Where have all the pledges gone?

[DeltAlum]

As usual, JAM brings up excellent points. Her last paragraph really struck me between the eyes -- I really hadn't thought of that. It's certainly true for us. Thank goodness for big scholarships, or we would be in trouble paying for our son.

I've seen some stats -- can't remember where or from whom they came -- that a majority of fraternity members (60 plus percent, I think) hold down a job to help pay for school and their fraternity expenses. In the past it was more common for parents to pay the entire bill. (Although that wasn't the case in my situation) I wonder if more guys aren't thinking something like, "Why should I spend my hard earned dollars to get hazed?"

One quick comment about Betarulz report on the Delt rush numbers at Nebraska. I had the opportunity to spend a few days at their shelter one summer while my son attended a conference on their campus. They rush all summer as prospective Freshmen come through campus for their pre-college orientation. I had the opportunity to attend one of their rush functions -- very nice, low pressure, BBQ and chat. (Absolutely no hint of alcohol, etc.) I took a look at the sheets the prospects had signed the next morning. Unbelievable. Almost all were NHS members, athletes, student body officers, on the honor roll, etc.

I understand that the chapter generally has 25 or so committed by the time school starts. What a great situation to be in when formal rush comes around -- little or no pressure. (I'd be interested to know from Betarulz whether the other chapters at Nebraska actively recruit in the summer)

It's no wonder in my mind why that chapter has won at least 16 Hugh Shields Awards -- the highest award a Delt Chapter can win.