Casino Night was recently held in the Mulcahy Gym on Sept. 11. It was hosted by Greek life to get people to stroll out of their dorms, take part in school activities and learn more about the fraternities and sororities that call Iona home.

Every student entering the event got a set amount of chips that they to use during the night at several different games. Students then used those chips to play in casino-themed games such as blackjack, Texas Hold ’em, roulette and a “Wheel of Fortune” themed game.

“I actually had a lot of fun,” sophomore James Smith said. “The set-up was organized well, and I like how they had professionals there. It made it more official.”

At the end of the night, the chips were turned into raffle tickets that allowed players to win various prizes.

Each of these tickets were turned in for a chance to win a flat screen television, Apple TV, Beats headphones, a FitBit, gift card, assorted movies and miscellaneous Iona College gear.

The main purpose of Casino Night is to allow underclassmen to get to know the fraternities and sororities on campus, decide which organizations they want to join. Additionally, people who are unsure about the Greek system have a chance to see what Greek life has to offer.

Freshmen interested in joining a fraternity or sorority cannot pledge until the spring. All other students are allowed to pledge in either semester.

“Freshmen can’t come out to fraternities or sororities until spring, so this gives them a chance to meet everyone so they can think about during the semester who they want to join,” said senior Nicole Avitabile, a member of the Psi Kappa Theta sorority. “We want to reach out to all the clubs. We don’t want to just stay in our Greek life organization; we want to get everyone involved.”

Casino Night also provided upperclassmen with the opportunity to have a night out with their friends and classmates.

“It was nice to grab some food and catch up with old friends I hadn’t seen since last semester,” said sophomore Jillian Mitchell, a member of the Gamma Lambda Rho sorority. “[Casino Night] brought Greek unity amongst the organizations and gave everyone the opportunity to meet new people.”

Greek life has many advantages for students, and one of them is getting to know a variety of different people.

“[Joining Greek Life] gets you more involved on campus,” Avitabile said. “You meet people that you probably would not have met before. Personally, it made me come out of my shell. Starting school at Iona, I never thought it would be for me. It just helps you find out who you are.”