miss state panhel, bursting at seams, invites πβφ to colonize

The National Panhellenic Council at Missisissipi State University is officially welcoming Pi Beta Phi to campus as the first sorority to accede in almost two decades. While tradition has its place, the existing six sororities were averaging over 170 sisters apiece, well over the 150 cap that many sororities view as an upper practicable limit. The PHC invited six sororities to bid for the open slot, from which they selected three finalists—Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Delta Pi and Pi Beta Phi—who were each asked to make a personal pitch. The finalists realized well that Mississippi State was a highly motivated buyer, explained the associate director of greek life: they came "to sell us on why they should be the one we choose," but "it goes both ways . . . because we were trying to sell ourselves as well."

Pi Beta Phi admits it "stepped up its campaign" once selected as a finalist. As part of their winning package, their new sisters will be given preferential on-campus housing together, and the sorority will be granted one of three empty lots along frat row on which to build their house. The national has committed to investing "millions of dollars" to construct the property, as well as on efforts to settle into their new home at Mississippi State; they will also be tasking two full-time staff to work on-campus for the rest of the term. Pi Beta Phi already has 67 pledges, and is still recruiting.

Miss State Reflector