Established 1916

Search ogb.wfu.edu

 

 

 

 

 

MP3s ponding, Busch abounding, parties are on
By Dana Zelig
Contributing Reviewer

Sept. 7 marked the beginning of the official Greek party scene. You could call it the opening ceremonies of the chug, dance and hook-up Olympics.

I’m talking about Fall Pledge Night 2002, when fraternities opened their lounges and their coolers to celebrate their new pledges and show the new freshmen a thing or two about weekends. This year several changes went into effect that drastically altered the status quo of our evening activities. Due to an unfortunate "misunderstanding" involving farm animals, the signature heart, skull and crossbones of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity were missing from the Quad, much to the dismay of partygoers.

"We are definitely mourning the loss of Sig Ep," sophomore Jill Bader said.

The newest addition to the Quad is Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, which has taken over the former Kappa Alpha fraternity tower in Davis. The Pikas, previously housed in Luter, are making their first appearance on the Quad in seven years. "Being on the Quad for us is awesome," junior Ben Worley said. "We got a great amount of freshmen at our party. It is nice to be included in the loop." The fraternity, known for its Wednesday night get-togethers and fire-truck tailgating, is looking to become a stronger presence on campus.

Another welcome change is the extension of party hours from 1:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. For all you freshman readers who wonder what antiquated establishment would force its fraternities to close its doors at 1:30 on a weekend … look around you and be thankful that you can finally stay out later than Papa John’s delivery is open. Score another point for the on-campus cult of fitness.

I personally didn’t make it past 1:30, and I hear I’m not alone, but those who do remember their early morning hours assure me that later is definitely better. From upperclassmen who experienced the 2:30 extension for the first time there was widespread support. Sophomore Emily Childs said, "I think it’s nice to be working with the students keeping parties open later because it keeps students from having to go off campus. It’s much safer to have everything within walking distance."

Freshman Matt Ulan agreed that the new policy is a "good idea, because most people are tired at the end of the night and there is no urge for kids to go elsewhere to get wasted." Who said anything about getting wasted?

Unfortunately, because no good deed goes unpunished, the groups who battled for extended evening hours are now forced to deal with increased security and police pressure, from an administration that used to respect our need to "unwind" at the end of the week.

Senior Jason Hessberg, the Sigma Nu fraternity social chair said they "paid a huge price for the later parties." Of the increase in cops and party monitors he said, "It was a debacle." He felt that "the intentions were good, but it is curtailing social life to the point where it will prevent people from coming."

Nevertheless, there was a large turnout, including many freshmen.

Finally, I wanted to get the freshman perspective, since it was their first night of on campus parties. I remember mine fondly. Emotions were mixed.

Freshman Anne Brothers of Babcock thought it was cool to have everything on the Quad because "if a party sucks you can just walk to another one," but added, "It’s weird to be going to parties right near where your classes are." She was clearly not impressed by the crowded lounges, however, and took her business off-campus.

Many seemed surprised at the security measures of signing in and wearing wristbands and at the proximity of patrolling police officers. Freshman Bryant Schlichting said, "The fraternities were very welcoming," but thought it was ridiculous to have to wait in line.

Freshman Andy Lobashevsky was more enthusiastic. "We generally had a really great time. Everyone was pumped," he said.

Freshman Ross Evans, a Bostwick resident, was less impressed with the scene. "None of them have anything original," he said. "There is no unique element. The parties are just drinking and loud music; there needs to be something cool."

But there is usually something for everyone, from frat parties to off campus entertainment. I personally broke my blender twice and went out to witness the university spirit in a group of first-year students. In the end, Pledge Night proved once again that even the best students can only hide their true natures until Friday night.