I think your mom needs to also understand that a crappy sorority (her opinion) at Northwestern just may be a top sorority at another college. All the NPC sororities are good organizations nationally -- no matter the local individual reputations. Some are smaller than others, true, but what is important is the bonds of sisterhood and the service the sorority gives back to the community via their national philanthropies.
When I moved down here to Peachtree City, GA, a goodly number of the sorority women I met when I was starting our now 3-year old Alumnae Panhellenic Association had not heard of Gamma Phi Beta. And those who may have heard of it before seemed to think it was "not that good" because it is not a typical southern sorority, or very prominent in the south.
Well, nearly all of them have had their eyes opened (I think we have one or two that seem to be like your mom!) And my eyes have been opened as well -- there was no Phi Mu or KD at DZ when I was at USC, AOPI cam after I graduated...I did not meet my first AST or tri-Sigma or Phi Sig till I joined the Northern VA Alum Panhel group when I was stationed at the State Dept...I used to (foolishly) think, if a sorority was not at USC, then how good could it be really? Don't even ask what my opinion was back then of sororities that "used" to be at USC!
In my almost 29 years as a sorority woman, the one thought that has crystallized in my mind and my heart is that all of the NPC sororities are wonderful & have enduring qualities -- or else they all would not have lasted this long! Only 5 of the 26 are not quite 100 years old -- CRAPPY sororities would not still be here if they truly were crappy!
Whew -- Maroongirl -- I feel for you girl! Hey -- how 'bout the next time I am visiting the in-laws in Chicago-land, I meet your mom and talk to her about a "few"things....unless she does not want to meet me because I am a member of the sorority she thinks is crappy!
