Chi Psi serenades the Chi O sisters in their suite on Sunday Feb. 10. (Lauren Olson | Photography Editor)
Rich in long standing romantic rituals, Miami University is well known for its historic Upham Arch kisses and countless "Miami Merger" couples-and this Valentine's week, the brothers of the Chi Psi fraternity began what they hope will become another romantic tradition on campus.
After weeks of preparation, Chi Psi spent Sunday afternoon delivering personalized Valentines to each sorority suite on campus. Gifts included cakes, flowers, cards, stuffed animals and serenades, each handpicked by a group of brothers in the fraternity.
Senior Forrest McGuire, Chi Psi's former president, came up with the idea last August.
"We just wanted to show our appreciation to all of the sororities," McGuire said. "Our stigma is to stand out as gentlemen, and we thought that this was a perfect way to exemplify our virtues."
After making contact with each sorority's president, McGuire was able to compile a schedule for all of Sunday afternoon, allowing the Chi Psi brothers to deliver these Valentines during formal chapter sorority meetings-as complete surprises.
Damien Watson, of the Chi Psi fraternity, said this shows a different side of the fraternity.
"The best part was presenting [the Valentines] and seeing their reactions," Watson said. "We like to show our softer side to the girls. Our nickname around campus is 'Chi Psi, nice guy,' and today was a model of that."
Reactions from the female recipients filled sorority suites around campus with smiles and giggles Sunday afternoon; it was evident that the surprise was well appreciated amongst the girls.
Jen Curry, a sophomore Chi Omega, enjoyed both a serenade and a Valentine's Day rap in her suite.
"I think it was more elaborate than any other serenade we've had; everyone was so excited about it," Curry said. "I think it definitely stands out that they did that. In the Greek system at Miami, some fraternities and sororities only interact with each other. But I think the point of the Greek system is for everyone to interact with everyone. It was really sweet of [Chi Psi] to do just that."
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Though this was the Chi Psi brother's first attempt at thoughtfully wishing every single on campus sorority a Happy Valentine's Day, McGuire hopes to see his event continue to be a Chi Psi tradition for years to come.
"I definitely think that we are going to do this every single year," McGuire said. "For me, it's very unique because a lot of people have general stereotypes about what fraternities are and what they do. This is really something that sheds a light on the good we do as a whole. Only 365 more days until we get to do it again!"
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