Tap Night sparks campus wide celebration

Lee University’s campus comes alive as Greek Life celebrates Tap Night, making each new semester a time of anticipation and community. 

Tap Night is an exciting event where students mark new beginnings, as members of Greek Life “tap” new brothers and sisters into their communities.

This year’s Tap Night highlights current, auxiliary, and alumni members gathering together to honor those being tapped for the first time.

Tap Night is commemorated in the Deacon Jones Dining Hall where the energy and pure excitement of new members is hard to contain.

Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

“Not only are you joining a community of current members at Lee, but a community of hundreds of other men and women who have been in your same shoes,” said Ryan Harris, member of Upsilon Xi, discussing the meaning behind Tap Night.

Members of Phi Chi Gamma. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

Members of Delta Zeta Tau joining together on Tap Night. Photo by Photographer by Morgan Kiehl

“There's a kind of tension in the room when you're all eagerly waiting and excited to see who's gonna get it, and when you finally do, everything erupts!” said Ava LaBoy, member of Sigma Nu Sigma and Pi Kappa Pi. 

Members of Sigma Nu Sigma. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

Members throughout Lee University Greek Life emphasize that Tap Night is a time of togetherness. 

“The best part about Greek Life is the community I’ve found,” said Grady Gammon, member of Upsilon Xi. “I found a group of guys who supported me and have brought me closer in my walk with the Lord.”

Members of Alpha Gamma Chi and Omega Alpha Phi. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

Members of Sigma Nu Sigma. Photo by Photographer Morgan Kiehl

Photo by Photographer Morgan Keihl

At Lee University, Greek Life implements Christian values into their service clubs.

“It’s a Christ-like community where we can all come together with one purpose and support each other,” said Cassidy Rogers, member of Sigma Nu Sigma.

Members of Delta Zeta Tau. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

From left to right Zoey Smith and Morgan Feil representing Epsilon Lambda Phi. Photo by Photographer Morgan Kiehl

Connor Fay of Delta Zeta Tau. Photo by contributing Photographer Raylee Evans

Members of Upsilon Xi. Photo by Photographer Morgan Kiehl

The tradition of Greek Life lives on as members proudly accept their new taps. 

“It’s really just an invitation to join our sisterhood," said Rachel Straub, member of Epsilon Lambda Phi. “The best part of the night is showing off our new girls!”

Members of Tau Kappa Omega. Photo by Photographer Morgan Kiehl

“Tap Night is the representation of Greek clubs coming together while adding on to all the awesome groups we already have,” Reagan Wheeler, member of Epsilon Lambda Phi.

Members of Alpha Gamma Chi celebrating with Sigma Nu Sigma. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

“It's genuinely been one of the biggest blessings that I've had since I've been in college. And I know that I'll carry these friendships with me for the rest of my life,” said Caelen Phillips, member of Delta Zeta Tau.

Members of Tau Kappa Omega. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

Members of Epsilon Lambda Phi. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

Tap Night allows current Greek Life participants to become auxiliary members of clubs other than their own.

“Tap Night is very chaotic and overwhelming, but it’s really exciting because it’s a place for new beginnings,” said Kira Passmore, member of Sigma Nu Sigma and newly tapped member of Tau Kappa Omega.

Members of Alpha Gamma Chi. Photo by contributing Photographer Raylee Evans

“Whenever I got in, I was so excited to get to know the guys a little bit more and grow in unity and faith,” said Parker Ray, Vice President of Theta Delta Kappa recalling former Tap Night memories.

Many Greek Life members hope to be tapped, as being a ‘legacy’ is a family tradition. 

“It was the best feeling in the world. My dad, my mom, and my sisters were in Theta,” said Chloe Dixon, member of Sigma Nu Sigma and auxiliary member of Theta Delta Kappa. “I've been waiting to do this my whole life, I’m just so honored.”

Chloe Dixon of Sigma New Sigma being tapped into Theta Delta Kappa. Photo by contributing photographer Raylee Evans

From left to right Abby Watlington and Marquis Bush representing Omega Alpha Phi. Photo by contributing photographer Raylee Evans.

Members of Theta Delta Kappa. Photo by Riley Evans.

I wanted to find an organization where I felt like I could connect and bring my skills and talents to the table,” said Marbie DiPastena, sponsor of Delta Zeta Tau. “I wanted to be in a place where I felt I could make a difference.”

From left to right Zachary Pereira and Lake Shamblin of Upsilon Xi tapping new member. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

Members of Sigma Nu Sigma. Photo by contributing Photographer Raylee Evans

Members of Theta Delta Kappa. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

“Tap Night is so fun!” said Tobie Bailey, member of Alpha Gamma Chi. “It’s the best excuse to dress up.”

Members of Omega Alpha Phi celebrate being tapped. Photo by Photographer Riley Evans

As this semester’s Tap Night has come and gone, students look back fondly to this event as a celebration of friendship. The sororities and fraternities at Lee University uphold values in their clubs that make Tap Night a lasting memory and tradition to many.