Phi Mu, Kent State’s newest sorority, welcomed 160 women to join its new chapter Thursday.

After a round of interviews earlier in the week, the possible new members were asked to pick up envelopes today accepting or regretting to inform them of their status in Phi Mu.

Jessica Winkles, the extension director in charge of setting up the chapter at Kent State, is the only media representative able to speak to the press, as Phi Mu has strict national rules about representation in the media.

“We offered 160 bids today, and we conducted nearly 400 interviews. We had everyone sign up on our recruitment registration, which is on Facebook,” Winkles said. “Everyone was asked to complete a profile and then sign up for a personal interview with us and then come to at least one of our recruitment parties.”

New members picked up their sorority jerseys and had their group photo taken in Risman Plaza. Out of the 160 women, all classes were represented in the new chapter. Winkles said the sorority accepted approximately 80 freshmen, 30 sophomores, 30 juniors and 10 seniors.

“It is a great opportunity for upperclassmen, and so we were definitely looking for women of all age classifications,” Winkles said.

Sorority leaders will be chosen in two weeks through an additional application process.

Phi Mu members have the ability to determine fundraising events the chapter will be known for.

“One of the great opportunities of being a founding member is the opportunity for them to kind of help create those events, so that’s something that all of our members will have the opportunity to take part in planning,” Winkles said.

Members of other Panhellenic organizations at Kent State gave encouragement to members of the new sorority.

Erika Addington, sophomore special education major, is a member of Alpha Xi Delta and was participating in the Phi Mu celebration.

“It’s exciting to see a bunch of new girls get that are happy to find their new home,” Addington said. “I think everything will go well for them because all the other sororities are excited to have them here and get involved in their events as they start having them.”

Members of the Greek community seem to be in consensus that the new chapter on campus is beneficial to the community as a whole.

Kelsea Freeman, junior fashion merchandising major, was another Alpha Xi Delta participant in Phi Mu’s bid day festivity.

“We’re happy to have 160 new girls. New Greek members, that’s awesome,” Freeman said. “We just had bid day and we were so excited, and now we get to watch it all over again.”

Contact Rachel Purget at [email protected].