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I am a charter member of Kappa Alpha chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta. My experiences are bittersweet. My chapter was installed and I was initiated all in the same day.
We started out as a local, with the intention of affiliating with a national. Let me say, it was ALOT of work!!! To get a NPC group interested we had to maintain our grades, have well rounded social activities, and had to have philanthropy activities.
My group was the first greek organization on campus. There was also a group of guys that were also trying to affiliate--but that never happened. It was alot of work to get the blessing of the school administration. After developing our well-rounded activites and getting administration blessings--the letters to NPC groups went out. We met with, I believe 5 groups that were interested in expanding--and we decided AGD was the one.
Our core group of girls were closer than I think we would have otherwise been, due to the process and all the work we did. We did everything together--celebrated our accomplishments, cried over the things that we did not accomplish, and fought with each other. (trust me we could be brutal to each other). We truly knew each others thoughts!!!
My chapter watched two more pledge classes intitiate after the installment weekend. But somewhere / somehow it all slipped away--retention was down, new member numbers were down and my opinion--the lack of competition--the chapter had to turn its charter back in!!! Amongst us founding members there was much disbelief--and lots of tears and heartbreak.
But I have to say--looking back--I had a great greek experience---an experience that few others can relate too. I did not go into a large greek system that is set in tradition. I set out to make traditions and pave the way for others. It did not quite turn out like we had hoped--but in the mean time I formed these strong relationships a great group of woman that I proud to call my sisters!!!
-wendi
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