I just sent a message to the new member educator to get some information in order to buy a few gifts for her initiation. I didn't want to get her anything that was a traditional gift from the chapter or her big. So I hope the girl gets back to me quickly so I can order a few things. I was thinking a sweatshirt, a tee shirt and a few odds and ends.

Nice pin. Where did you find it?

BTW, This is our badge:
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...fc&oe=5596A2EB

It was on the Badge Day Facebook page. I had never seen anything like it. When I Googled "Sigma Gamma Rho pin", I couldn't find anything similar.

I actually found it interesting to see a lot of NPHC members with pins on that weren't their badges - instead, they were pins like the one I posted; larger letters, that in most cases, were blinged out. Is this a trend or tradition that I'm unaware of?

I've got a rhinestone Delta Gamma one in Greek letters. Many of us have variations on it. Always thought everyone did that.

You can't go wrong with sweatshirts and tshirts. Lion things are also pretty popular. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head that might be something to steer clear of would be a pin box or pin pillow. We used to get them for initiation when I was there, though that's been 20ish years :eek:. The crest is the only thing we can't have until after initiation, so things with our crest on it were commonly given as initiation gifts by the Chapter, Prides, or bigs. I'm pretty sure they still do an off campus banquet in town after initiation, and that's where at least some of the gifts used to be given. If they still do that, and depending how close you are, you might be able to arrange for your things to be given then/there; it would be a big surprise for her to find something from you there (again, if they still do the gifts at initiation banquet).

I wondered the same thing, I looked at the same page (and posted my picture there too)!

It is my understanding that NPHC groups have very specific and stringent rules regarding the wearing of their pins/badges.

Fairly disappointed I did not see any Greek Badges on campus this Monday. :( Last year I only saw one.

However, many students wore their letters yesterday (and will be doing so all week). Some carried Greek Lilly items or sported Greek stickers on their laptops/book covers.

And a quick walk near campus at lunch gave me a marvel at the somewhat 'hidden' quatrefoil designs around town!

(must remember to list new/different places to visit in my quest to see Greeks Wearing Their Badges on Badge Day 2016).

It just dawned on me that The Run was Jan 11, so in theory they should have initiated by this point, though I haven't seen anything on their FB yet. Not that it matters ultimately, but just realized initiation banquet will probably be a moot point.

This.
Speaking for SGRho only, we are not allowed to wear our badges for non-official events though we can wear pins, broaches, etc.

I just about spit out my coke. I remember attendin an Order of Omega banquet a couple of years ago, and sitting with a group of actives from various NPC sororities (not just my own). An alumna walked in wearing a rhinestone pin with her letters. It must have been two inches in size. You should have heard the snarky comments (muttered under their breaths, but I have excellent hearing) from the actives! It was all I could do NOT to burst out laughing.

ETA: maybe it's just not cool in Arizona. anyway...

/end swerve

I didn't wear my badge yesterday, but I did change my FB profile pic to a picture of an AEPhi badge. My mother-in-law, of all people, liked the pic. :confused:

When and where do these happen??? I'm a member of Order of Omega and I've heard nada about such things ... whom should I contact?