Yes, you read the flyer correctly-they call themselves a women’s fraternity.

Delta Gamma Fraternity will join the Saint Louis University Greek system next fall as the fifth sorority on campus.

“When DG was founded back in 1873, a fraternity referred to people of like mind,” explained Vicki Nixon, vice president of development on the national council. “A majority of the oldest women’s groups are called fraternities.”

For all intents and purposes, though, the group is a sorority, Nixon said.

In an order to lower the size of sororities on campus, the University opened the campus up to an expansion of a new sorority.

According to Nixon, DG chose SLU for its academic reputation, alumnae support in the area and a strong Greek system.

Nixon thinks SLU chose DG because of its strong emphasis on philanthropy and service, which fit well with the University mission. DG’s main philanthropy is working with the visually impaired.

The Sigma Kappa sorority recently joined SLU in the fall of 1999. Nixon thinks that the proximity of DG’s colonizing to the Sigma Kappa colonizing is beneficial.

“The Greek community is very aware of how this process works,” she said. “Also, the students understand it better.”

During Fall Rush, Delta Gamma will bring an expansion team of fraternity representatives to coordinate the recruitment period. They will also bring in collegiate chapters from around the area.

“We’re going to try to recruit as many quality women as possible,” Nixon said.

The women’s fraternity will be recruiting students of all class ranks. Nixon encourages juniors and seniors to join, since they often feel it is too late to pledge an established sorority.

“By joining, you can be a part of a brand new chapter. You’ll make history and can make it what you want it to be,” Nixon said.

“Being part of a new colony is a very unique opportunity to shape the future of a sorority,” Nixon said.

During Rush, a group of current SLU sorority members will assist the visiting Delta Gammas.

Abby Kozeliski, a Sigma Kappa, will be leading the SLU expansion team.

“We’re going to be the eyes, ears and hands during Rush,” Kozeliski said.

She chose to help with the expansion because of her experience as a founding sister of Sigma Kappa.

“It’s important for a Sigma Kappa to do because they know how special it is to be founding sisters,” she said.

For the first year of colonization, two traveling consultants from Delta Gamma nationals will be in the area assisting the new chapter.

Three weeks after Rush, Delta Gamma will elect officers, thus allowing immediate leadership opportunities for any girl.

Delta Gamma Fraternity is located on 140 college campuses in the United States and Canada, with over 180,000 members throughout its history.

Local chapters include Washington University and University of Missouri-Columbia.

An informational session will occur tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Argentum Room of the BMC.