Top Greek Schools

[breathesgelatin]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Yes...I do.

cool. I'm a grad student.

[shinerbock]

we probably need to start another thread regarding "fratty schools." I'm sure IU or Michigan or (Enter other large school here) may have strong greek systems, but its of a different sort. I'm sure they've got some successful groups, but the whole culture is not the same greek culture I enjoyed as an undergrad. If the best chapters at a particular school are filled with guys sporting hollister and abercrombie to go with their hair gel and lowered Honda Civic, I can't really say that the greek system is anything like what I consider good. One of my favorite things about fraternity life (in the south and a select few other places) is that some things are just classic. To start with, the fraternity houses. They usually are large and beautiful, with classic architecture and nice furnishings. Sure they get beat up sometimes but they are instantly recognizable, and aren't just any other house with letters put up and a keg on the porch. Another classic aspect is the dress. Contrary to what people may say, greeks in the south don't dress a certain way because they are blind lemmings, but because it is a purposeful and adult way to dress. I always liked knowing that if I ran into a congressman or CEO while I was at a bar or event (both have happened) I could make a good impression without looking like I was 17 years old and at a rap concert. I'm sure in some parts of the country you can wear a hollister shirt and cargo shorts and get away with it, but there are expectations in the south for how adults should present themselves. Another classic aspect is the presence of strong tradition. Look to KA's Old South for an example, or any strong southern chapter's regular formal in a historic city (Charleston, New Orleans, Savannah). We even enjoy different music. People from outside the south always comment on how weird the music we like is, but I enjoy the comments. On a recent trip a bus driver commented on the lack of top 40 songs played, but rather the abundance of Zeppelin, Dylan, Van Morrison and Robert Earl Keen. We don't expect every chapter in the country to act this way, but I don't understand how people view it as a bad thing. What is wrong with promoting maturity?

[Tucker Carlson]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

we probably need to start another thread regarding "fratty schools." I'm sure IU or Michigan or (Enter other large school here) may have strong greek systems, but its of a different sort. I'm sure they've got some successful groups, but the whole culture is not the same greek culture I enjoyed as an undergrad. If the best chapters at a particular school are filled with guys sporting hollister and abercrombie to go with their hair gel and lowered Honda Civic, I can't really say that the greek system is anything like what I consider good. One of my favorite things about fraternity life (in the south and a select few other places) is that some things are just classic. To start with, the fraternity houses. They usually are large and beautiful, with classic architecture and nice furnishings. Sure they get beat up sometimes but they are instantly recognizable, and aren't just any other house with letters put up and a keg on the porch. Another classic aspect is the dress. Contrary to what people may say, greeks in the south don't dress a certain way because they are blind lemmings, but because it is a purposeful and adult way to dress. I always liked knowing that if I ran into a congressman or CEO while I was at a bar or event (both have happened) I could make a good impression without looking like I was 17 years old and at a rap concert. I'm sure in some parts of the country you can wear a hollister shirt and cargo shorts and get away with it, but there are expectations in the south for how adults should present themselves. Another classic aspect is the presence of strong tradition. Look to KA's Old South for an example, or any strong southern chapter's regular formal in a historic city (Charleston, New Orleans, Savannah). We even enjoy different music. People from outside the south always comment on how weird the music we like is, but I enjoy the comments. On a recent trip a bus driver commented on the lack of top 40 songs played, but rather the abundance of Zeppelin, Dylan, Van Morrison and Robert Earl Keen. We don't expect every chapter in the country to act this way, but I don't understand how people view it as a bad thing. What is wrong with promoting maturity?

i agree with everything you said

[macallan25]

agreed, i'll start one.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

What is wrong with promoting maturity?

Honey, I went to a school full of people like the ones you described and indeed in certain respects I fit the description you give, but I don't know if I could call all those fratty boys I loved to love at W&L "mature." LOL

Now, when the Senators come around, for sure, then they're mature.

[shinerbock]

haha, you're right. The maturity I speak of does not involve beer drinking or partying, but rather being ready for situations when they occur. Adults party too of course, and they know when to have a good time and when to act completely business-like. Likewise, fraternity guys down here can party with the best of them, but when a situation comes around (parents weekend, football games, alumni events, being in public in general) you can be sure they'll be well groomed and well mannered. We try and replicate the corporate/legal/political world, where business and social events often mix, and one needs to be prepared to make a good impression even in casual situations. Just as most recruiting for southern fraternities isn't done during formal rush, we realize that the formal interview for that firm means little in comparison to how you handled yourself while draining a few pints with a one of its partners.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

haha, you're right. The maturity I speak of does not involve beer drinking or partying, but rather being ready for situations when they occur. Adults party too of course, and they know when to have a good time and when to act completely business-like. Likewise, fraternity guys down here can party with the best of them, but when a situation comes around (parents weekend, football games, alumni events, being in public in general) you can be sure they'll be well groomed and well mannered. We try and replicate the corporate/legal/political world, where business and social events often mix, and one needs to be prepared to make a good impression even in casual situations. Just as most recruiting for southern fraternities isn't done during formal rush, we realize that the formal interview for that firm means little in comparison to how you handled yourself while draining a few pints with a one of its partners.

Agreed.