The two groups hold rush events together so prospective sisters can get a feel for both groups. Last year, about 60 girls went through rush--this year, more than 110 women attended the preliminary information session and about 80 actually rushed.

"Sororities and fraternities have increased their presence on campus,"

Theta President Lisa C. Stella '02 says. "People are more aware of them. A few years ago, not nearly as many people were interested. It shows that either our name is out more or more students are interested in Greek life."

Every rush season, Theta gives new pledges official pledge pins to wear until initiation when they get their regular pins. This year, with 22 new members, Theta has completely run out of pledge pins, which are reused year to year, and has to borrow some from the MIT chapter.

Rushing To Join

Grill, who joined AEPi last spring, says the idea of a Jewish fraternity appealed to him as a new social outlet.

"I was against the party scene here," Grill says. "Final clubs were closed to freshman guys, and I thought [AEPi] would lead to opportunities for more open parties."

Sororities similarly provide an alternative to the dominating presence of final clubs, says Thayer S. Christodoulo '04, a new Theta pledge.