By Noel Bailey, Managing Editor of Publication Design; Photo Credits to Noel Bailey
On Feb. 2, the Susquehanna University Panhellenic community gathered in Faylor Hall for a long-awaited installation ceremony honoring both outgoing leaders and the newly elected executive council. After the event was postponed twice due to weather, the evening became not only a celebration of leadership but also a testament to the united front of Greek life on campus.
The ceremony was led by Frank Crofchick, the Greek life advisor, who opened the night with a reflection on the purpose of Panhellenic involvement. He described Greek life as “a place where students learn to belong to something,” emphasizing that Panhellenic leadership “asks you to grow” while advocating for one’s chapter and the broader community. Frank also recognized outgoing Panhellenic President, Emma Ritter, and outgoing Vice President of Recruitment, Laney Castagna, for their dedication throughout their year-long terms in which they survived severe weather and a demanding recruitment season.
Castagna gave a heartfelt speech about the meaning of sisterhood, calling it one of the most rewarding parts of her college experience. She thanked recruitment counselors, chapter recruitment teams, her executive board, her roommates, and her sister, Norah Castagna, ending with a sincere, “Thank you for making this experience unforgettable.” Ritter followed with her own words of gratitude before leading the formal installation ceremony, releasing the outgoing officers from their roles and welcoming the incoming council to the front of the room.
The newly installed 2026–2027 Panhellenic Executive Council includes Jordyn Patrick as President; Trudie Kate Bergmark as Vice President of Judicial; Delaney McCoy as Vice President of Recruitment; Ashley Beresford as Vice President of Finance; Addison Zock as Vice President of Philanthropy; Sarah Bloom (spring semester 2026) and Emily Kokie (fall semester 2026) as Vice President of Records; Sophie Durand as Vice President of Programming; Valerie Stoltz as Vice President of Scholarship; Adrianna Nicholas as Vice President of Public Relations; and Kendall Hill as Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
As the new officers stood before the community, Patrick delivered her first remarks as president, congratulating her fellow leaders and expressing her hope that the council will “work together to uplift everyone.” She shared her desire to be “a friendly face” on campus and thanked Ritter, her sorority sisters, and her friends for supporting her journey.
Following the ceremony, both Patrick and McCoy reflected on their motivations, emotions and hopes for the year ahead. For Patrick, the path to presidency began during her time as Kappa Delta’s Panhellenic Delegate, where she first saw how Panhel supports all chapters across campus. Leadership has always been part of her identity, she explained, and being president offers the chance to collaborate with individual chapter presidents, advisors, IFC leadership and delegates from every organization. Still, stepping into the role came with nerves. Though she never imagined herself in this position when she first joined Greek life, the encouragement of her sisters, friends and advisors, and the example set by former president Ritter had helped her see being Panhellenic president as a real possibility. Now officially in the role, Patrick describes feeling “a little overwhelmed,” but also deeply supported and excited to work with the women of the community to help Panhellenic life continue to grow.
McCoy, the new vice president of recruitment, shared a similar blend of nerves and excitement. She pursued the position because she wants to help potential new members find belonging and hopes to make Greek life more accessible and better understood. Standing in front of the community during the ceremony made her nervous, but she was energized by the opportunity to work with a strong group of leaders. Although she considered running for the position last year, she didn’t feel ready at the time. This year, with more experience and confidence, she felt prepared to take on the responsibility and make a meaningful impact. Now officially in her role, McCoy is already reviewing paperwork, planning her term and preparing to “make her mark” on the community. Despite the stress of multiple postponements, she felt the ceremony ultimately went well and appreciated seeing the entire Panhellenic community come together.
Through weather challenges of this year’s recruitment, delayed installations, shifting schedules and the natural nerves of stepping into new roles, the evening highlighted the strength, adaptability and unity of Susquehanna’s Panhellenic community. With Patrick, McCoy, and the rest of the executive board now officially installed, Panhel is entering a new chapter.