[dzandiloo]

Typically, Alumna Initiates are women who attended at least some college (although commensurate experience is considered), but were unable to pledge a sorority during their undergrad years, for whatever reason.

Any DZ alumna who is a member of an alum chapter, and in good standing, can identify a potential alum initiate & sponsor candidates...It's not automatic-just because I identify someone as a candidate doesn't mean she's in...she has to mesh with the group as well. They must be sponsored by an alum member, and approved by the local alum chapter and petition National Council. If approved by National Council, they are initiated with the new members of a collegiate chapter.

Common situations: Women who are on faculty or members of the community where new chapters are formed, or when advisors are needed; mothers of DZ alums (mothers cannot be initiated while a woman is still a collegian); Outstanding women in the community who want to be involved; women who just flat didn't get to go Greek during their undergrad years and still want a lifelong connection--this group is growing in number as word of alum initiation gets out....

For the most part, only women who are looking to get involved & remain active in some way are considered (we're not interested in just initiating women so they can get a badge and disappear). It wouldn't make sense to initiate someone who lives in a town w/no DZ alum or collegiate chapter at all.... So thats the scoop... I am personally a big advocate of alum initiation, because these women are doing it for the lifetime of it, and not just for 4 years of partying....IMHO.

The funny thing is, I was talking to my boss about my upcoming trip to San Marcos the other day, and when I explained to her what I was doing, she started asking me about it, and expressed some interest in the process (she said she regretted not pledging, but really didn't know what it was all about when she was a Freshman). I got excited! I've always thought she would be a good candidate, but assumed she would never be interested, so I didn't bring it up. Just goes to show...you never know unless you ask!