following the completion of formal recruitment.
“We will not participate in skit or preference, but we will be letting potential new members know that if they do not find their home in formal recruitment to keep ADPi in mind and that they will have the opportunity to sign up for our recruitment process throughout that week,” Johnson said.
Colony recruitment will begin Oct. 7 at Blue and White Night at the Inn at Ole Miss with an informational session aimed at introducing potential new members to the sorority as an organization.
Philanthropy presentations will be held on Oct. 9 at the Inn at Ole Miss.
Throughout the week of Oct. 7-11, potential new members will be interviewed, with a bid day celebration to be held at the end of the week on Oct. 13 in the Grove.
Sparks says she is ready to begin the process, and is thankful for the support already shown by existing Greek organizations on campus.
“We could not have asked for better support,” Sparks said. “Other fraternities and sororities have been very supportive and appreciative of our efforts to establish a new chapter on campus, and have offered to do whatever they can to help us.
“We feel it’s a very good time to be back at Ole Miss.”
Coulter Ward, assistant dean of students, is excited to see the recolonization efforts of Alpha Delta Pi.
“I am excited about the addition of ADPi to our Panhellenic community,” Ward said. “It is going to help in so many ways. We cannot help but be happy to have another solid group and another potential home for a great number of quality women this year and in the future.”
Jen Dickinson, growth and development director for Alpha Delta Pi nationally, said that the organization has been “overwhelmed by support.”
More than 100 alumnae and supporters attended an organizational luncheon held earlier this year, confirming their interest in the success of recolonization efforts.
“The alumnae of the Delta Sigma Chapter have remained connected and engaged and stay involved in the university and ADPi,” Dickinson said. “Our entire organization echoes their excitement.”
Dickinson stated that colonization will take place throughout this fall and that the chapter will be installed in February.
