Despite a delayed start, sororities at Washington State U. ended a successful week of recruitment Sunday by welcoming about 500 new members.

Panhellenic Council President Elizabeth Boss said they began last week with 615 women for enrollment, and placed about 500 into sororities on Sunday. The initial enrollment numbers approach the high standard set last year, when 650 women signed up to join sororities.

“It felt very successful,” Boss said. “We’re very happy with the turnout despite the minor recession.” She said the numbers are surprising despite lower overall enrollment at the university.

After placements were made in the Panhellenic Ceremony, potential new members participated in the Bid Day Brunch and received their invitation to join individual chapters.

“It was a great event for sorority women,” Boss said.

Residence advisors also attended the event and provided support for the new members.

Boss said the schedule of events was delayed by a day compared to last year’s schedule, pushing recruitment back to Tuesday and the Bid Day Brunch to Sunday.

Senior architecture major Marisa Hagney said the late Bid Day Brunch gave students less time to relax before school started.

Boss said sororities are now individually in charge of the new members, who will be initiated over the next few months. She said the sororities are expected to uphold the values of scholarship, leadership, sisterhood and philanthropy.

Hagney said the week went smoothly despite some drawbacks and was a great way for potential new members to get to know each other.

“People weren’t necessarily defined by their letters but by their community,” she said.

She also attributed this year’s success to different chapter heads for their recruitment efforts.

“They did a really good job this year,” she said. “I’m really proud of all the sororities.” Kelley Joyner, a freshman communication major, said she rushed to find a home away from home with the Greek community.

“When you’re far away from home, you need a strong support system,” she said.

Amber McKee, a freshman athletic training major, said she is hoping to build relationships by going Greek.

“You make so many connections and friends in your house and in the community,” she said.