I had the pleasure of sitting down at Starbucks with the President of the Panhellenic Council, Alex Ator. After a super busy few days of sorority recruitment, Alex talked about what it’s like to be president and her favorite part of her position as president.
Name: Alex Ator
Year: 2017
Major: Pharmaceutical and Health Care Marketing
Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania
Activities Involved In: President of Panhellenic council, Hawk Host, Sister of Alpha Phi and APEX.
HC: How did you become President of Panhellenic?
Alex: So, I became a sister of alpha phi and then one of my sisters told me Panhel was looking for a PR chair and I had no idea what I was getting involved in. I ended up running for PR chair and got it and I ended up loving Panhel. I love that there are 5 sororities on campus and there’s one organization that brings them all together. When election time came around this year I knew I wanted to run for president and lead this great organization.
HC: What is your favorite part about being president?
Alex: I really enjoyed recruitment this year and working with Vice President of recruitment Alex Hutta and the Nu Chi’s. It allowed me to see how recruitment worked. It was fun being disaffiliated from our chapters as a Nu Chi and watching everyone move through the whole process. I also love working with all the presidents of the sororities on a weekly basis and continuing to move the Greek community in a positive direction.
HC: How did you first become involved in Greek life?
Alex: I was a freshmen when I joined Alpha Phi and I was a sophomore when I ran for PR chair.
HC: How was bid day 2016?
Alex: Bid day was so fun! The energy was so insane. It was really exciting seeing the sisters welcoming the new members to their chapters. It was also great seeing the Nu Chi’s join their chapters again. The potential new members were so excited and that was great to see. I also got to be back with my big and little in Alpha Phi.
HC: What has been your favorite experience at SJU so far?
Alex: My favorite experience was becoming Panhel president because it has been a stepping stone in my college career. It has pushed me out of my comfort soon and led me to meet many new people. I have friends in other chapters and a network of support with alumni that I otherwise would not have. It has defined my experience at SJU.
HC: What has been your favorite class at SJU?
Alex: Diversity and Inequality in the United States. It was my poli sci freshmen year seminar. It really sparked an interest in my polititcal science minor and made me want to pursue law school. It opened my eyes to what’s going on in the world.
HC: What is your favorite place to hang out on campus?
Alex: I love the Barbelin courtyard when it’s warm out but in the winter I’m always in the library.
HC: Favorite thing to order in DB?
Alex: Hawk wrap with extra cheese and extra hawk sauce. It’s a guilty pleasure.
HC: Finally, do you have any advice for girls who are pledging this semester or interested in sororities?
Alex: If you join a sorority it will give you a home away from home, shoulders to cry on and women to take pride in your accomplishments. Mostly for me being president of Panhel and being a sister of Alpha Phi has helped me discover my full potential and has led me to meet so many people. I’ve developed lifelong friendships. Also, for girls who are looking to get involved, just be yourself! Greek life and this process will help you learn about yourself and will help you become the best version of you. Getting involved helps you meet so many people in the community and it will be a great experience!
Thanks to Alex for sharing her awesome experience as Panhel’s president with us. If you see her around campus make sure to say hi!
HCXO,
Kellie