I was in Dallas to attend a convention and to visit with my two sons, one an SMU student and fraternity man, and another an SMU graduate, and was pleasantly surprised to witness an SMU tradition – the new sorority pledges literally running to their new sorority sisters.

I found this especially exciting to watch, as I had been in the Delta Zeta sorority, was chosen as the “Outstanding Junior Delta Zeta in the United States” in 1971 and had been the Panhellenic Council President at my university. Greek life was my life, and I’ve frequently been quoted as saying, “I received my college education from my sorority sisters.”

I arrived at the SMU campus just as a live DJ invited the hundreds, if not thousands of people lining the streets, to “Go meet your new sisters!” I could hear loud cheering across the campus. I was in front of the Chi Omega sorority house, and I saw the girls run through the arched balloon entry-way to their house into the street. The girls were carrying gift bags, bouquets of roses and all were shouting, laughing. There was an excitement in the air that was highly contagious. I had never seen anything like it, even in my own college years.

It seemed like there were parents, maybe boyfriends and fraternity boys, and possibly teachers who also joined the throngs to watch. Soon I saw girls running down the street, dressed in white, running to the various outreached arms and hugs of their new sorority sisters. There was music in the air, laughter, tears and an energy that was more intense than the final seconds of a highly charged sporting event.

I was thrilled to be able to witness such a monumental event, for I have known and experienced the deep and lasting friendships that are forged through a sorority. I knew lives were being changed in those moments.

I was curious to hear someone near me talk about what a great “Pig Run” it was this year. I asked him to repeat what he said and he said this was the “Running of the Pigs”! I asked him what he meant, and he said that was what the tradition of the girls running to their new sorority sisters was called at SMU.

I was shocked! In NO way should that joyous, electrifying experience I witnessed have been called a “Pig Run”! What a degrading “name,” and how totally wrong that description was.

As a former Panhellenic president and fellow sorority sister, I would encourage all sorority members to do whatever possible to change that “name.” Whether that is the official name of that final process of pledging or not, I would recommend that name never be referenced again. Such language should be erased from the memory of SMU students, alumni and faculty, and a more far appropriate name should be chosen.

It often is hard to change labels, names and perceptions, but that is one that I highly suggest each Greek student – fraternity AND sorority members – change. For there was not one “pig” that I saw running. I saw excited girls – young women, ready to enter into one of the most exciting times of their lives! Southern Methodist University is such a fine school, and every student who has been chosen to attend should be honored and respected.

Ann Edenfield Sweet, parent of two SMU students