|
AnchorAlumna (and others),
It is interesting the observation you've made about one of the central issues being the Panhellenic. I feel ill-qualified to comment too extensively on that since I've only had one Panhellenic experience. And I will admit that I was not the most Panhellenically minded person while I was in college. I know I got sucked into the rampant negativity and competitiveness on our campus. Women from the top tier groups would cross the street rather than pass you on the street and say hello. And if they couldn't cross the street, they would still ignore you while they passed by you. So, yes, there was definitely very little Panhellenic spirit among the sororities and no sense of "we're only as strong as the weakest link". I'll be honest. I can't even IMAGINE being on a campus where the groups are as friendly and supportive as they apparently are on other campi. It really is beyond my comprehension that Panhel existed for anything other than to (sometimes) pass out rush infractions and select the Rho Chis. Cynical, I know, but I'm being honest.
We had two DDDs on Panhel while I was there, including one sister who was Panhel President. But you would not believe the opposition from the top tier houses to her being President because she came from a lower tier house. She was infinitely more qualified for the position than the person she ran against, but the "top houses" lobbied HARD for a much less qualified woman because she was from a "better" house. There was no other way to explain it. However, the DDD was elected and she did a great job.
Re: Alabama.... When I was President, my CDO (Collegiate District Officer) was an Alabama alumna. She was fabulous. Her name was Mary Terrell, but I can't remember her maiden name. I don't know if you (AnchorAlumna) would have been at Alabama at the same time and that's next to nothing to go on, but it is a small world. And for some reason it runs through my mind that her daugther was a DG, but I could be totally off on that. Anyway, she was the nicest lady and SO HELPFUL. Such a joy to work with!
Sallie
|