By Karli Banas
Walking around campus alone and seeing everyone in groups smiling and laughing can be an intimidating experience. Making friends in college isn’t always easy, but getting involved on campus can help. Stevenson has three sororities on campus that are an option for young women looking to get involved.
Phi Sigma Sigma has been at Stevenson for over 20 years, and their values are philanthropy and sisterhood and their motto is “aim high.” Their philanthropy cause is school and college readiness, and they partner with Owings Mills Elementary School to raise money for the school and volunteer with the kids.
Recruitment Chair Shannon O’Hara feels that Phi Sig allowed her to find her place on campus.
“Freshman year I felt really out of place, I really wanted to go home, and I did not want to be here at all,” O’Hara explained, describing her experience on campus before joining Phi Sig. “Now I’m doing things on campus. I feel Phi Sig has empowered me to take on leadership positions in other organizations, I’m an RA, an ambassador, and captain of the color guard.”
Anyone interested in joining Phi Sig, can reach out to [email protected] or @phisig_stevenson on Instagram. Coffee Dates are available to meet with a Phi Sig member and ask any questions about the sorority. Updates on recruitment events will be posted on Instagram and Bid Day will be taking place on Oct. 2.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is a black sorority that began in 1908 and their motto is “by culture and by merit.” AKA is made up of socially and politically aware individuals and is home to many trailblazers like Vice President Kamala Harris.
Fourth-year student Kendall Battle, who is a legacy of AKA, feels the community is the best part of being in AKA.
“Being at a predominantly white institution, it is nice having a group of fellow black women who support each other,” Battle explained. She feels joining AKA has been a source of personal growth.
“AKA has helped me to become a better woman in college. The sisterhood and community service has become an outlet that I needed.”
Students interested in AKA can keep an eye out for posters announcing events and follow the Instagram @tautheta_aka for updates. More information on AKA itself is available at aka1908.com.
Phi Mu is the second oldest sorority, and their values are love, honor, and truth. Their motto is “the faithful sisters.” Phi Mu is dedicated to making sure that hazing doesn’t take place in any chapter across the country. Phi Mu is a relatively new sorority at Stevenson, with its first members joining right before COVID-19 began in 2020.
Recruitment Chair Alex Pinetta is one of Phi Mu’s founding members and feels Phi Mu helped her to adjust to being on campus.
“I was very uninvolved back in high school, but my involvement in the Phi Mu executive board has made me more comfortable taking on leadership roles,” Pinetta said. “I’m an introvert, but now it’s easier for me to talk to new people and make connections.”
As part of recruitment, Phi Mu will host a Tote Bag Paint Event today (Thursday) from 5-7:30 p.m. and a Bake Sale on Sept. 28 with proceeds going to the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
Coffee Dates are also available for those who can’t attend the events but are interested in joining. Bid Day will take place on Oct. 2, and more information on Phi Mu can be found on Instagram @stevensonphimu.
