Alpha Gamma Delta Welcomes 285 New Members at the University of South Carolina

On Sunday, September 30, 285 women were welcomed to Alpha Gamma Delta sisterhood at University of South Carolina in Columbia, marking the largest colonization effort in Alpha Gamma Delta's history.

Throughout the colonization effort, Alpha Gamma Delta hosted several recruitment events: six infosessions, an open house during Parents Weekend, four days of interviews and five invitational events. The selection of 285 women brings Alpha Gamma Delta to a chapter size comparable to the other Greek groups on campus.

"The women I met during the colonization process repeatedly mentioned their desire to help others and to be dedicated to their studies. These women are leaders and scholars and will be the foundation of a great chapter for years to come," said Liz Harriss York, International Vice President-Extension. "I am so thankful for all of the efforts of our volunteers and staff members that worked together to make this a proud, historical moment for Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity."

Focusing on the Fraternity's brand message, Live with Purpose, Alpha Gamma Delta used a values-based selection criterion that aligned with the Alpha Gamma Delta Purpose to ensure that the values of all new members paralleled the values and mission of the Fraternity. Campus public relation efforts directed students to a custom website for the South Carolina colony—goalphagam.com. A Facebook Fan Page, Twitter page and Twitter hashtag (#goalphagam) were also used to promote the organization. Members of the Greek community demonstrated their support as well; students wore tank tops, sunglasses, buttons and other merchandise that promoted Alpha Gamma Delta on campus.

"The Alpha Gamma Delta colonization at the University of South Carolina truly showed Greek unity at its finest. Everywhere you looked on our campus, you saw at least a little bit of Alpha Gamma Delta mixed in with the garnet and black [of South Carolina]," said Katie Spell, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of South Carolina. "I see a lot of possibility with the group of women who now make up the founding class of Alpha Gamma Delta at the University of South Carolina. There is great diversity in their Carolina experiences—from first year students who are looking to make a mark, all the way to seniors who have already served the university in major leadership roles. My hope is that this group of women will raise the already high bar for what it means to be a sorority woman at South Carolina and rejuvenate our entire community with their excitement."