Quote:
Originally posted by justamom
I am sure you will do well in the teachers' lounge, but out here we don't seem to grasp what you are trying to say.
Mr. Conrad, I am amuzed by your response! I find it quite trite and would be mildly offended if this were a topic worthy of a HEATED debate. I am truly sorry you and whoever consitutes "we" were unable to grasp my meaning. I would have been more than happy to further explain my thoughts on this subject in an effort to clarify things for you had you requested. Pithy remarks are humorous at times, but of little consequence to the oveall discussion. The exception being such a tactic demeans your delivery of the information, and quit honestly I would have thought below you. Is that clear enough?
LSU- Kappa Sig, a decent percentage of their fraternity is from our area. We have a chapter here and perhaps that has helped in their recruitment. Regardless of the Alum backing, I see a continuing struggle for this chapter due to many of the reasons listed and some that need not be discussed. There is an image problem that anyone familiar with the chapter is probably aware of. (this is true for other chapters as well) Insurmountable? I don't know.
We have "powerful", connected alums of SAE and KS here. They have worked and donated their time and money, but they have not been effective in changing the course of their individual chapters at LSU. Their own children, their legacies are not encouraged to join their respective chapters because the strength of the network doesn't exist any longer. The "power" and the "prestige" isn't there. Nor does it exist for XYZ, but go to Texas and and they blow away some of our LSU powerhouses.
Bolingbaker, we have found common ground! Your posts indeed were clear and informative. I have been swayed to a degree.
We know how to do that now, and the benefits include enthusiasm, excitement and prosperity of the national organization.
These are the ingregients that seem to differentiate the individual chapters on any campus. Suffice it to say, it's very hard to get excited when numbers are down, you are on academic probation or the sororities/fraternities don't want to mix with you...all reflections of the individuals comprising the chapter, the "profile" if you will. This in turn affects the recruitmet and future of the individual chapter. My point is that over a span of 25 years, I have seen examples of the complete rotation-not just #1 dropping to #5, but the complete switch. U of H is a good example, LSU as well. Post after post from alums on this site have commented, "Well, we once were #1, but we aren't very strong now" There are many who can attest to this. It's universal, though we all know some GLOs have been harder hit than others. Acknowliging my LIMITED info- Heller would have us believe that by following a blueprint #1 -#5 will always be on top. Lets just assume that every GLO followed the same blueprint, what then, stagnation?
I won't argue with the concept of setting standards and goals because it's stating the obvious. I always question the validity and importance of studies be it Mr. Heller's or the lasting effects building a dam will have on the snail darter. I just wonder if the PNMs are cooperating with all this. I think most parents encourage their children to be the best that they can be but their own concepts may not fit the same mold we were raised with. This is what promotes change. Maybe it's because I see things from a limited perception as I am not involved in the hierarchy of NPC or IFC. I do understand that evaluations are tools used in every part of life. Competition can be healthy. I just FEEL that on an individual basis, it's the experience within the chapter that births the great alum and the alums are important to the continued development of the chapter (and on and on). My original point- When one labels an entire GLO, or ranks individual chapters, it can hurts the system on campuses-THE LIFELINE! Those that find it overly important and base their "selection" solely on the principles of power or reputation etc., may not have the best experience and therefore, not be the kind of alum that benefits the whole. I can see why this was meant to be "secret". Interesting of course, beneficial, to a degree, of any great importance.....not so sure, but am not dogmatic.
Everytime a campus loses a chapter, the system as a whole suffers. Ranking and labeling individual chapters contributes to the overall decline. It's easy to be king of the hill when you're the last (only) one standing.
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I will not debate LSU as it has been a long time since I have been there. I do not consider myself an expert on the southern
chapters, but yet feel you have no understanding what Heller
was trying to do.
And the old school teacher in my would admonish you to either
learn to spell or get a spell check to enhance credibility.
My forty plus active years in Greek volunteerism does not necessarily make me a know -it-all, but as far as we are concerned, there's not much more to say. Erik P Conard-Denver, CO