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This Issue 02/26/2004

Also in this issue

• Guides
• Don't block me
• Spear-mint
• That's gofra, not gopher

Everyone talks smack about Conor O'Callaghan and Erica Shmerler, the presidents of Penn's Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils. Now Conor and Erica talk back about what really goes down in Greek life at Penn.

How did you both rise to the top of Greek life at Penn?

Erica: Freshman year, I ended up joining SDT. I did our house's exec. board, because I'm the type of person who likes to be in charge. I don't know -- I like being in the know. I don't like to just sit back and watch things happen, so I ended being a Panhel delegate for my house, which is how I got involved in Panhel. I thought it would be a cool experience, so ... I went for it! And here I am.

Conor: When I came to Penn, I didn't intend to join a fraternity, but I guess I was kind of the poster boy for why we do rush. I went with a couple of friends to get some free food, hang out with some of the guys .... I still wasn't necessarily sold, but I went back for a few more events, and I just really felt comfortable with the guys at Phi Kappa Sigma. So I joined up, and it's been a great experience ever since.

Are there any significant perks to your jobs? Should we all get on line to be the next IFC and Panhel presidents?

Erica: Last week, I actually met with Dr. Rodin. I don't know ... that was kind of fun.

Conor: I too had the privilege of going to Dr. Gutmann's welcoming lunch. That was awesome; she seems like a great lady, and I'm excited about working with her. She's also a lot shorter in person.

Erica: Yeah, and a lot blonder. On the cover of the DP today she looked very blonde.

Conor: She is very cool, though. It was quite an action-packed affair. We had Governor Rendell there, we had John Huntsman and Allen Hassenfeld. It was basically like I was sitting between a bunch of buildings.

Can you both recount your most exciting Greek-related experiences? Anything scandalous?

Conor: Most of my exciting memories come from the study hours, for sure. I wish all the stories were true about keg stands and ice luges everywhere -- but the reality is that we're not that cool.

Erica: I'm ashamed I don't have more juicy stories to tell.

So none of the rumors are true? What about sorority/fraternity stereotypes?

Erica: I mean, no rumors come out of nowhere -- they're all based on some truth. They're exaggerated forms of what really exists. I don't think any stereotypes can be perfectly attributed to any house. Everyone is different in the houses -- so far as individuals -- but the stereotypes do exist for reasons.

Conor: And there's beautiful girls in all the sororities.

Erica: [Laughs] Obviously, no denying it. None of the negative stereotypes are true.

Conor: Yeah, but all the good ones are.

Erica: Last semester's grades were so high.