Tonight, ACU sophomores and other students will partake in the late-night procedures of Bid Night to pledge their respective social clubs.
Every fall at ACU, those with at least sophomore hours who wish to pledge a certain social club must undergo activities and events set up by the club in order to join. Bid Night is the beginning of the pledging process, which lasts five weeks. These activities are usually shrouded in mystery in order to uphold the traditions of the social clubs. Many of the social clubs have routinely practiced the same activities for many years.
“All I can tell you is that the traditions that we do go back decades,” said Cody Bowden, president of Trojans. “We don’t talk about it unless you’re a Trojan.”
Bowden, senior information systems major from Crowley, said the activities the Trojan-hopefuls will undergo are to help them bond with each other and with the current members of the club. Bowden said Trojans is a brotherhood that is focused on relationships and unity across campus and off campus.
Forty people are current members of Trojans, which will offer 52 bids this year, according to Bowden. Bowden expects about 45 to 50 people to actually follow through with pledging, saying that some drop out during the process. The new members will double the size of the club this semester.
“It’s going to be a big change, but it’s a change that we want,” Bowden said. “Quantity is not the deciding factor for us; it’s quality.”
Samantha Stien, sophomore accounting major from Georgetown, is planning on pledging Alpha Kai Omega. She recalls seeing Alpha Kai members dressed up in “funky” costumes around this time last year.
“[Rushing] is such a hectic process, you got to be yourself on steroids to make a first impression,” Stien said. “It’s kind of intimidating.”
Stien is both eager and anxious for tonight’s looming pledging events, not knowing what to expect.
“I think [tonight] is going to be crazy, and it’s going to be super tiring for sure,” Stien said. “I’m going to make sure I drink a whole pot of coffee.”
