After changing the Greek social scene, Greek Life stayed in the news yesterday, as Penn State’s Panhellenic Council elected Abby Renko as its 2015 president. Voting representatives from the 19 Panhellenic chapters as well as the three associate chapters chose Renko for her new position during last night’s meeting.

Although she ran unopposed, Renko boasts impressive qualifications. She previously served as Vice President of Programming and the Academic Chairwoman of Delta Zeta, and served on the Panhellenic Judicial Board and the Junior Panhellenic Council. In addition to her experience in Greek Life, Renko works with Emergency Medical Services and is a member of the Schreyer Honors College, where she was chosen as a mentor for Freshmen Orientation and the Career Development Program.

Renko will begin her term at an interesting time for the Greek community at Penn State. Last week, the Panhellenic Council announced its new social policy changes, which aim to increase member safety by reducing the number of socials per week, implementing a two-week chapter-wide dry period after recruitment, and ending the tradition of week-long social events to increase participation in Greek community happenings. Despite the obvious challenges presented, one of Renko’s goals is to “implement the social policy changes in a gradual and positive manner.”

While her primary focus for the time being will be on helping chapters get accustomed to the sweeping changes, Renko also hopes to “build stronger relationships with the IFC, MGC, NPHC, and highlight outstanding members of the Panhellenic community more to their peers.”

“I’m so honored to have been elected into the position. I can’t even begin to describe my excitement,” Renko said. “I’ve really invested a lot of myself into my own chapter over the past two years, so I couldn’t be more excited for this transition that will allow me to work to with not only the Panhellenic community, but also its connections with the university at large.”