[hoosier]

College: a fountain of knowledge where everyone does to drink!

This was the philosophy in the old days, and unfortunately it's been our downfall.

If you visit many 'wet' chapter houses Sun. or even Mon. morning, you often find a wasteland. Some of these messes never get cleaned up.

Take a look at the typical sorority house, which never has 'wet' parties. The house probably looks great, and cleaning, maintenance, and replacement costs are much lesser.

Guys used to come to college and learn to drink, but now that experience seems to happen in high school.

Certainly, your chapter can have 'wet' parties at local facilities, and you can have fun without booze.

I don't think you will chase-off the type of pledge and member that you really want (and that can help your GPA) by banning booze.

I don't think you will chase-off the type of alumni that you really want by banning booze. Do you think the young alumnus banker/salesman/teacher, with a wife and two little ones, wants to come by the chapter house for a booze party? I think the alum is more likely to return for a Homecoming lunch with a nice buffet and a clean house, than for a beer blast. Who do you think is most likely to pay alumni dues and contribute to the new house fund - the "let's party boozer" or the family man?

Party on, have fun, get lots of NMs - it's probably easier if you're sober and seeking more sober ones.

Best wishes to everyone in Ames.