Amidst cheers, chanting and uncontrollable excitement, potential new members were welcomed into Greek life at one of the University of Arkansas' oldest traditions: Bid Day for the National Panhellenic Conference.

Ten sororities held Bid Day on Saturday, Aug. 22, at which potential new members became official sorority sisters. The 10 sororities — Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi and Zeta Tau Alpha — took in 1,451 new members collectively.

Current sorority members dressed up in their colors and letters to cheer on their new members and celebrate Greek pride in the Chi Omega Greek Theater.

The entire event was broadcast live by UATV and the production company Avad3, so family and alumni could participate in the celebration from afar.

Bid Day is the culmination of a week of recruitment for the Greek life system and the potential new members.

"At the beginning of the week, each woman participating in recruitment visits every sorority," said Alexandra Chunn, panhellenic president at the U of A. "As the week goes on, chapters and women make their selections, and this narrows down where the potential new members will call home. They are having conversations with women, learning about their philanthropy and sisterhood and trying to determine whether they could see themselves there."

During recruitment, the potential new members meet their Gamma Chi's, or their recruitment counselors. Student leaders from every sorority across campus make up the Gamma Chi's. The student leaders are not allowed to unveil their sorority identity until Bid Day.

"The Gamma Chi is arguably the most vital role during recruitment," Chunn said. "The potential new members rely on these women to guide them through the process, give advice and counsel them through the week. Gamma Chi's are these women's tour guides, shoulder to cry on, confidant, comedic relief and over all support system."

To do their job effectively, Gamma Chi's disaffiliate with their chapters during finals week in the spring. Chunn said it is important for the Gamma Chi to provide a solid sounding board for the potential members.

"This means no contact with the sorority, wearing their letters and having a 'Go Greek' attitude. Potential new members need to feel comfortable expressing themselves to their Gamma Chi's and disaffiliating makes sure the potential new members feel safe in their decision and not influenced," Chunn said.

Before the Bid Day ceremony, the potential new members are given envelopes holding their bid letters. They are only allowed to open these letters during the ceremony.

The suspense is palpable, but when the potential new members open their bids and become official sorority members, their excitement explodes.

"Bid day is electric!" Chunn said. "After a long and stressful week, potential new members are so excited to open their bid card, and the sororities can hardly wait to welcome them to their sisterhood! There are tears of joy, screams, smiles and full hearts all around."

Bid Day is not just exciting for the sororities and their recruits, but it's also a day for friends, family and alumni.

Kaley Wren, a Zeta Tau Alpha alumna, said she was having flashbacks to her own Bid Day experience.

"I just got the chills. This is so emotional," Wren said. "The whole day is really just about feeling part of the sisterhood. You start to realize your place in your sorority."

Jo O'Mara has three grandsons and two granddaughters already participating in Greek life across the South, so she was thrilled to be there on Bid Day to celebrate her granddaughter's bid.

"We're very proud of her, and of course so excited," O'Mara said. "As a parent or grandparent, you're just so proud of them and their commitment. I'm excited for the sisterhood she's entering into."

Having just discovered her bid, Maisie Bay, a Pi Beta Phi sister, said she was nervous throughout the day. Now though, she can barely contain her excitement.

"I thought I was going to get it, but you just never know," Bay said. "I'm just so happy. I'm so overwhelmed with happiness. This has been an amazing week and such an amazing day."

Chunn said Bid Day is one event the new members, alumni and family will never forget.

"Bid day was one of the best days of my collegiate career," Chunn said. "My heart was so full when I realized that I had a home and a huge support system for the next four years and throughout my life as an alumna. There are hardly words to express the kind of love you are shown that day. It's indescribable."