To Old???

[ShawnUTK]

I recently started at UT Knoxville, I want rush but Im 27. I'm not a loser I have my own business and I don't act like Im 27,Im not immature either. I was wondering if fraternities look down on people a little older or if they even ask. I also dont look my age.I also can come to most events so ts not like i wouldn't come to anything.Please help me if you can. I

[prospectiverushee]

I sent you an email about this

[33girl]

One of our sisters pledged when she was 25! So you're definitely not too old. It depends on the makeup of the Greek system at the school - if people pledge at all different ages instead of just first semester freshman, it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck!

[alum130]

Shawn, as long as the fraternities you want to rush are mature, I don't forsee a problem. I was 25 when I pledged and like yourself I neither looked or acted my age, but not immature. One question I would ask yourself is that while you are 27 now, will you still feel the same way when you are 30? I would recommend talking to the active chapters which you want to rush AND their alumni to see what there thoughts are. It can be a little difficult to deal with an 18-19 y/o mindset...but I still enjoyed every minute of it! Just my thoughts...

[Siobhan]

One of my boyfriend's fraternity brothers joined when he was 30, but he fit right in. I think joining a sorority or fraternity comes under that catagory of you're never too old... . A couple of things to think about though, you will be pledging with a group of 18 and 19 year olds, so they could be on a different page than you. Also does it work/ fit into your life. If these aren't concerns of yours they I say go do it, have fun with it, and good luck .

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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

[Miami1839]

ShawnUTK,

Siobhan is right Age really shouldnt matter. I do think its much different for fraternities than for sororities. Just my opinion. It all depends on how you feel about the Fraternity your interested in and how their feelings are on the issue of your age. Plus, a lot of it has to do with how open they are to the idea and what you might contribute to the chapter. I pledged when I was 21 and I found that being older helped me out in many ways and my pledge brothers too. It was difficult at first but our pledge class bonded and the rest his history I wish you the best of luck in your pursuits.

Kevin
Beta Theta Pi Alum
Epsilon Mu Chapter
George Mason University
Sigma Class 1994


[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited March 10, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited March 10, 2001).]

[ShawnUTK]

Thanks for the help everyone!!!

[SoCalGirl]

I pretty much agree w/ hootie.

My chapter does not take age into consideration when deciding who to bid. But the members who were much older quit within a year. Not because they could not bond w/ the girls; but, because they could not meet the time commitment.

We try to not play favorites when it comes to excuses on missing things. But an older member has a lot more valid excuses. Like a full time job, etc.

It's been my experience that older members have a lot of potential to be fantastic members but end up being the kind that only show up for meetings.

[Tom Earp]

One thing being maturer when you join, YOU can help your younger Assc. Brothers as you have the experience to lead the right way and not the wrong. I was 25 when I started the local and i still deal with my young Brothers. We just celebrated 35 years from when I started the local and had a great time at the weekend. We had more Alums there than ever before and the "Old Farts" as some of us are know had a ball! Go for it!!!!!

[BrianMUDU]

Just to add more to this conversation, towards the end of the month we will be initiating the dad of one of my brothers. I don't know his exact age, but he is somewhere between 50-55 I'm assuming. He was the head of our parents club, and always talked about how he was unable to be in a fraternity when he was our age. He thinks it is great, so we are initiating him. He goes straight to alumni status afterwards (I believe that is how it works).

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Brian Sejas
VP-Public Relations
The Miami Chapter of Delta Upsilon
http://www.mudeltau.org

[LSUTigerGirl]

Hey ShawnUTK--

I would definitely encourage you to look into joining a GLO. One of my sorority sisters that rushed last semester will be turning 28 soon. She is one of the most loved girls in the entire chapter. Before rushing though...I would talk to some of the guys that are already members of GLOs at UT. I would get their take on your situation and see if it's really worth going through.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Have a great day!!!

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~A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition~

[BabyziIIa]

This topic caught my attention. As I start to type, my 3 year old drags me away from the computer to find the Girl Scout cookies... I'm 28 and was very interested in the whole fraternity/sorority thing in college but continued to put it off thinking that I was going to transfer "next semester". Well, 4 years later I graduated and married a Sig Nu. I've always kinda wished that I'd just done it and getting to know my husband's fraternity simply made that more obvious. The guys were truly like brothers and treated me very well. I always felt safe at the house and enjoyed hanging out there. I saw that greek life really could be a good experience and is something that I would support my kids in someday. I only wish that I could speak from personal experience rather than simply as a "sweetheart." Especially would be nice if I ever have a daughter! The post about a 50 + year old was cute tho. Maybe it's not too late? I'd write more but the 1 year old has dumped a humidifier on the floor and "mommy" is being yelled from the playroom. Then again, it may be a bit late.... )

[loviest95]

I don't think you are too old-- one of my line sisters was 33.

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IVY in my HAND-- AKA in my HEART

[equeen]

I have to agree with the prevailing sentiment, and respectfully disagree with the dissenters.

I truly believe that it's not how old you are, or how old you feel - it's what you can bring to the group, and how the group can uplift you.

One of my fellow Chapter Founders was in her late 20s when she helped found our Chapter. She was, and continues to be, an active force in our sisterhood - she maintains ties with the Active Chapter, is a pillar of strength to our fledgling Alumnae Chapter, and an tremendous force in the National Organization.

And that's really the least of her contribuations - those are really on the level of sorority business. She is truly a friend to every Sister, and a rock of strength and support to her sisters/friends.

She went through a difficult time during her college years, and the opportunity to make a difference through our sisterhood, plus the strength of the sisterly bond, I know has made a tremendous difference in her life.



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@-->---
Pure as Silver, and True Blue!
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies

[dc1]

Originally posted by ShawnUTK:
I recently started at UT Knoxville, I want rush but Im 27.

Have fun at UTK!! Went there my freshman year and had a blast! The Library (bar/club) rocked and the Nile (club) was always fun!
Great times! I miss it alot!