October Recap

Homecoming, Diamond Days, and MORE!

Alexia McNeill (Pledge Class '15) and Delaney Polk (Pledge Class '16)

Alexia McNeill (Pledge Class '15) and Delaney Polk (Pledge Class '16)

One word for October: Busy! From Homecoming week to Diamond Days to Trick or Treat on Greek Street, this month has been packed with campus events, functions, and social events. Read this post to hear from our sisters about all we did over the last 5 weeks!

Homecoming Week

Endless shoutouts to Faith Williams for being the absolute perfect representative! Congratulations, we are so proud of you!

FAITH WILLIAMS, AC ‘15

Homecoming week had me filled with so many different emotions. I had all of my girls constantly giving me encouragement and love. They stayed up with me all hours of the night helping me bake cookies and paint banners. The planning process was so fun, but not as joyful as getting to hang out with all of my girls throughout the week. They had the most joyful attitudes even though none of us slept all week. They made sure I was well fed and well taken care of. They are just the best!!!! 

Although I had so much fun during campaigning, Doo-Dah, Lip Sync battle and so much more, I guess I never really expected to make it on court. When they called my name, all I could do was look into the crowd and throw up the diamond… because I knew this could not have been possible without my incredible and selfless sisters. Looking out in the crowd and seeing everyone throw the diamonds right back was such a cool moment… I just had so much pride in my sorority. WE DID THIS. Epsilon Pi executed this. They are the reason I ever even made it on court. 

After I was brought back to reality, I realized I did not have a dress to wear on the field and I certainly did not have the time to order one. However, I was SO BLESSED to have an amazing Epsilon Pi alumni, Liz Corbett, play Mama Bear for me. She blessed me with the most beautiful dress I could have ever imagined. I will never forget that act of kindness and I hope she knows how much I appreciate her. 

When they called my name on the field, I looked to my side and saw all of my girls standing on the sidelines. I ran over there and we jumped and hugged and cried and laughed. I remember thinking “this is a moment I ever want to forget” - these girls are my family. I would have never stepped out of my comfort zone and done this without their beautiful and encouraging words and actions. 

Thank you to my ADPi sisters for making this senior year the most memorable year ever. I am so grateful.

Diamond Days

Exciting days leading up to Initiation!

HAILEY STEPHENS, ANSLEY DAVIS, DANIELLE BURTON, AC ‘18

“For me Diamond Days, were so special. I grew so much closer not only with my pledge class and my sweet big, Taylor Annette, but with this sisterhood as a whole. I’m so thankful for ADPi and all of the sweet girls in it. All of my Delta sisters made this initiation process mean the world to me. Initiation into the Alpha Delta Pi is something that I will surely never forget.” - Hailey Stephens, AC ‘18

“The night before Diamond Days was honestly like the night before Christmas. I had the same butterflies because I knew that the next few days were going to be something that I would cherish forever. For me personally, these days were a little extra special. Ever since I was a little girl my mom has talked about her ADPi sisterhood and how special it was to her. I grew up meeting her sisters and even though they had been apart for quite some time, when they reunited it seemed like they had spent no time apart. She would always tell me that she could not wait for me to experience something as special as she did. And these were the days that would finally make that dream come true. I had no idea that my mom would be here to celebrate diamond days with me, but when I heard her voice it brought a tear to my eye. It really made me realize that her dream was for me to share her sisterhood with her and to be not only her daughter but her sister. I was also able to share this special time with my aunt and cousin which makes this sisterhood and diamond days so much sweeter for me.” - Ansley Davis, AC ‘18

“ I will never forgot Diamond Days. It was such a sweet and special couple of days. Listening to the letters that were written from everyone’s parents for all the girls in my pledge class was so special because we all bonded even more from all the laughing and crying we did. The amount of support and love I got from all the members of Alpha Delta Pi was so special. From the individual written letters I got from everyone in ADPi, to having my own sister initiate me this week was full of sentimental values I will never forget.” - Danielle Burton, AC ‘18

Trick or Treat on Greek Street

Shoutout to our Alumnae Relations Chair, Mary Margaret Gilbert for putting on such an awesome event!

MARY MARGARET GILBERT, ALUMNAE RELATIONS CHAIR, AC ‘17

“Halloween was always one of my favorite events as a kid. I loved going around town with my family and trick-or-treating at the different houses. Because of these memories, I was so excited to get to plan this event for the Statesboro community. I love that families and friends come dressed together from being sushi rolls to astronauts! While planning this night, I remembered the past years and wanted to continue the fun at ADPi. For this year’s event, our theme was “Blue and White Fight, Fight, Fight.” I wanted our theme to not only include ADPI, but also the whole Georgia Southern community. Our girls were dressed in everything from cheerleading uniforms to their favorite football team’s jersey. After picking the theme, I could not leave out the kids favorite part- the sweet treats!! This year we had cotton candy, popcorn, and of course lots of candy. So, I am sure most of the kids left on a sugar rush! After stopping at our “concession stand” the kids were able to get their “game faces on” with our face painting table. Once they were “painted up,” we had a photo booth to capture their best game face. During the excitement, I realized how the Statesboro community and Greek Life has the opportunity to interact with each other at such a fun event. My whole goal for this event was for kids, families, and friends to have those same memories that I remember and cherish from my own childhood.”

Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Chapter Retreat

August 25-26th, we had our annual Chapter Retreat at the Watson's in Macon, Georgia. The Watson family generously opens their home up to us, as their daughter, Haleigh, was a former Epsilon Pi member. Read this post to hear from our Membership Education Vice President, Sidney Folsom, about our weekend!

EPSILON PI CHAPTER

EPSILON PI CHAPTER

SIDNEY FOLSOM (AC '16, Membership Education Vice President )

I was so excited to have the privilege of planning chapter retreat this year with my position in ADPi. Our Chapter has a tradition of going to the Watson’s home in Macon, GA. The Watson’s Daughter, Haleigh was an ADPi here at GSU. Her family and herself eagerly await our chapter retreat each year. They host us with such a giving heart and ask for merely nothing in return. Through communicating with Haleigh, I could see ADPi’s sisterhood from a different aspect, one outside of college. Her genuine spirit and confident personality impacted my heart in such a positive way. There is nothing the Watson’s would not do for our Chapter and we are so grateful for that.

Having all my favorite girls together for a weekend is more than a blessing. It only takes a few hours outside of all the hustle and bustle of college life to regain ourselves and to see our sisterhood flourish in a different setting. From eating way too many cheese sticks, to turning a float into a slipping slide, I will forever cherish the memories made at chapter retreat. Though retreat may be a short amount of time, the amount of memories and bonds built outpaces the time constraints. There is one thing I know for sure, each of our sisters were strategically placed here by God, and He continues to prove that to me each day. At chapter retreat I saw girls’ personalities blossom and servant hearts constantly helping with anything that was needed. I love growing closer to sisters during chapter retreat and am ready for next year’s retreat already!

Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Sister Spotlight + Why ADPi #4

Emma Venable (Pledge Class '16)

Emma Venable (Pledge Class '16)

EMMA VENABLE (AC '16)

This summer, I had the opportunity to travel with a team of two professors and ten other
students, two of which are my ADPi sisters, with the Georgia Southern Biology Department to
Piora Switzerland. We got to stay at the Centro Biologia Alpina Piora in the Swiss Alps. While we
were here, we got to design and run our own research projects that looks deeper into the
arthropods and plants of the Piora Valley. For my research project, I was able to examine the
correlation between the presence of agricultural wastes and arthropods along the river that
runs through the Piora Valley. This experience has been an absolute dream! The scenery of
Switzerland is breathtaking and unreal and magical! The food is delicious! Getting to perform
research in the Alps gaining field research experience and earning credit towards my Biology
major is a once in a life opportunity I will forever be grateful to have been given. The best part
of all is that I have had two of my Alpha Delta Pi sisters here to experience this amazing country
and this once in a lifetime experience with me! That has made my time abroad in Switzerland
all the more special! We truly do live for each other, whether in the US or abroad!

I went through recruitment later in my college years. A few of my friends were already
members of sororities and they all encouraged me to go through recruitment! I wasn’t sure
Greek Life was for me at first, but after praying about it and talking with my mom about it a lot I
decided to go through. My very first house on my very first day of recruitment was Alpha Delta
Pi. I had no idea what to expect and I nervous about how this experience was going to go, but
the moment I was picked up by Anne Marie Fuller the first day of recruitment and we began to
talk and get to know each other, all of my fears and uncertainties faded away. We talked about
our hearts for mission trips, we laughed, and I felt so incredibly seen, known, and welcomed
here. The feeling I had in the ADPi house was unlike anything I had ever felt before. Through
every conversation I had with each ADPi sister I talked to, I felt more and more at home here in
this beautiful white house. At the end of each party, I found myself not wanting to leave ADPi.
These women embodied the characteristics and morals that are so important to me. The week
flew by quickly, and soon it was Preference Day. That day one of my friends from my hometown
who was already a member of ADPi, Connor Lumley, picked me up at the door. It was so special
having her Pref me and as we talked we both cried because it was so crazy how the Lord had
orchestrated the timing of me going through recruitment so perfectly. The president of Alpha
Delta Pi at the time, Hunter Dennard along with Lexi Swan who was the Formal Recruitment
and Marketing Chair came and talked with me too during the preference ceremony. When I left
ADPi that day, I knew without a shadow of a doubt I wanted to be a part of this special
sisterhood that had already left a huge mark on my heart! Opening my bid and invitation to join
Alpha Delta Pi the next morning was one of the most surreal experiences of my life! From the
very first day, this sisterhood has been such a huge blessing to me. These sisters are not for four
years, they are for life. These are the women who will be by my side for life’s biggest moments
to encourage me, to cheer me on, and to champion me through every season! I will forever be
in debt to Alpha Delta Pi for all that this sisterhood has given me, and I will forever be thankful
that these sisters saw in me two years ago the characteristics of an Alpha Delta Pi.

That's it for our fourth Sister Spotlight/Why ADPi! Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Sister Spotlight + Why ADPi #3

Ashlyn Griffin (Pledge Class '16)

Ashlyn Griffin (Pledge Class '16)

ASHLYN GRIFFIN (AC '16)

As formal recruitment week approaches, I’m starting to reflect on my personal experience of going through two years ago. Before the week started, I was beyond nervous about how it was going to play out. There were so many worries about fitting in or not finding a chapter that truly felt like home, but as the days went by I realized that each chapter has their own unique style and it’s all about getting to know one another. Everyone says you will get the feeling of being home as the week of recruitment progresses, and it sounds like an overused phrase people just tell you, but it’s the most accurate explanation of the process. If you just be 100% yourself, then everything will fall into place. Each chapter is so special and have so much to offer every single sister. I met so many amazing women through this process, and it’s an experience I will forever be grateful for. I absolutely loved every girl I talked to at ADPi each day, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be running to on bid day. 

On the first day of recruitment, I got my schedule and saw that ADPi was the last house I was going to be visiting that day. So likely, I began to panic about my makeup running, hair falling, and looking a hot mess for the chapter I was most excited to talk to. Well waiting outside of the house before the party began, it starts to rain and of course I didn’t have an umbrella. As I walk in to the chapter room with my frizzy hair and soaking wet t-shirt, I felt horrified for all these girls I’ve never met to see and talk to me because I wanted to make a lasting first impression on ADPi. As the conversations began, I quickly realized that not one of the sisters cared about my hair or my makeup, but wanted to get to know me for who I was. They truly were the most down to earth girls I had ever met, and didn’t just want to spend the time talking about surface level topics. On sisterhood day, the most genuine soul picked me up at the door, and an hour long conversation felt like five minutes. This sweet sister made me realize that a sorority is so much more than sisterhoods, socials, volunteer work, and cute Instagram pictures. It’s about the girls that are going to be there to celebrate your best days with you and carry you through your worst. I created a lifelong bond with these sisters that can never be broken. To say that ADPi has helped me become the woman I am today would be a complete understatement. Looking back, I can’t even imagine my college experience without these girls. They have taught me that true, genuine friendships become your second family and you couldn’t do life without them.

One of my very best friends is actually from my hometown, but we didn’t even become close until we were in the same pledge class and decided to be roommates our sophomore year. I couldn’t imagine what in the world I would do without her. These girls are my backbone, the ones I can go to with absolutely anything I’m stressing over,  keeping me laughing until I cry 24/7, and being my support system. I am forever in debt to this chapter for bringing me friendships and a sisterhood that I never knew existed beforehand. 

The sisterhood of ADPi is truly life changing, and it is the most rewarding experiences I have ever endured. I’ve found my lifelong besties, future bridesmaids, traveling partners, and so much more. As cliché as it sounds, Greek life is something that becomes a part of you that you never want to let go. I have made so many amazing friendships with the most compassionate girls I have ever known.

That's it for our third Sister Spotlight/Why ADPi! Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Sister Spotlight + Why ADPi #1

Ashton Curry (Pledge Class '16)

Ashton Curry (Pledge Class '16)

ASHTON CURRY (AC '16, SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR)

Thinking back to the week leading up to recruitment, I remember experiencing so many different emotions. I was so excited to decorate my dorm room, be in a new town, and meet my new roommates. At the same time, I was a nervous wreck. I spent day after day deciding what I would wear each day of recruitment. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, and believe it or not, I even contemplated not going through rush because I was so nervous. But by the end of the first day of recruitment, I was so excited and ready to take on the rest of the week. I had talked with so many girls with so much in common with me, especially in ADPi. By the second day of rush, I knew my heart was with ADPi. Each day got better and better, as I got to meet more girls in the chapter and learn what this sorority is all about. From bid day until now, Epsilon Pi has given me so much! I quickly learned that there is so much more to Alpha Delta Pi than social events and t-shirts! I’ve met so many great friends, and gotten more involved than I would have ever imagined.

This past year I decided to take on the position of Scholarship Chair. Being so busy with school, I never thought I’d be able to handle the responsibility. But holding a position has allowed me to spend more time at the house, become close with sisters that I may not have otherwise, and learn so much more about ADPi. Needless to say, it’s been such a great experience and I’ve been given the chance to pour my heart into the chapter even more. 

Looking back at myself before going through recruitment, I can see how much ADPi has allowed me to grow as a person. Never in a million years did I think a sorority would have such an impact on me. Had I made the decision to not go through recruitment, I would have never met so many new faces, and I would have missed out on all of these experiences and opportunities. Sometimes I find myself forgetting that I’ve only known these girls two years, and it seems like I’ve known them my entire life.  I know in my heart, that without the girls in this chapter, my experience so far at Georgia Southern would be totally different, and I don’t think I would have made it this far without them. I am so excited to show everyone coming through how much ADPi has given me the past two years and all of the great things this sorority has to offer! 

That's it for our first Sister Spotlight/Why ADPi! Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Sister Spotlight + Why ADPi #2

Faith Williams (Pledge Class '15) and Delaney Polk (Pledge Class '16)

Faith Williams (Pledge Class '15) and Delaney Polk (Pledge Class '16)

FAITH WILLIAMS (AC ' 15) AND DELANEY POLK (AC '16)

Going through recruitment as a sophomore, I was more nervous that I was a bit older and a transfer student. I was anxious about finding a house that truly felt like home. At Alpha Delta Pi, I found girls that truly welcomed me and supported me no matter what I was going through. My sisters are constantly embracing and encouraging me with my academics and extracurriculars. Alpha Delta Pi is what I lean on when college life gets tough. God could not have blessed me with a more loving sisterhood. 

Being able to welcome over 3,000 incoming students and their families to Georgia Southern this summer has been incredible. I love getting to share my love for Georgia Southern to every single student no matter what age they are or where they come from. My passion for this university is something that I hold near to my heart and I lobe getting to express that with help from my awesome team. 

That's it for our second Sister Spotlight/Why ADPi! Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Dear PNM (Recruitment Advice) + Welcome

Brooke Bahorich (Pledge Class '15)

Brooke Bahorich (Pledge Class '15)

Shay Healy (Pledge Class '15)

Shay Healy (Pledge Class '15)

Welcome to our blog! We are so excited to share more about our chapter with you! Follow along to see more posts from our favorite events, sister spotlights, monthly recaps and everything else Epsilon Pi!

Over the next few weeks leading up to recruitment, some of our sisters are going to share their summer experiences in addition to what made them decide to go ADPi and any advice they might have. Read below to hear what our Formal Recruitment Chair, Shay Healy, and Recruitment Marketing Vice President, Brooke Bahorich, has to share!

SHAY HEALY (AC '15, FORMAL RECRUITMENT CHAIR) AND BROOKE BAHORICH (AC '15 RECRUITMENT MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT)

Dear PNM,

It’s crazy to think that I was in your shoes just 3 years ago, it really feels like it was yesterday. Joining a sorority has brought me the best of friends and memories that have made my college experience.  I remember the feelings I had prior to recruitment. I was coming to a new school, and going a separate way from my high school friends. Although I was excited about the idea of joining a sorority, I was beyond nervous that I would either be rejected or wouldn’t find my true home.  One thing that reassured me was something an old friend told me, “sorority girls are 10x more nervous than the PNM.” After 2 years of being on the sorority side of recruitment, I can honestly say that this is true. Our main goal is to help girls find their home, and hope that they find it with us. We want girls to experience what sororities have brought to so many of us, and that’s why we work so hard to make sure recruitment is a great experience for you. After going through recruitment once, and being on the other side twice, I can promise you that this will be one of the greatest experiences of your life - even though it may feel hectic during the week.

When it comes to advice, there are a few things I have thought of for any girl going through or considering going through sorority recruitment. First, for the girls who are unsure of signing up for recruitment, go for it!  You never know unless you try, and it may end up being one of the best experiences of your life! As far as recruitment goes, my most important piece of advice for you is to just be yourself. Really be your true, genuine self. This may seem cheesy, but it is so important when going through this process.  You want to use recruitment week as a time to find the house where you feel comfortable, without any hesitation. You want to walk into a house, look around the room, and see girls you can envision being friends with for the rest of your life. Use your conversations to see who you click with, because that is where you will find your people. Take into account how you feel in each house, and if you could bear never going in that house again. Trust these feelings.  As you go through the week, girls will be saying and experiencing different things. It’s very important to stay true to yourself and what you’re feeling during this process. Don’t let a friend or roommate pull you away from the house that you see yourself fitting in best, because I promise you there is a home for everyone, and all of greek life supports one another. This is YOUR college experience, so listen to your heart and go with your true instinct!

Loyally,

Brooke Bahorich & Shay Healy

That's it for our first 'Recruitment Advice' of the summer! Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!