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.
Conor: Yeah, I think last year's average was like 3.34. It's the highest Greek GPA in the country. Greek students are actually smarter than your average Penn student. So, if you want to get your grades up, join a fraternity or sorority.
What about rushing? Is that very different between the frat side and the sorority side?
Erica: They're like night and day. They're so different.
Conor: Frat rush is awesome. They're probably the best two weeks of your entire life.
Erica: Sorority rush is a pain in the butt. It is an intense two weeks. Girls are very emotional, but it ends up working out, it always does ... it's just not a chill week.
Conor: At frat rush, you eat so much good food, meet some cool guys -- it's just a generally great time.
Erica: I met some cool people ... we were just standing out in the cold for 45 minutes
Conor: All dressed in black!
Erica: [Laughs] All dressed in black and high shoes.
Conor: [Imitating sorority girl] "Hi, how are you? Oh my God, I love your outfit! I really want to be in your sorority!" [Laughs]
Is pledging very different as well?
Erica: It's actually called New Member Education.
Conor: Yeah, we do not have pledging at Penn .... I'd say fraternity pledging is more intense in terms of time commitment.
Erica: Yeah, sorority pledging is more getting to know people ... building the sisterhood between girls who you're supposed to depend on for the rest of your college experience ... as opposed to -- I don't know -- other things that might be rumored to go on.
Conor: There are also differences among different houses, but I think pledging is an integral part of being a positive member of the Greek community at Penn. Once again, stories of barnyard animals and elephant walks just aren't true.
Is being president a power trip?
Conor: Yeah, I'm still waiting for the groupies. They haven't really come to fruition. No, it's not that crazy. I've pretty much kept the same friends. It doesn't really change your life that much.
Erica: You would ditch your friends, Conor. You're not a rock star.
Conor: True, I'm not a rock star. And yeah, I don't have a girlfriend. The thing is, I like this girl but she doesn't like me. I'm not going to disclose her name, but that sucks. Unrequited love's a bitch.
Has becoming president altered your Greek community perspectives, or are you still both absolutely gung-ho about your own houses?
Erica: Of course, I'm still loyal to my house, but I used to ...
Conor: Bash on the other sororities?
Erica: I never badmouthed, but I also felt a loyalty to my house that I would get very defensive of if anyone messed with it. But I have had to detach from my house a lot more and try to accommodate the general sorority community. It's a different perspective.
Conor: Obviously I thought and still do think that my house is the greatest house on campus, but I've also noticed that each frat has a lot of cool guys in it, and I'd probably be comfortable at any fraternity in the Greek system. You kind of get closed off to the Greek system as a whole when you get absorbed in one house, but we're all wonderful ... we're all smart, beautiful and fun.
