Rush Week begins for social clubs on campus

By Caleb Brown, Assistant News Editor

Rush Week for the sisterhood social clubs for the 2019 Spring semester officially began February 18-21.

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The purpose Social Clubs of Oklahoma Baptist University serve are to break away from traditional fraternities and sororities without losing the Greek lifestyle they embody.

“Our Greek-culture is very Christ-focused,” sophomore psychology major and Theta member Rachael Von Dollen said. “We have a higher moral standard,” she said. “Bonds and friendships, however, are as strong as ones made at other colleges’ Greek social clubs.”

The social clubs connect students who live on or off campus and struggle making friends.

“I’m an introvert,” Von Dollen said. “When I looked at the social clubs, I thought I could make new friends through it. They made a big impression on me during Rush Week, and I really enjoy hanging out with my Theta sisters.”

The social clubs are also known for hosting events all around campus.

“I appreciate how much the clubs do collaboratively with one another,” assistant dean of students Mellissa Stroud said. “They are not completely insular or self-serving,” she said. “They are often providing great events for the student body as an act of service and this speaks to the heart of how these clubs are designed.”

The club’s distinction has allowed some of them to last for historic periods, with many new clubs hoping to continue in their footsteps.

“Throughout the past 30+ years, social clubs have played an important role in many of the traditions at OBU,” Stroud said. “They continue to be instrumental in the success of Student Life at OBU. Social Clubs exist to fulfill in part the mission statement of Oklahoma Baptist University.”

The Rushing Social Clubs are Pi Sigma Phi, Kappa Phi Beta and Theta Sigma Chi. Many of the events they host can be seen on the OBU website.

“I hope to continue working with our current student leadership to discover ways to enhance and grow clubs, both in numbers and in depth,” Stroud said. “Our faculty and sponsors play a huge role in the direction and strength of the clubs, and so if change is going to happen in a positive way, then it will be the collaboration of all parties involved.”