262 social clubs mixing it up Social clubs were primarily built on the traditions set by founding club members years ago. These traditions included club songs and hymns, a motto for the men and women of the social club to stand by, a club verse or even a club salute. But during the month of September, most clubs were preparing for the club process that was beginning and planning the traditional mixers that their club was known for. These mixers were a way for the club to showcase their values and heritage to potential members. From Pi Theta Phi’s Black and White Mixer to Alpha Tau Epsilon’s “Office Space” Mixer, the themes varied as much as the clubs. Some clubs required people to dress up and compete for the best costume. Others were more simple and focused on learning about prospective members through conversation. The traditional mixers often stood out the most in students’ minds. “One of our traditional mixers is our Pajamarama and cookie dough mixer,” senior Delta Gamma Rho member Katie Copeland said. “If it isn’t a favorite for our club, then it is one that everyone looks forward to, probably just because you get to hang out with a bunch of girls in your pajamas and eat cookie dough. This mixer has become a tradition for our club and continues to be a mixer that people have come to know as a usual for our club to do.” Traditional mixers allowed the old members to look back and remember their own experiences, as well as to meet people that were just as interested in sharing those experiences. “[Members] are able to reflect on that same mixer and remember what they once went through during the [induction] process,” senior Marci Blackshear, Pi Theta Phi member, said. These mixers were often viewed as just as important, if not more so, to the members. If mixers were no longer a part of the recruiting process, many members would be upset. The traditional mixers were particularly special because each one defined the club’s personality. “[The mixer] ties into our number one rule ‘Always, Always act like a Lady,’ and an elegant night makes everyone feel like a lady,” junior Tori Dobbs, a Ju Go Ju member, said of The Black Mixer. Some clubs made their mixers more formal and dressy, while others simply dressed in their club colors or were more laid-back. “The Orange Crush Mixer is important because that’s something we’re known for,” senior Whitney Norris said of the Shantih mixer. “We’re known for our ‘Orange Crushes’ during club week, so it gives us a way to incorporate it into our mixers.” Senior Garrett Sheumaker, president of Alpha Tau Epsilon, said the club’s third-round Toga Mixer was one of their traditional mixers. Held in the Administration Auditorium, the mixer allowed current and prospective members to dress up in togas and drink root beer, and it was very popular among members. “It’s the best mixer to be able to sit down and just really get to know new members,” Sheumaker said. Club members viewed the mixers as a success because they brought the old members together and provided a bond that each could be proud of while bridging the gap between old and new members. Farron Martin making friends at traditional activities
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