For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, female-identifying Luther students interested in the “sisterhood” of Greek Life will have a choice other than being in the only sorority on campus or not being involved.
Alpha Beta Psi (ΑΒΨ) returned to campus this year after a five-year hiatus because it, along with other Luther Greek life groups that used to exist, ceased operations before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Alpha Beta Psi Co-President Quinn Lohse (‘25), a lack of passionate leadership and overall interest led to Greek Life being “stomped out” when Luther went virtual in 2020, with Tau Delta Gamma (ΤΔΓ) being the only sorority that survived. Fast-forward to Spring 2023, where Lohse and Co-President Courtney Landgrebe (‘25) were excited by the idea of Greek life but felt like there weren’t enough choices for Luther’s student body.
“We knew that there had only been one sorority on campus at the time and we knew that this had not always been the case at Luther, so if we wanted to grow Greek life on our campus, we knew the first thing we had to do was start a new sorority,” Landgrebe said. “Then, maybe that could motivate and inspire people to start other sororities or even fraternities, which we already see happening right now in the short amount of time we’ve been around.”
Alpha Beta Psi existed previously as an approved student organization with a constitution, a Luther email, a cabinet in the Student Organization Suite, traditions, alumni connections going back to the 1950s and an untouched amount of funding. All of the resources were there for Lohse and Landgrebe to bring Alpha Beta Psi back to life; the sorority was officially back this fall.
“I was talking to my good friend and when she was a freshman [at Luther], there were many other Greek organizations, so when she was rushing she had three to choose from,” Lohse said. “I thought, ‘Man, I wish I had that option, that would’ve been really cool. Then, this fall, [Courtney and I] just did it. Lots of nights in the [Student Activities Committee] office calling contacts, FaceBook Messenger group chats with alumni, the whole nine yards.”
Lohse used to be a member of Tau Delta Gamma’s executive board, but chose to leave the sorority because she felt expanding Greek Life was necessary for its overall success.
“I saw that there was an untapped space that could benefit a lot of people and if you want something done, you better just do it yourself,” Lohse said.
Αlpha Beta Psi and Tau Delta Gamma now form the Inter-Greek Council to communicate about events and support each other. The Council is advised by Assistant Director of Student Activities/Coordinator of Rec Services, Olivia Helland (‘22). According to Helland, the council allows both Alpha Beta Psi and Tau Delta Gamma a space to discuss events and highlight accomplishments. Helland also sees the council as a way to bring more Greek Life to students.
“I am hopeful of this Council’s success, as we are slowly starting to see Greek Life return to Luther’s campus,” Helland said. “Keep your eyes out, there may be a Frat or two coming your way soon!”
Representatives from Tau Delta Gamma were contacted for comment on Alpha Beta Psi and the Inter-Greek Council, but chose to decline.
October is “Pledge Month,” or the month when sororities facilitate recruitment and attempt to grow their presence on campus. This is where the current executive members of Αlpha Beta Psi intend to sway from tradition slightly in order to create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, without any of the typical large university sorority “rushing” requirements that could be seen as hazing or harassment.
“We do want to keep a lot of the traditions the same, but because we are restarting it we have a lot of say in what we want to keep and what we want to change moving forward in order to fit the group of women we are and want to be. We want it to be more ‘lowkey,’” Landgrebe explained.
ΑΒΨ tabled October 2 and 3 to gain interest in their sorority and promote their “Informational Fall Tea” that occurred from 5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4. For fundraising during homecoming, the group is selling t-shirts that read “RIP Scoe’s” and hosting an alumni bash on October 7 at Convergence Ciderworks. After homecoming, the pledge month commences, which involves activities to connect new members with current ones, “Moms and Minis,” in order to build community. Finally, all of the sorority’s new members will be “activated” on October 27.
Landgrebe and Lohse say that the biggest goal for the newly unearthed sorority is to cultivate a diverse group of female-identifying students, helping them to create lasting, meaningful relationships with those around them.
“Everyone here is desperate for community, and providing that safe space is what we want to do,” Lohse said. “If you’re an underclassman, there will be an upperclassman holding your hand through this group, and vice versa. We are all in this together.”
