Mary Love Collins

[reverie]

Everything I've read about Mary Love Collins shows that she was pretty amazing. Plus she went to my school!!

Anyway, I have a quick question. I think I read somewhere that she was involved with the beginning of the panhellenic council, but I can't find anything about it online. Do any of you have any insights you could share with me?

[Cardinal026]

Well, since she didn't become SH until 1910, then she wouldn't have been involved in the beginning of the NPC, but because of how young NPC was when she came to office, and Chi Omega's presence as one of only a few original members (I know we couldn't make the initial meeting, but I believe there were 8 sororities initially involved??) it would make sense that she played an active role in helping shape the panhellenic council...but like you I couldn't find anything online. I'd ask your PHC President, Panhellenic Delegate or Greek Advisor for any suggestions, especially since she went to your school!

ETA: And please let us know what you discover, I'd also be interested in hearing more about her part in this!

[wowprettylame]

If you can get a hold of one of those Chi Omega history dvds, they have a good amount of info on Mary Love Collins. You can order the dvd through the same place you get the other supplies like roll books and such..i forget what it's called but the order forms are on chi o everyday.

[NutBrnHair]

Originally Posted by reverie

Everything I've read about Mary Love Collins shows that she was pretty amazing. Plus she went to my school!!

Anyway, I have a quick question. I think I read somewhere that she was involved with the beginning of the panhellenic council, but I can't find anything about it online. Do any of you have any insights you could share with me?

Wow...I take a GreekChat "break" for a few weeks and look at all the action in the Chi Omega Forum!

Reverie, thanks for your interest in Mary Love Collins. I'm not sure if you're asking about the Panhellenic Council at Dickinson or about NPC?

The Delta Chapter of Chi Omega at Dickinson College was installed in 1907. The local group, Omega Psi, had been active on the campus for serveral years. Mary Love was initiated as an alumna.

When Chi Omega entered Dickinson there was one other Greek-letter group for women on the campus, Pi Beta Phi, established in 1903.

Mary Love Collins is certainly considered an outstanding Chi Omega, but is also credited with being an outstanding alumna of her alma mater. She graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors, was secretary of the Dickinson Alumni Assoc. and was made chairman ex-oficio of all committees in connection with Dickinson's celebration of its 125th anniversary in 1908.

An attorney and an author, Mary Love served as National President for Chi Omega from 1910-52 and continued as "Administrative Councilor" until her death in 1972.

She was indeed very involved with NPC, but was not Chi Omega's first delegate to that body. Mary Love did serve NPC as its Chairman of the Research & Public Relations Committee from 1945 until her passing.

Because of her accomplishments, Mary Love Collins was recognized throughout the Greek world for her staunch and loyal service to the cause of American college fraternities. The 18th edition of "Baird's Manual" is dedicated to her -- the first woman to receive this honor.