For junior Ashley Arledge, Alpha Zeta is more than just a social club.
Arledge, the club’s president, hopes the club will be something different for girls on campus.
“We want to be a different club,” said Arledge. “We’ve decided to call our Pledge Week ‘Declaration Week.’ We want our girls to feel empowered by saying they are declaring to the campus that they are a part of Alpha Zeta.”
The new social club was founded just today, and the idea stemmed from Arledge’s first experience with Greek Life at Lipscomb.
She knew she wanted to be a part of a social club when she began college, but finding a place that she fit in was harder than expected.
“I was looking for more out of college than an education, but to be able to experience that collegiate experience with wonderful Christian people.”
After going to the rush fair, open rushes and a few closed rushes, Arledge didn’t feel a connection to any of the social clubs.
“I knew I wanted to integrate myself into Lipscomb Campus Life, but I didn’t feel there was a place that I fit. And I think there are other girls on campus that feel the same way.”
Since that very moment, Alpha Zeta has been in the works.
Arledge first brought up the idea to Laurie Sain, Fanning’s head resident, then began working with Dean of Student Life Sam Smith and Sewell head resident Sam Parnell during the drafting of the constitution.
The founding members presented the club’s overview to the head of Greek Life and it was approved for charter.
Although forming the club was not a difficult process, the founding members still feel nervous about the campus’ reaction to the new club.
“No matter how confident we are in what we are doing, everyone wants to be accepted, and it’s always a nerve-racking experience when you are presenting something new and trying to deduce how people will perceive it.”
Because Arledge feels that God led her to the idea, she hopes the club’s main focus can be put on faith.
“I wanted everything that was associated with this club to be a reflection of God.
“It was an idea that came from God and He pushed me to work toward it.”
Not only will the sisterhood be a reflection of God but also the small details, such as the club’s motto, flower, mascot and symbol.
“I am looking forward to the whole semester and seeing what God will do in our lives. He’s been such a part of this, that I am trying to just let go and let God, I know it will be great as long as He has a hand in it.”
Although the club will not be taking pledges this semester, it will be participating in the rush process and adding to its charter class.
“We would be happy with 5 girls this semester, but 10, 15, 30 would be wonderful. We want to be open to whoever wants to be a part.”
While Arledge and the rest of the founding members are eager to gain members, they are just as excited to see God’s work at hand.
“Anything that Alpha Zeta does on campus will be for His glory, not mine.”