You are referring to the "Alpha Syndrome". It was a big coincidence that most of the Alpha chapters closed at about the same time but it still has lasting affects. Alpha Chi Omega (1926-1972) was the first Alpha to close. Our Administrative Assistant was in the chapter when it closed. The other Alphas closed in the 1980's - Alpha Omicron Pi and Alpha Phi - 1980, Alpha Epsilon Phi - 1984, Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Gamma Delta - 1985, and the last Alpha to close was Alpha Xi Delta in 1988.
I cannot say that the other sororities were purposely getting rid of the Alphas. I believe it was dirty rushing tactics that became a self-fulfilling prophecy. "Don't pledge an Alpha they are all closing!" Fewer pledges lead to smaller chapters who had to raise dues to maintain the house. They soon priced themselves out of the market. Many voluntarily surrendered their charters.
However, the whole issue is more complex. The anti-establishment movement of the 60's & 70's and the oil bust of the 80's played a part in the decline of the system. This was all compounded by the fact that Panhellenic didn't necessarily follow the Green Book. There was a man in charge of Greek Affairs and he had his hands full with the fraternities. The sororities were left to their own devices. In the late 80's, this wonderful woman was put in charge and things started to turn around Panhellenically. However, the oil bust had a dramatic effect on the local economy and the school. Quota went from 72 to 45 in less then 2 years. The numbers are picking up again thankfully but unless the university steps up to the plate, it would be hard to add another chapter.
The other sororities that closed at LSU are Phi Sigma Sigma - 1932, Sigma Deta Tau - 1969, Gamma Phi Beta - 1977 and Sigma Kappa - 1993.
OK, kiddies, enough rambling from a person with too much brain sludge.
Quote:
Originally posted by ADPi-EE
AOPiRose--
I'm glad you brought that up. I've heard from pretty reliable sources that our (ADPi) chapter at LSU closed in the 80's because some of the other sororities were trying to get rid of the "alpha" chapters (ADPi, AXO, APhi, etc.). There are no "alpha chapters left today. Is there any truth to this that you know of?
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