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I agree--somewhat
Honorary, or Associate, membership has long been given by TKE,
and I recall that Lambda Chi initiated Harry Truman. I think that
someone claims JFK. Bill Clinton...well, er, perhaps got no bid....
It is, indeed, to boost your "famous" members list. Elvis Presley,
initiated by our Arkansas State chapter, was a pal of some of the
members, grew up with some...and it was a top, arguably the top chapter....then...at Jonesboro. The chapter yet today treasures the Elvis memorabilia and he visited them several times.
We took in Wilie Nelson awhile back. Several entertainment folks
were initiated by TKE and many would stop by the TKE house so it
was a mutual thing. Our list is legion, and several others have taken in honoraries...Miss Lucy...SAE's take note...Think some of
the sororities have initiated a man.
Guess we are not so exclusive after all. LOL
So, I don't know. The recent incursion into the college scene by previously non-collegiate organizations are somewhat akin in that
they have never experienced the college milieu. My mother was
a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha...in Lyons, KS...some ninety
miles or so from a PanHel. She never attended a college, though she ended up on staff at Kansas U, and her siblings were collegians as well as her kids--and grandkids.
No, I think it is a matter of preference. BUT, sometimes it does
become an embarrassment. we used tore made fun of...having Lawrence Welk...but he'd often play our sweetheart song.
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