Interesting but sad story how a greek store is coming about at Alabama
 

Sad that a guy had to die for the idea of the store to start...


http://www.cw.ua.edu/vnews/display.v.../3db779339fce4

Re: Interesting but sad story how a greek store is coming about at Alabama
 

They can do that?

I agree that it is tragic that her son died :( I am just curious about the standing in for initiation thing...

I could be wrong, but I believe AKL has an open ritual, like DU.

Such a sad story. :(

It sounds as if the family has taken a tragedy and helped to turn it into a triumph of sorts, though. All the stories -- the brother being a ringbearer in fraternity weddings, the fraternity helping out with scholarship money, etc. -- shows that some good things can come out of the bad. I hope the store is a success and that the Greek system will continue to honor the young man's memory.

I work right next door to Ally's and the lady who runs is (Rhonda Pradat) is such a sweet and kind person. Rumor has it that the person who hit her son was never charged. I think that's pretty tragic, but it's so great to see that she's done something positive with her life. I personally love going over there and checking out the para and her other cool stuff. If you're ever in T'town I highly suggest you stop in (and then go around the corner and ask to see me!) ;)

:(

Wow, that story made me all teary-eyed. She's obviously a wonderful woman. I wish there were more like her.

We had a AKL Brother die last year. It was sad and very hard on the campus esp the greek community, since we are soo small. I am close to that fraternity. The brother who died was Pledge dad at the time. He love the fraternity and knewn what the true meaning of being greek is. I miss Adam A lot! I was at the Omega Ceremony -- AKL is a open ritual fraternity. Which i find really cool. All i know that Watching the Omega Ceremony the brothers did was probably one of the most hardest things i have EVER HAD TO DO!!! If you do not know what the Omega Chapter of AKL is let me tell you --- The founders of the fraternity (if i am right) Decided that the brothers who pass away need a chapter to belong too and so they decided to make Omega the chapter(since it is rightfully the last greek letter) --- So every AKL will some day belong to the Omega Chapter. I think the cermony was soo pretty, it was honestly as meanful as my ritual. (Adam was gonna be my formal date -- and Also was interested in my now roommate) I honestly hope None of you will ever have to be in this ceremony, but if you are i hope you think it is as pretty as i thought it was.

His mother seems soo strong!! We need more people like that in the world -- caring and loving!!

Binks

They had me at Hello ... Phi Sigma Sigma

While I will certainly agree that this is a tragic story, the article said he walked into the street in front of a moving car. If this is the case, then it doesn't sound like the driver was doing anything wrong, nor does it sound like he or she could have avoided the accident. Unless, of course, there are details that the article left out.

In any event, what a great story of brotherhood and of moving beyond tragedy.

Just curious, Binks -- are all of AKL rituals open or just the Omega ceremony? In FMA, for example, our Founder's Day ceremony and our Memorial Service are "open ceremonies," but none of our other ceremonies or rituals are. I got the impression from the AKL website that their initiation is secret, but couldn't tell for sure. Like I said, just curious.

From What I understand from what my friends in the fraternity have told me and what i have seen. Everything is Open.(But you must be asked to attend) SO Random Joe can not just walk in the room. Like i have walk into their formal meetings, but it was to make announcements about event we do combined.
binks

Interesting. Thanks, Binks.

I was an active AKL at Auburn University (also in Alabama) when this horrible accident occurred. I remember how devastated the chapter at UA was, as were we. It is tremendously uplifting to see how something positive has arisen from this tragedy, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with this young man's family, brothers and friends.

To answer some questions, yes, AKL is an open fraternity. That is, there are no "secrete" rituals, signs, symbols, etc. Rather than swearing a new brother to secrecy, we view such things in a slightly different way than many other fraternities. Focusing on the brotherhood aspects of the fraternity, it is explained to pledges that we are a family, and just like your own biological family, there are some things that remain within the family and are not discussed with those outside the family. Some symbolism, the details of our initiation, etc. are such topics that are closely held, though not technically secrete. However, to quote from the national website (http://www.akl.org/national/tradition.htm ) “The painted original of the Coat of Arms remains, and is one of the treasured possessions of the Fraternity. Members are encouraged to explain the heraldic symbols and insignia to non-members. We are quite proud of our Coat of Arms or "crest" as it is sometimes referred.” It is made abundantly, though discretely, clear which topics can be talked about with non-members and which can’t. Like binks noted, randoms can’t just wander up and ask to watch certain activities, that is simply not going to happen. However, if the chapter so desires, individuals that are not members of the organization can be invited to attend such events. We never had a non-member view any of our rituals while I was an active. Personally, I think it is entirely appropriate and wonderful that Ed’s father was invited to stand in his son’s place during initiation even though he is an initiated SAE. At our chapter, our weekly chapter meetings were open to invitees and the parents of members, especially pledges, were invited and encouraged to attend…and if they could keep their eyes open through a half hour debate on whether to go with a blue or gray fall formal T-shirt then all the better ;-)