By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
While campus life at FHSU moves into the early stages of the spring semester, Greek Life organizations are already looking ahead to a busy, engaging semester. From leadership transitions to recruitment efforts, philanthropy initiatives and social programming, fraternities and sororities are preparing to welcome new members and continue building their communities in the months ahead.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is entering the spring semester with a newly elected executive team and a clear focus on growth, service, and connection. Before winter break, the fraternity completed officer elections and leadership transitions, forming a 10-member officer team that includes positions such as president, programming, finance, membership development, recruitment, communications, SLC, chaplain, housing manager and historian.
One of the chapter’s first major events of the semester will be spring rush week, which takes place this week. Vice Presidents of Recruitment Dylan Leach and Taylor Ayers are leading the effort, emphasizing the importance of recruiting men who align with the fraternity’s values and are interested in personal development.
“We’re recruiting men who want to grow as balanced men,” Leach said. “Those who connect with our chapter and can benefit from SigEp and its tools for life in the future.”
Students interested in joining Sigma Phi Epsilon have several ways to get involved, including messaging the chapter’s Instagram page, completing an online interest form, speaking with a member wearing letters or visiting the chapter house. In addition to formal rush week, the fraternity also offers year-round recruitment opportunities.
“Filling out a potential new member interest form, talking to someone wearing our letters and contacting the vice presidents of recruitment are the best ways to get involved,” Ayers said.
Philanthropy also plays a major role in Sigma Phi Epsilon’s spring plans. Vice President of Finance Tony Arial oversees the chapter’s financial health, including dues and rent, while helping coordinate fundraising efforts for the fraternity’s national philanthropy, Big Brothers Big Sisters. During the spring semester, the chapter hosts SigEp Safari, a week-long philanthropy event featuring competitive and social activities.
“Our national philanthropy is Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Arial said. “Last year we raised $800, and we plan to raise $1,000 in 2026.”
SigEp Safari is scheduled for February 23-27 and includes initiatives such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake, all aimed at supporting mentorship opportunities for children.
On the social side, Vice President of Programming Thomas Pentergast is organizing a variety of events with other Greek Life organizations. These range from casual gatherings, such as a Super Bowl watch party, to more intentional programming designed to foster meaningful connections and conversations among members of different chapters.
Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma) sorority is also beginning a new term under newly elected leadership. The chapter’s executive board is led by President Shayli Shoemaker, alongside Vice President of Chapter Finance Madison Wood, Vice President of Harm Reduction Shylar Whiting and Vice President of New Member Education Emma Wille.
Shoemaker oversees the chapter’s daily operations and leads the officer team, while also managing recruitment, communications and marketing. In addition to her role as president, she serves as the director of chapter growth, organizing recruitment opportunities and Continuous Open Bidding (COB) events throughout the semester.
“I lead the officer team while managing the day-to-day running of the chapter,” Shoemaker said. “I also oversee our recruitment process and handle chapter communications and marketing.”
Tri Sigma plans to host at least one COB recruitment event per month, allowing interested students to meet members and learn more about the sorority’s sisterhood.
“I am planning for us to host at least one recruitment event per month through Continuous Open Bidding so girls can get to know Tri Sigma and our sisterhood,” Shoemaker said.
Students interested in Tri Sigma can connect with the sorority on Instagram or by speaking with members wearing Tri Sigma letters around campus.
Philanthropy remains a central focus for the chapter, which supports four national causes: March of Dimes, Sigma Serves Children, the Robbie Page Memorial Fund and the Tri Sigma Foundation. Shoemaker highlighted the importance of each organization and the chapter’s dedication to service.
“Sigma Serves Children raises money for play therapy grants in children’s hospitals, allowing greater accessibility to resources,” Shoemaker said. “The Robbie Page Memorial Fund supports polio research projects, while the March of Dimes helps raise money to end preventable maternal health risks, preterm births and infant deaths. The Tri Sigma Foundation provides resources to support leadership development, scholarships and philanthropic initiatives within Tri Sigma.”
Although specific philanthropy events for the spring semester have not yet been finalized, the chapter typically hosts at least two events each term. In past semesters, Tri Sigma has organized fundraisers such as Popsicles for Preemies, benefiting the March of Dimes.
Alongside these organizations, Sigma Alpha is also preparing for the upcoming semester with a newly installed officer board. The all-women leadership team includes President Ava Skinner, Vice President Brooklyn Lee, Second Vice President Ansley Carlson, Secretary Trinity Albers and Treasurer Grace Pfifer.
As president, Skinner oversees chapter operations, coordinates meetings and ensures the organization follows national bylaws and regulations. She also emphasizes collaboration within Greek Life and planning Sigma Alpha’s pillar events.
“I am responsible for communicating organizational information, collaborating with other Greek Life members, and ensuring our chapter follows national bylaws and regulations,” Skinner said.
Sigma Alpha’s philanthropy focuses on agriculture and community involvement, with a strong emphasis on agricultural education. The organization works to share agricultural knowledge with the broader community, particularly in classroom settings.
“We focus on learning new things about agriculture and sharing the information and knowledge we have with the community,” Skinner said. “Our goal is to inspire future generations by educating them about agriculture while giving back and helping our community grow and thrive.”
Female students interested in joining Sigma Alpha or learning more about the organization can reach out via email at signalphafhsu@gmail.com, follow the chapter on Instagram, or connect on Facebook.
These Greek Life organizations are setting the tone for an active semester filled with leadership, service, recruitment and community building, offering students multiple opportunities to get involved and make lasting connections.