[honeychile]

We had our 150th anniversary in 2001. It was beautiful, but there were a few glitches that could have improved the night.

First of all, if you're having a dinner, charge the Alumnae more than the sisters! Alumnae expect this. What we don't expect to hear is, "Thanks for the donations - we were able to buy favors with your check." The checks we write are for the good of the chapter, not to buy party favors that may or may not be appreciated. If the dinner costs the chapter $15 a person, charge the alumnae $25 or $30.

Decorations can be simple or complex. Ours was held in the Student Union Ballroom which had just been painted azure blue & white! Balloons, tableclothes and violet bouquets completed a lovely look. Put a sticker on the back or bottom of one chair, and let that person take home the violet. (Hint: if they're flying home, the chapter may get to keep the flower!)

Have fun "awards" (someone can print them out on the computer) for alumnae who came the furthest (North, South, East, West), who was in the oldest pledge class, who knows the most current sisters, who has the most legacies, etc. Give recognition to former presidents, Panhellenic Exec Officers, Chapter Advisors, and any other office.

Give the alumnae time to talk. Chances are, we haven't seen each other in years. My "rush crush" was a senior when I was a freshman - it was the first time we had seen each other since her senior year! The alumnae have taken the time to dig out pictures to show; give us time to show them off!

Tell the speaker to keep it light and to keep it short. Some alumnae will have to get home to children.

Invite us to the residence, whether it's a house, suite, or chapter room. And for heaven's sake, make sure it's clean! We surely don't mind if you have dates there, but it would be a very good idea to keep them out of your bedroom while we're there.

Put 2-3 sisters in charge of getting everyone's up to date information, along with the names of sisters that each alumna keeps in touch with. If you used the EO printout, you may want to put each sticker on an index card, so we don't have to fill that part out, but ask for email addresses, would we help the chapter in the future, etc. For that matter, tell us about Greek Chat!

If there's something that the chapter really needs, tell us! Be specific (we need a new refrigerator or computer), and you may find yourselves on the receiving end of a new one from an alumna who works in an applicance store!

On the RSVP card, have a box to check for donations. (Yes, I am attending; No, I cannot attend; Please accept my contribution of $____). Also, ask for anecdotes, which was their favorite fraternity, which was their favorite tradition, etc. Suggest that they bring pictures. Maybe a sister could tabulate favorite fraternities or traditions over the years.

I know I'm getting long winded, so I'll sum this up: You have a golden opportunity to find out a lot about what your chapter has been like over the years - things you may never have a chance to do again. Think of it as a Family History project! And please, realize that we expect to be asked for money. Even if you're in the position of not needing it, you can use it towards charity or a scholarship.

Your alumnae love you by virtue of the pin you wear. Please don't be afraid of us! After you have everything up and running, sit down and talk to us. We want to see that the torch has been passed to worthy young women. We want to leave proud.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to pm me!

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honeychile