In regard to “Rush Week,” the Sacramento State Greek community made a special effort to recruit new members Monday and Tuesday in the University Union Redroom. The two-day event that involved 11 fraternities, was used as a segue for recruiting. “Our goal is to get people to recognized the Greek system,” said Micah Hayhurst, vice president of the Interfraternity Counsel. “We also want people to realize what goes on behind the campus scenes other than going to class. The campus life is about meeting people and making connections that will help you in the working world?It makes life just that much easier.”

The IFC is a governing body for each of the 11 fraternities connected to the campus. The organization position is to “sell the Greek system” in a positive way, Hayhurst said.

“When we hold rush week (an attempt to recruit new members) it’s to let students choose what Greek fraternity they want to go with,” Hayhurst said.

The Greek system is known for its philanthropic thrust, teamwork, and leadership. Another goal of the Greeks is to make Sac State less of a commuter campus by increasing its membership and, as a result, creating an increase in revenue.

The money earned from new membership will be put towards social events and used for charitable purposes, which also help people see the communal side of Sac State, Hayhurst said.

“A common argument I hear for not rushing is ‘I just don’t want to pay people to be my friends,'” said Hayhurst, a member of Kappa Sigma. “To that argument I say ‘you’re not paying for friends, you’re paying for the special events that make college life so memorable.'”

“The first two days have turned out to be more successful than past ‘Rush Weeks,'” Hayhurst said.

“Based on last semester, we have tripled recruiting,” he said. “In my eyes, it was very successful.”

Hayhurst has plans of expanding IFC’s agenda in the future. An all “Greek Formal” is in the works to honor fraternities for its good deeds.

“It will be like the Grammy’s,” Hayhurst said. “It will recognize fraternities for fund raising, academics, etc.”

The benefits accrued from joining a fraternity are many and it can change a person’s attitude of fraternities tremendously, Hayhurst said.

“This is my passion,” Hayhurst said of his involvement with Kappa Sigma and the Greek environment. “I’ve put in a lot of time and effort to make this work.”