Sorority women of OU honored their greek affiliation on International Badge Day on Monday by wearing the badges of their respective organizations.
The National Panhellenic Conference, the umbrella organization for 26 sorority chapters nationwide, celebrates International Badge Day annually. This year's theme was "Promoting Excellence, Partnership and Panhellenic Spirit."
The 12 designs of badges worn by the 12 NPC chapters at OU symbolize the sisterhood and meaning behind every sorority's ritual, said Cathy Harkins, OU Panhellenic Association vice president of campus relations and business management junior.
The badges, worn over the heart, are designed to signify the history and purpose of each organization. Shaped like the various sorority emblems, the badges are made of gold and silver, and some are also fashioned with pearls, rubies and diamonds.
Kari Jacobson, OU Panhellenic Association president and public relations junior, said wearing her badge on campus makes a statement that shows loyalty to her sorority.
"Our badge is the only symbol we have, other than our greek letters, to show our sorority membership," Jacobson said. "It's a memento that represents everything we have learned and become since we were initiated."
On International Badge Day, many NPC chapters encourage their members to wear business attire or dress appropriately for chapter meetings when wearing the badge.
"Dressing up when wearing a badge is how we show respect to our founders and alumni," Harkins said. "When we have our badges on, we should be proud and look proud."
OU sorority women have been involved with the NPC since 1909. Members of the council are represented on more than 620 college and university campuses in the United States and Canada, in over 4600 alumni associations making up over 3.6 million sorority women in the world, according to an OU Panhellenic Association press release.
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