[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by PJS

I have only heard of AI twice in "real life" vs on GC. Once was actually in my husband's fraternity. A professor that taught in the major that most of the guys were in took a personal interest in many of them and in the house. After MANY years of his involvement in the men and in the fraternity, they conferred a special status to him so he is now considered an alum. He was probably in his 50's at the time and he did not pursue it! The other time was a well loved and long time NPC housemother that became an alumni initiate.

I know there are only two data points here, but do you see the theme? These two people had contributed to the organizations for years with no intent of this reward. Alumni status was conferred as a high honor and a way to convey heartfelt thanks.

Right, and this was exactly the point I was trying to make. Most of the AIs that I know in real life contributed to the sorority then were ASKED to join. They did not seek it out. Either that or they were someone who had pledged us at some point, but had to depledge due to some extreme circumstance.

This is not to say that I am against AI at all. I think the women who have joined my sorority via AI that I know of are pretty great. I just would really like for those who are interested to understand that the process is not the same as collegiate recruitment in the sense that it is not a REGULAR route to membership. It's not something that is a norm. Heck, there are some ACs of my sorority who probably wouldn't know what you were talking about if you mentioned it because it's just THAT uncommon.