The sorority system at TROY grew a little larger with the welcoming of charter members to Alpha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ), TROY’s newest Greek organization.

According to Barbara Patterson, director of involvement and leadership, the sorority added around 95 new members during its Sept. 16 bid day event.

“The addition of Alpha Omicron Pi adds another sisterhood to our campus and adds many wonderful leadership opportunities,” Patterson said. “These two items alone will add great value to the overall experience our students will have.”

Patterson said ΑΟΠ impressed university officials and Panhellenic during the process of choosing which sorority would be added to TROY.

“The University and Panhellenic was very impressed with the commitment the international organization has to the growth of a new chapter,” Patterson said. “For example, the first two years the sorority will be on campus, two professional women will be on campus to help them develop the chapter.  This type of commitment is outstanding.

“The most important experience they will get will be sisterhood, the most important benefit of a sorority experience.  Beyond that they will certainly take great pride in being part of the development of a new sisterhood.”

Sydney Taylor, a senior multimedia journalism major from Orange Beach, said that there were a multitude of things that drew her to ΑΟΠ.

“As a senior, I just kind of thought, it’s now or never,” Taylor said. “It’s definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made in college.”

Taylor said being able to serve was also a draw.

“ΑΟΠ’s philanthropy is the Arthritis Foundation, and the work they do for the foundation is incredible,” Taylor said. “The ability to serve this foundation with my new sisters was the most appealing thing to me.”

The members who received bids will become the charter members of the fraternity.

“Chartering a new chapter is a really special experience,” Taylor said. “My sisters and I have the ability to create traditions and shape what ΑΟΠ is at Troy University. We have the opportunity to meet and work with the most incredible people and I’m so excited to see what is in store for our chapter.”

Anna Laura Kirchharr, a junior English major from Uriah, said she chose to go through recruitment to “build lasting connections and relationships with women who share the same goals and values as I do.”

“When first approached by the representatives of ΑΟΠ, I was hesitant to sign up for recruitment due to my already busy schedule, but the more I learned about the sorority, the more I felt like I belonged,” Kirchharr said. “ΑΟΠ believes in striving to meet the best interests of the college in which each chapter is installed. I love serving Troy and I felt like joining ΑΟΠ was another way I could serve my university.”

Kirchharr, who is the organization’s homecoming representative, said she has enjoyed the experience so far.

“We are deciding our chapter name, planning our committees and getting ready for homecoming,” Kirchharr said. “I have met so many inspirational young women and I’m excited for the future of this sorority on Troy’s campus.”

Kirchharr said she would like to see herself in a leadership position next year.

“I’d like to serve my sisters in return for all of the love and support they have shown me already,” Kirchharr said.