Sorority recruitment at SUNY Cortland is just around the corner, starting on February 14th and ending on the 16th. Joining a sorority, such as Alpha Phi, is an excellent way to get involved both on campus and within the community. It’s also a chance to form lifelong friendships and open doors to countless opportunities. Being part of a sorority means you’ll always have a support system. Greek life offers great networking opportunities, and holding a leadership position within the sorority provides valuable experience that can boost your resume.
The first day of recruitment is a “meet and greet” when every sorority meets with every PNM (potential new member) for thirty minutes. On day two, you get the chapter informational where each chapter you visit will give you the rundown on each sorority, including details about philanthropy, their dues, and really everything you need to know for forty-five minutes. Day three is preference round, typically you only visit one or two sororities on this day. This day is more formal, with the longest round being an hour, where you’ll hear sisters speak and decide which room feels like home.
Alpha Phi announced our recruitment theme as “Alpha Phi is Sew in”. This theme is all about fashion-forward looks, inspired by sewing and fashion. This theme is “Vogue-esque”, trendy and chic. I spoke to Alpha Phi’s vice president of recruitment, Paige Gaudio, about how she feels about Greek life and why she took on this recruitment position.
“Alpha Phi has given me my best friends and my future bridesmaids. I strongly encourage girls to get more involved in Greek life at Cortland,” Gaudio says. “This experience has made me into a better person by being more involved. Alpha Phi stood out to me because of the dedication we have to our philanthropy Women’s Heart Health and Cardiac Care. I decided to become the VPR of Alpha Phi so I can help girls find their home here at 39 Tompkins and get involved.”
Alpha Phi’s philanthropy brings awareness to women’s heart health. Every year, all 174 Alpha Phi chapters host a Red Dress Gala to raise funds and awareness for this cause, complete with live and silent auctions. We also hold events like Phi Festival, where we have fun games and activities to raise even more for our philanthropy.
Our chapter is all about sisterhood, and we have plenty of events to bring us closer together, like spin classes, movie nights, building Phi bears, or getting permanent bracelets. We’re also committed to giving back to our community with activities like reading at the Cortland Child Center, the post-Cortaca cleanup, and the Take Back the Night march.
“Alpha Phi isn’t just a regular sorority—it’s a sisterhood built on loyalty, leadership, and love,” said Cristina Pascarella, Alpha Phi’s president. “These values truly define what it means to be an Alpha Phi. It’s not just about the fun events or philanthropy; it’s about the lifelong bonds, the opportunities for growth, and the deep sense of community we share. If you’re looking for a place where you can be surrounded by a supportive sisterhood, Alpha Phi could be the perfect fit for you!”
Within our sorority, there are also traditions such as “big little” also known as family lines. When joining the sorority and going on “dates” you become a little to a current sister typically a sophomore or junior. All the girls above your big are also in your family line giving you a “G-big”. This creates an ascending tradition of big sisters that connect alumni with current members within Alpha phi.
As you prepare for recruitment, remember that this is your opportunity to find a sisterhood that feels like home—a place where you can grow. The process may feel a little overwhelming at first, but trust that it’s all about discovering where you truly belong.