On May 6, 1956, the Alpha Mu Chapter of Lambda Kappa Sigma was founded at the University of Toledo in Ohio. Growing to 42 active members following the initiation of 16 new sisters on November 13th, Alpha Mu shares their secret to a successful recruitment. 

Alpha Mu has substantially grown its numbers over the last two recruitment periods, with 19 new members initiated last year, and 16 this November. For a successful recruitment, interested students fill out a Google form with their name and phone number. Then, before recruitment starts, members of the E-board text those who filled out the form to invite them to the recruitment week events. This personal invitation engages interested members and provides them with a familiar face when they arrive to the event. To get the Lambda Kappa Sigma name out there, the E-board members also browse the new student social media pages and school posts to find and message new students in pharmacy. Like many other schools, they promote LKS at the Student Organization Fair where incoming freshmen have the chance to meet the members of LKS and learn what the organization is about. Members of Alpha Mu also attend the P1 Picnic, an event that welcomes new pharmacy students starting their professional years/ classes. Lastly, Alpha Mu visits pre-pharmacy classes to promote the organization to the younger students. 

During the recruitment events, potential new members are encouraged to interact with the current members. This allows for connections to be made within the chapter. When asked what advice you would give to new members, current president Sarah Pascale said, “Step out of your comfort zone! Talk to people you don\’t know, take chances, and embrace opportunities that challenge you.” Sarah never imagined she would become the president of Alpha Mu when she first joined Lambda Kappa Sigma but by connecting with members in various class years, she was encouraged to run for positions. This fostered a love for leadership and Sarah later ran for president. “You never know what will happen when you step out of your comfort zone!” 

The strategy was developed by Alpha Mu’s past president Sophie and vice president Lindsey. It is based on some of the strategies used in social sororities. This strategy earned Alpha Mu the Top Recruitment Strategy award at the 2024 Convention in Milwaukee, WI. 

How can your chapter have a successful recruitment and strive for the Top Recruitment Strategy award like Alpha Mu? 

• Message new pharmacy students at your school to get the Lambda Kappa Sigma name out there. 
• Personally message interested members inviting them to recruitment events. 
• Ensure your chapter has welcoming members who make an effort to talk to and integrate interested members into the chapter. 

Written by: Elizabeth Lambert