Citation: Tutt, Allison. "Black Woman Joins White Sorority - A Campus First," College Heights Herald, August 22, 1989, p. 9A. College Heights Herald is a publication of the University Publications Department and copies are available to researchers in University Archives record group 37.

Until last week no black student had ever rushed during the fall for a predominantly white sorority at Western, but Jessica Mack has changed all that.

And she was accepted, too. Sunday night, the petite Louisville junior jumped up and down in the university center lobby, only stopping to hug her new Kappa Delta sorority sisters after receiving her bid.

Scott Taylor, student activities and organizations director, said it was exciting to see Mack break new ground for Western during this year's rush.

She was among the 248 others who got bids. About 480 women, a 20 percent increase, rushed this year.

About 280 men are rushing this year, the same as last year, Taylor said. The figure cannot be exact because fraternity rushees do not register.

Fraternity rush will not be complete until Sept. 1, but the fraternities can bid before that day. Their rush began last Wednesday also.

A total of about 800 students rushed. The large number caused some confusion in the programming of fall rush.

But overall, the week went smoothly, Taylor said. Mack said things went fairly well for her, also.

"I've learned how to mix with anybody." She said she's learned that even people of the same race can have totally different personalities.

Mack said she was accustomed to meeting new people. Her father was in the Marine Corps, so she moved around often.

Mack said she may have carried an advantage over other rushees because she knew many sorority members before rush.

"All the girls I hung around with were white and in a sorority."

Before bid night, some thought Mack would get chosen. Others didn't.

A fellow rushee said Mack had the stamina she needed to be accepted. "I think she has a better chance than a lot of people, because it takes a lot of guts to go out for something like this," said Melissa Maggard, a freshman from Nashville.

One student was skeptical. Kim Smith, a black freshman from Madison, Tenn., said a black student wouldn't make it. "I don't think anything should be segregated, but I don't think she should waste her time thinking she will make it."

Despite what others said, Mack remained optimistic.

"I was scared, though, at first going through," she said. "Then I thought, 'Why should I be scared.' If you don't (get selected), you don't. If you do, you do."

Mack rushed for a black sorority as a freshman. She said her grade-point average was too low for her to be a pledge. Now that she's raised it, she said the wait has given her time to decide she prefers the white sororities.

She said white sororities offer more community service projects and social activities.

"I don't want to say, (the reason for rushing was) 'Just to see if I get through because I'm black,' because that's not it." Mack said she wanted to be active and add something to her life.

"I'd be comfortable anywhere, but I guess it's because I've really gotten know those girls, and I'd like to be there."

Melody Samuels, a black Louisville senior, said Mack's attempt to cross traditional lines may promote more unity between races on campus.

"She'll make a statement, and maybe she'll pave a way for someone else."

See also Minorities at WKU Bibliography for additional resources.