[NutBrnHair]

Since Nut had attended 3 parties Invitational Round and a rushee could only attend 2 parties Pref Round, a decision would have to be made. Nut clearly liked the Rubies best, but which other group’s party should she attend? Her OA was a Sapphire…but…the Pearls had a better campus reputation. Hmmm. Well, it ended up not being a very difficult decision since Nut received only 2 invitations!!! She accepted pref invites to both Ruby and Sapphire.

Attire for preference round was “formal.” Almost all rushees wore floor length dresses. Nut chose her Junior/Senior prom dress – a white dotted Swiss with muti-colored raised flowers. She wore lime green wedge sandals that matched the green accents in the dress.

Rubies party was first. The first portion of the party took place in 2 lovely rooms at the Topia Alumni House. Each rushee’s name was called out by a Sister of Ruby. All of the Rubies were wearing floor-length white dresses and their sorority badge. The food was elegant. Susan called Nut’s name and after they received a plate of food, went to a couple of folding chairs in the corner. The room was full of extra chairs to accommodate the large group. After initial chit chat, Susan began telling Nut about the wonderful experience of being a Ruby. She told Nut to look around the room and see the other rushees who would quite possibly make up the Ruby pledge class. Nut noticed one rushee who looked sooooo old – was she forty? Hmmm. At an appointed time – all of the Rubies left the room to prepare for the ceremony. The rushees were asked not to speak as they left the Alumni house and walked towards the chapel for the ceremony. The path to the chapel was lined with Rubies, all holding a lit candle in silence. Once inside the chapel, the officers were standing in front with their white gowns and long white gloves. Each rushee was seated in the large semi-circle of chairs. The other members of the chapter stood behind all of the chairs. The officers each had a speaking part. There was singing and humming and when it was over, each rushee was given a flower with a poem on a card, tied with ribbons in the sorority colors. The chapter members filed out, leaving just the officers to sing the last song. The rushees left and again went through a line of Rubies with candles – this time they were singing. The rushees were asked to gather at the foot of the steps to the art building. The members assembled on the steps for one last song. This one was full of 3 part harmony – it was beautiful. Then…after a brief moment of silence…the sorority CHEER!