Hundreds of sorority sisters celebrated the pledging of nearly 100 new members Sunday during Bid Day. After crossing the Cooper Street center bridge, newly pledged sisters descended the stairs into a cheering crowd of active members and alumni who welcomed them into their chapters with hugs and congratulations.

On the bridge, business sophomore Lauren Craig shared her excitement for her acceptance into Delta Zeta sorority. Craig said in the week before Bid Day, she grew to love her sisters and was thrilled to pledge.

The previous week, called Rush Week, involved orientation and recruitment events where prospective recruits mingled and made acquaintance with active members of the sororities Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Zeta Tau Alpha and Delta Delta Delta.

Lena El Fakir, education sophomore and new Alpha Chi Omega member, explained Rush Week is a complicated process and a time when women can find their fit.

“It’s an honor to be a part of a group of girls that have such high morals and great standards,” El Fakir said.

From the pledging ceremony, the Greek mass its way down Greek Row, waving posters and balloons, blowing whistles, shouting sorority calls and raising hand signs.

“If you’re not into Greek Life, it’s a lot to take in,” Delta Zeta alumna Marie Robles said.

Vini Saysana, biology major and Delta Zeta member, said the Bid Day experience is part of forming a sisterhood and establishing lifelong friendships. She said being in a sorority was like having a home away from home.