Are you certian of that? I have ALWAYS been told by just about anyone who is around when this subject is brought up, that Sigma Phi Eplon has the largest number of initiated members of an NIC fraternity, while Tau Kappa Epsilon is the largest based on chartered chapters

I think sig eps and tekes are in the top 5, and close behind the top three. but last i heard the top three were lambda chi, sae and pikes.

quote:
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Originally posted by chopper816
i think we are now over 400,000 initiates.
I believe the top three fraternities are (in no order):

Lambda Chi Alpha
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Pi Kappa Alpha
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hence Why I posted....

I wish that were the case my friend, but not quite. Largest init # is SAE, with around 250,000. We are close on everyones heals with about 235,000. Not bad considering almost everyone (NIC wise, excluding TKE, Sig Ep and Sig Taus)is about 50 years older than us.


For those not following along at home....

SAE has most initiated number of members. (around 255,000)
Sigma Chi has 2nd most (around 238,000)
Lambda Chi has about (235,000)
TKE has the most chapters. (Around 300)
Sig Ep has second most # of chapters (around 250)
Kappa Sig has third most with about (around 245)

*Information taken from the fraternity headquarters themselves in 1999 when I was IFC rush chair and called indy for the info myself. IF anyone doubts these numbers I suggest you consult the NIC, call all the fraternities themselves, or consult an old outta date issue of the Bairds Manual.

It aint about the numbers tho, as my good friend Billy O said. His orgination has the largest # of active chapters to chapters installed. My org has the largest average chapter size. Another fraternity I know of has the largest living alumni base. Another has the largest number of active undergrads. And ya know what. Aint a damn fool outside of the org with that particualr stat gonna give a daymn. Hell, If I was going through rush and some active tried to sell me on his chapter using, "largest average chapter size." I'd be convinced their social and academic programs must suck if this is what they are trying to sell me on.


PS: I dont think org. size is necessarily the best indicator of overall strength. This being 2002, lets look at a real factor of an orgs. stability and health; risk management claims, monies paid out to settle claims and insurance premiums each member is charged. Cause you can be the largest org., but if your barely fighting off bankruptcy because you have NO Risk Management accountability definately wont assure your long term viability. BTW, dont think I am making this up either. I know of 2 NIC member fraternities that are having to sell off chapter properties to settle punative damage awards. Food for thought.

Let me expound on this...

I think that having stats like largest avg. chapter size is cool as can be (no foul languge :) ) However, I would like to see my org get up there. At least beat sigma chi. Why them? Both them and us attract the same kind of person generally-though each individual is different. Thats why.

We are talking international, world, i'm sure there are well over that amount of universities, colleges.
I'm sure the number of schools in the states is huge.

Chi Omega ia the largest women's organization next to Girl Scouts of America. Way to go Chi O!!!! I know this because I'm the new member educator and it's in my manual!!!

Just to keep everyone current...

My chapter recently had some members initiated. Their paperwork was processed just within the last month and their badge numbers (# of initiated members up to and including themselves) was almost 262,000. If SAE isn't at 262K by now, we will be within the next couple of weeks. If any NIC fraternity can claim more than that, then more power to 'em.

I believe we have recently (in December) installed the 230th chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. However, not all of these remain active.