Hey PNMs! Missouri State’s Panhellenic recruitment is finally here and I bet you’re beginning to wonder, “What do I wear?” Luckily we are here to help you out with our quick guide on “What to Wear for Recruitment”:

1. Thursday & Friday (Day 1A & 1B) – On Day 1, you will be provided a shirt that you will wear both Thursday and Friday evening. (Typically this is a cute and casual Panhellenic t-shirt!) As far as bottoms go, you are free to wear whatever you want. Many PNMs choose to wear cute jeans, shorts, or a casual skirt on bottom, but the choice is really up to you! This is a great way to show off your personality as you make your first impression. For shoes, sandals or sneakers are recommended since you will be doing a lot of walking. But again, any shoes are fine – wear whatever you feel the most confident in!
   • For more outfit ideas on Day 1, check out the Missouri State Panhellenic Pinterest page by clicking here: https://www.pinterest.com/mostatefsl/outfit-ideas-for-day-12/
2. Saturday (Day 2) – Day 2 is a little bit more dressy, however you are still provided with a shirt to wear. Bottoms for Day 2 follow the same guidelines as Day 1 – jeans, shorts, or skirts are all fine! On this day many PNMs choose to wear dressier sandals or wedges to dress up their outfit, but again the choice is up to you. Just like Day 1, keep in mind that you will want to wear comfortable shoes!
   • For more outfit ideas on Day 2, check out the Missouri State Panhellenic Pinterest page by clicking here: https://www.pinterest.com/mostatefsl/outfit-ideas-for-day-12/
3. Sunday (Pref Day) – Preference Day is the most formal day of them all. Most PNMs wear a formal dress, but dress pants or a skirt with a blouse is totally fine as well! On Preference Day, heels are common. But just like the other days you will be walking across campus, so if you prefer to wear flats or sandals that is fine too. We want you to feel confident, so show off your personality and wear something that you feel comfortable in!
   • For more outfit ideas on Day 3, check out the Missouri State Panhellenic Pinterest page by clicking here: https://www.pinterest.com/mostatefsl/outfits-ideas-for-day-3/

OTHER TIPS:

• Comfort is key! You will hear this time and time again, but really-people are not kidding when they say to dress comfortable. It will be hot and you will be doing a lot of walking. It doesn’t matter how cute your shoes are, nothing is worse than walking around with blistered feet all day!

• What really matters is YOU! Although this is a guide on what to wear for recruitment, at the end of the day your outfit choice does not really matter. We want to help PNMs dress to feel their most comfortable and confident self! We want to get to know who YOU are, not who designed your shoes.

• Your PiChi is a great resource! If ever have any questions about outfits, or anything else recruitment related, ask your PiChi. They are here to help you find your home, and will do whatever it takes to make that the best experience! (Even if that means taping your sandal together if it breaks during a party…). But really, your PiChis rock so if you need some more outfit inspo send them a text!

We can’t wait to meet you all! Good luck with recruitment!
-Alpha Delta Pi

Katelynn Taylor Fall ’18

I cannot believe it has been a year since I went through recruitment. Over that week, I met so many of my closest friends and got to run home to ADPi. While so much good came from joining a sorority (like the fact that it helped me to get over my homesickness), that week was not all perfect. I was nervous and completely overthinking everything (If you know me than you know overthinking is what I am best at). I was worried I would not connect with any of the girls and that I just would not fit in. I did not know what to wear or what to talk about. Being nervous is completely normal, but maybe these tips will help ease the nerves a little.

1. Brag on yourself: So many people are so humble about all of the great things they have done. While being humble is a great quality to have, all the sororities want to hear about how amazing you are. Do not leave anything out! We want to hear about all your sports accomplishments, your hobbies, your volunteer work. We want to hear about your church, or the instrument that you played.
2. Be your BEST self: Think of it like an interview (kinda). You want to look your best. Wear what makes you comfortable and feeling confident. I love dangly earrings, so I made sure to wear a different, fun pair each day. If that isn’t your style try something else out. Be yourself and the world will love you!!! That is cheesy, but I have learned it is very much the truth.
3. Take good notes about each sorority: Going through so many houses in the same day can get confusing. Make sure you take notes about each to make sure to keep them all straight. I recommend typing out a few sentences about each house in your phone notes.
4. Do what makes you happy: Over the course of the week, you will hear all kinds of comments from other girls. People will be talking about which houses they prefer. While it is nice to have someone to talk to about the houses, you need to go with your gut. Do what feels right. Pick the house you want and not what your friend wants.
5. Listen to your PiChis: The PiChis are amazing women and were handpicked to help you. Ask them anything and everything. They truly want what is best for you and want to talk to you about your decisions. My PiChis were amazing and eased my anxiety so much. They are the perfect example of an FSL woman and the FSL community as a whole.
6. Have Fun: This is a stressful time. The days are long and the decisions are hard. Don’t let the stress get to you. Instead, talk to the girls around you. Have fun conversations and start friendships. One of the girls that stood next to me in line ended up being one of my best friends. You never know, this could happen to you too.

I ran home to Alpha Delta Pi in the Fall of 2017 for the genuine friendships, leadership opportunities, and love for the sisterhood. The end of recruitment opened the doors for exciting new adventures in Springfield. As Bid Day came to an end, I was eager to build friendships with my sisters and explore the best parts of Springfield. Here is my list of the top 5 best places in Springfield to go with my sisters!

Number 1: The World’s Largest Fork

Sayyyyyy what?! Springfield is home to the world’s largest fork? It’s true and it’s impressive. This is my favorite hidden gem of Springfield. Tucked behind commercial buildings is 11 tons of metal rising from the ground in the shape of a fork. My closest sisters always know taking a drive to this giant fork will cheer me up on my toughest days and make my greatest days even better. So, grab a sister and experience all the beauty that the World’s Largest Fork has to offer.

Number 2: Cold Stone Creamery

I know that Cold Stone Creamery is found just about every where, but somehow it is so much better when shared with a sister. On Tuesday nights from 6-9 p.m. with a valid college I.D., you can buy your ice cream and treat a sister to some for free! And as college kids, we all love a good deal. You’ll see me here next Tuesday!

Number 3: Coffee Shops

There are so many coffee shops to choose from in Springfield! My personal favorite is Architect Coffee Co. located off Republic Road. Whether you are catching up with a sister or studying with the girls, a coffee shop is the perfect spot to get off campus and see different parts of Springfield. If you’re looking for coffee recommendations, try a latte with macadamia nut milk! 😉

Number 4: Springfield Conservation Nature Center

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is one of my favorite destinations to go to on a sunny day with sisters! There are many nature trails to pick from. It is a great way to get outside and get active after a day of classes. Springfield is considered the Gateway to the Great Outdoors, so take a sister and experience the beauty that the Ozarks have to offer!

Number 5: Farmers Market

As Saturday morning rolls around, I am always eager to tag along with my sisters to go to the Farmers Market! As a college student, I try my best to eat healthy (and delicious!) foods. There is no better place than the farmers market to grab some fresh food for the week! And of course it is always fun to look cute with sisters and take pictures along the way!

I hope you enjoyed this list of the top 5 best places to go to with sisters in Springfield! The best part about ADPi is that there is always a sister who will explore new places with you. Get out there and explore! After a while, Springfield and Alpha Delta Pi will feel like home.

The week before, you might hear “ADPi is this”. The day of, you might hear “ADPi is that”. In the days leading up to recruitment you might wonder all kinds of things about just who or what ADPi is. First of all, we are collegiate women with a passion for scholarship, service, sisterhood, and self. But we are also so much more. 

ADPi is… the little things that make you smile; like Kelsey Smith and seeing her literally 3 times a day in the most random spots on campus, Hailey Mann and the Monday night walks to chapter, or even Jayci Williams and Alli Bair who will loan you the cutest outfits for formals.

ADPi is… unconditional support; like Demi Plank, Emily Fuhrig, and Sydney Hand coming to the house in the middle of the week to help finish a banner. Its Julia DeBeir who steps in when she sees you stressing about Greek Week. And it’s also Mom B ready to give you a hug because she knows you just need it that day. 

ADPi is… my inner circle of friends that have been with me through everything, but it is also the girls in my pledge class that I hope to get to know better. The fall 16’s and 17’s that have a lot going on in their lives but still make the effort to show up for their sisters. Its Vincent (house chef), Adee Pi (our house dog), and even the giant stuffed lion in the basement named Alphie (of course).

ADPi is so many things to so many people. From the dance parties in the bathroom that turn the Pi Palace into a block party to the all night long roomie dates in the study, there are truly memories in every corner.

It’s all of you, fall 19, that I can’t wait to love on. We live for each other, and we’ll live for you too.

As I graduated from high school, I was ready for a new beginning at Missouri State. Ya know, Bear Up! So, I decided to participate in Formal Recruitment. I was a little unsure, but had nothing to lose, but everything to gain. It was the best decision I made, because of these 3 things…

• SISTERHOOD: “You will meet your life long friends in college.” Wow, no pressure! I am sure I am not alone when I say how nervous I was that I wouldn’t meet those life long friends or I would be lonely while sitting in my dorm room. That is where ADPi came in and truly gave me my life long friends. Over the past two years, I have amazing friends who laugh with me in the good times, encourage me when I am down, and cry with me in some of the hardest times of my life. It is so easy to say you are there for someone, but actually being there for someone is different. These girls are more than friends, they are sisters. I lost my great grandma this spring and she was truly my inspiration. When I got the news she had passed my little and best friends dropped what they were doing (studying for finals week) and stayed with me the whole night letting me cry and remember the good times. Wait, did I mention that I wasn’t at the house and they found me literally within minutes to comfort me? This is why I can say the friends I have made, truly live for me and I live for them.

• A HOME AWAY FROM HOME: You know you are home when your phone automatically connects to the wifi and Mom B has the fridge full of cookie dough. This place is best known as Pi Palace. There is truly no place like home. Mom B is each and every girls biggest supporter and is the best listener. Because of Mom B’s many life lessons (my favorites are etiquette dinners and world travel stories), she makes us all better. Also, if you are having a down day just walk into the kitchen and there will always be a friendly face. If you are struggling with a class, I bet a sister can help. Pi Palace gave me a place I feel comfortable to be me every single day. Whether that be wearing no makeup or getting ready for a formal there is always a sister to tell you, you are looking your best. Pi Palace, you are my home away from home and I will always love you.

• CONFIDENCE: On day 2 of recruitment a very special ADPi told me, “I want to take your leadership ceiling and make it your floor.” That one sentence is where my “Why I ADPi” journey began. After running home to that same ADPi on bid day, she continued to pour into me and mentor me. I watched her confidently lead our University as the then Student Body Vice President. I have looked up to her and many other members who lead different organizations boldly, while building the confidence of younger members. ADPi was the first organization I have been a part of that empowers all of its members to be confident leaders and to go after what they are passionate about. It was a breath of fresh air and a new energy of women empowering women.

My sisters would know I could talk about this forever, so I will spare you the time and end it with just my favorite 3 things: sisterhood, my home away from home, and confidence. So, thank you forever, I love you ADPi.

Get to know Our Philanthropy

All About Ronald McDonald House Charities

“Helping a sick child fight their illness takes a big enough emotional toll on a family. Adding a financial strain can make it all almost too much to bear. RMHC can help address those problems, whether they involve housing that’s near a hospitalized child, the expense of staying together in another city, or even getting basic medical and dental care in a vulnerable community. RMHC has local Chapters in more than 64 countries and regions with:

• 367 Ronald McDonald Houses
• 250 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms
• 50 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles
• Grants to non-profit organizations that also focus on the needs of children
• Chapters around the world creating country-specific programs” (rmhc.org)

Since 1974, RMHC has helped countless numbers of families. It is hard to even think about having a loved one suffer with little power to do anything about it. Imagine having that loved one require a surgery/operation that is only offered hundreds or thousands of miles away from your house. This is where RMHC steps in to not only provide food and shelter, but also emotional support for families facing tragedies similar to this. RMHC allows families to focus on improving the health of their loved one rather than all of the outside stress factors. The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation truly prides themselves when naming Ronald McDonald House charities their national philanthropy. In fact a major milestone was just reached! Since 1979, The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation has raised $15,188,044!!! RMHC relies on donations and volunteers to keep their doors open and to continue helping families all over the world. Information about Ronald McDonald House Charities and their families can be found on their website! (Link Below)

https://www.rmhc.org/what-we-do

Gamma Mu Gives Back

Local Houses

Being a member of Alpha Delta Pi- Gamma Mu chapter, comes with the incredible opportunity of being able to work closely with our philanthropy. Ronald McDonald House Charities has not one, but TWO locations in the Springfield area! There is the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids and the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South. That is a huge deal! Not only do our sisters help raise money for RMHC through ADPi events, but Gamma Mu also has girls volunteer at these locations weekly. The girls complete tasks such as cooking and cleaning, but most importantly, they provide an emotional support system to the families living in these facilities that is priceless.

ADPi loves RMHC

Our chapter hosts many events throughout the year to help raise money and collect items that’ll benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. In fact, we host three annual events that helped us raise $20,299.71 and 1,621 items for RMHC! Our first event of the year was Pi-Hop. This event is super fun and had the entire chapter flipping pancakes together. The next event the chapter hosted, was Share-A-Heart. For this event, our sisters collected donations for RMHC. The names of each person that donated were written on paper hearts that were later used to decorate the staircase in our chapter house. Not only did Share-A-Heart raise so much money for RMHC, it created a great philanthropic tribute in the house for everyone to see! Finally, the chapter hosted ADPi Kind of Guy. This event was unique because not only did it raise money for RMHC, but it also united the FSL community. For this event, we invite one member from each fraternity to represent their chapter to be crowned as the ADPi Kind of guy. There are many parts to this event. ADPi Kind of Guy starts with a Pie a Guy event in which money is raised by people throwing pies in the contestants’ faces. The more pies the contestant gets thrown at him, the more points he earns. Next, there is a Pasta With the Pi’s dinner. The fraternity with the highest attendance at the dinner gets the most points for their contestant. Finally, it’s pageant night! I personally love this event, because there is so much work that goes into making ADPi Kind of Guy run smoothly, but at the end of the day, we all get to come together and laugh at the boys with their hilarious pageant talents. Points from all three events plus points from ongoing and social media competition/donation drive add up to help us crown our ADPi Kind of Guy for the year. This year (2018-2019), Theta Chi’s candidate won the title!

How do we make all of these events possible? It is not an easy task, but we have a great position called the Philanthropy chair. She has her work cut out for her and does an amazing job. Not only does she plan these annual events, she also adds different events to shake things up and keep the chapter excited about helping local organizations. This year, she planned a fantastic ADPi & Sig Ep Cares Week. We paired with our local Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter to discuss sexual assault/consent and raise money for The Rebound Foundation. My favorite thing part about our philanthropy chair is that she genuinely cares about theses families. She uses her connections to help set up weekly volunteers from our own chapter and schedule tours of the houses for anyone that wants to dig a little deeper into our philanthropy. Every chapter meeting is concluded with a reading of excerpts written by real families helped by Ronald McDonald House Charities. Such an inspiring position filled with a lot of love!

Quotes From Our Sisters

“The Ronald McDonald House has a special place in my heart. I started volunteering there on a regular basis at the beginning of my sophomore year. They call it the house built on love, and through my experiences, I can’t think of a better way to describe it. I love walking in every week and being greeted by huge smiles from all of the workers and people staying in the house. It is amazing to see exactly how the money we raise impacts the families that are in need of the Ronald McDonald House’s help. I love being at ADPi events and being able to share stories and experiences with my other ADPi sisters that also volunteer there!” -Sister, Danielle Wintermute

“I have been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House at Cox South for about a year now, and I have enjoyed every month! Having the opportunity to help with daily chores, chat with families, organize around the house, and clean rooms really gives me an insight into what a wonderful organization the Ronald McDonald House truly is. Volunteers are so important to the Ronald McDonald House, and it always makes me feel great when I help out in any way I can. Volunteering there has always impacted me in such a positive way, and I can’t imagine my semester without that weekly visit!” -Sister, Olivia Conner

“Volunteering for Cox South Ronald McDonald House in Springfield was so much fun! Although most of my visits were spent cleaning rooms and preparing them for new families we helped out in other ways too. One of my favorite times volunteering there was when Gabby, Molly, Jennifer, and I worked in the backyard picking up the playground. I loved getting to see where the kids played and had genuine fun. After volunteering with RMHC for most of second semester, it was easy to see just how important the house was to the Springfield community. Next semester I look forward to joining them as a full time volunteer!” -Sister, Cami Forret

“I have absolutely loved spending time at Ronald McDonald to help fulfill its mission as a home away from home for many diverse families. The staff is incredible and so welcoming. It’s an incredible way to spend time with your sisters while supporting a cause that ADPi holds so near and dear.” -Sister, Lauren Stevens

By: Emily Fuhrig

Make Connections

Going through recruitment, I was overwhelmed with many different emotions. I was a bag of nerves constantly worrying about if my outfit was stylish enough, my hair cute enough, and most of all if everyone liked me. What seemed like the longest couple days of “trusting the process” (you’ll hear that phrase A LOT), led me to one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I went ADPi!

When I ran home on Bid day, I just assumed that I would be running home to all of my new best friends that would be in my wedding some day. Although they were all on the lawn that day, it took me a while to find them. I started as an Alpha (membership status before initiation) with about two really close friends. Now, I have an amazing group of girls that I get to call my best friends (pictured above). From bid day to now, I can confidently say that by stepping outside of my comfort zone, I found my life-long gal pals. My advice to you, you may feel weird about reaching out to other girls in your chapter, but I promise that everyone else is wanting to make friendships just as much as you.

Aside from finding great friendships in Alpha Delta Pi, you will also create deep connections with your advisors. In the Gamma Mu chapter, we are so lucky to have the team of advisors that we do. I work under the Recruitment & Marketing Advisor (I’ll talk about my position later). Not only are these women fun to be around, they also have various connections that can help you later on with your careers. I highly reccommend getting to know them!

Getting Involved

Since middle school I’ve had teachers hounding me to “get involved” saying that I “won’t regret it.” I am here to say that they were right (don’t tell them that). As a freshman in college I wanted to settle in a little bit before I acquired a position within my chapter. I attended all of the meetings and events, but it wasn’t until I took a position that I really appreciated all that went into those meetings and events.

I am the Public Relations chair for the Recruitment and Marketing team. Through this position, I have worked closely with people that I never even had a conversation with before. I get to put my creativity to work when planning gifts and events for the chapter. I get to speak during meetings and watch everyone get excited about what I have to say. The best part… I’m an accounting major…SURPRISE. That’s right, possibly one of the most “boring” careers (to some people). What I’m saying is that, no matter what your career is, you have the freedom to explore different opportunities within ADPi for fun.

As the Public Relations chair, one of the many events I got to plan was ADPi day at the Bears basketball game. The girls and the the basketball coaches/ team absolutely loved it! This event was an absolute blast to plan. Check out the cute video we made! https://twitter.com/mostateadpi/status/1098671487609958400

Another way to get involved is through intramural sports teams. ADPi sponsors many teams such as soccer, sand volleyball, flag football, and basketball. It’s also a great way for the girls that played sports in high school (or didn’t), girls that want to stay in shape, or honestly anyone that wants to have some fun! Although I didn’t join a team, I wish I had. I watched so many girls build friendships on the field/court. I may not have been on the field, but I was always there to watch and support my girls. In fact, our soccer team were the champions of their league WHOOT WHOOT!!

If you REALLY REALLY REALLY want to get involved, make sure you go to as many events as possible! ADPi is unique in the fact that we have so many sisterhood events, philanthropy events, and formals! These are all great ways to meet girls in your chapter and have a blast. I’ll just let the pictures do the talking here.

Have Fun

The absolute MOST IMPORTANT part to making sure your ADPi experience is the best that it can be is to make sure that you are having fun. There is no exact plan that you have to follow. No one can tell you exactly how to make friends, or exactly how to act. For me, I absolutely wouldn’t change anything about my experience as a member of Alpha Delta Pi- Gamma Mu for anything!

Gabi Pacino, Fall ’17

Mom B Living in the Alpha Delta Pi house you will feel surrounded by love from all directions. It starts on move-in day when you walk in, get your keys, and meet one of the most caring and amazing women you will ever encounter, your house mother Mom B. She will be there every day, making sure you feel safe, loved, and above all FED (especially during midterms and finals). You will see her smiling face every single morning and every single night and in no time she truly will be your second mother in your ‘home away from home’. You’ll put her phone number in your favorites for when you forget your house key and need to be let in. When she does let you in and you apologize for waking her up at 3am, she’ll grin and say you can always call her, no matter what. As the year flies by you’ll take her caring gestures (and amazing dating advice) for granted because it will become so normal. When you turn your keys in at the end of the year to her, you’ll feel shocked in holding back tears while saying goodbye to a woman you only got to live with for nine short months. You will see her around when you come back to the adpi house and she’ll give you a hug, and you’ll and wish you could spend one more night in the Pi Palace.

Room 101 and 102 101 became so much more than three wooden numbers hanging on my door. It was a safe haven that housed the best roommates I could have asked for. There are too many laughs behind that door than I could ever count and when there were tears (whether it be because of BMS 308 or a boy that hurt one of us) there were girls literally sleeping above and to the left of you (and not to mention our neighbors in 102) who would drop absolutely anything to be there for you, time and time again. Sophomore year is arguably the hardest for everyone emotionally. I can promise the hardships it will bring you become a lot easier when you have 50 girls under the same roof ready to offer a shoulder to cry on. When you move into your apartment Junior year like I just did it won’t feel the same, and you’ll and wish you could spend one more night in the Pi Palace.

The Study The study in the adpi house is home to some of my best and worst (thanks again BMS 308) memories as a sophomore. Inevitably you will have to pull an all-nighter this year and you’ll gravitate towards the study every time you do. It’s home to comfortable couches that you’ll catch a 30 minute nap on at 5am, free printing (you will realize how convenient and amazing this is, trust me), and lots of taco bell bags in the trash can from late night study food runs. You’ll come home from class and open the door to see your friends sprawled out across the room complaining about assignments and tests and of course you’ll join in. Mom B will pop in at least twice a night to ask if you girls need any study snacks (told you, she always makes sure you’re fed). After your last all-nighter in the Spring you’ll close your books and head out for your last final before summer break. You’ll realize next year your nights will be spent in the library (either freezing cold or dripping in sweat – there is no in between in Club Meyer), and you’ll wish you could spend one more night in the Pi Palace.

The Bathroom I know, it’s weird that a bathroom can hold such importance but bear with me. You will have countless dance parties in here while you get ready for bid day, formals, Homecoming, and Greek Week (and yes, Mom B will join you when she hears the music). Glitter will cover the floor, showers, sinks, and even the walls somehow. You’ll occasionally steal your roommates shampoo while she’s not there because Target is just too far of a drive and Springfield traffic is the worst. Every night and every morning you’ll brush your teeth and laugh with your neighbor down the hall that you hadn’t even talked to last year. You’ll probably have to drag your roommate (Amanda, you know this is about you) into the bathroom and make her wash her hair because it’s been three days. You will get used to the luxuries of the perfect makeup lighting it provides and how much space you have to get ready. In August, you’ll unpack your three drawers you strategically picked out next to your roommates on move-in day, realizing next year your bathroom won’t be big enough for dance parties, and you’ll and wish you could spend one more night in the Pi Palace.