How do people react when you mention you are involved as an alum

[PrettyBoy]

People are usually shocked because they think I'm a lot younger than I actually am. That works for me .

[blkwebman1919]

My group manager at work was amused that I still work with the band and I'm active within the Fraternity (Life member) after almost twenty years. He was even more amused when he saw my license plate/tag and Psi stick in my car.

Ironic, since he's a member of a D9 (NPHC) organization. He looks at it as being a "college thing --- been there, done that", which is very unusual given the thinking of (in my opinion) most D9ers...

[jojapeach]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

My group manager at work was amused that I still work with the band and I'm active within the Fraternity (Life member) after almost twenty years. He was even more amused when he saw my license plate/tag and Psi stick in my car.

Ironic, since he's a member of a D9 (NPHC) organization. He looks at it as being a "college thing --- been there, done that", which is very unusual given the thinking of (in my opinion) most D9ers...

Beyond ironic. It's sad that he feels that way. I'd rather hear someone say something akin to, "I'm very busy/going through some things/getting settled in Atlanta," than hear that it was a college thing. That means you are disregarding the "lifetime commitment" that you made to the organization and your fellow members.

I'm one of three Greeks in my family, and the other family members can appreciate that my alumnae involvement is a positive thing, which goes against what they read and hear about Greeks in the news. Other Greeks appreciate it, too, and once in a while, we get into the whole debate about being financial and supporting the national body. It's beautiful, especially when I get to see some of my sorors in their 80s still attending meetings and contributing to the sorority because Sigma always has been and will be important in their lives.

[xi_pinkrose]

I live across the street from my chapter. I still go to meetings and ceremonies. And tonight they called me and asked if I would help out with Relay for Life. Granted I have only been out of college for a year, but, I would never think twice of not attending an event. Most of the time I am working. But if I am around and available I am more than willing to spend my time with my sisters.

I wish I was able to be more involved.

[RG-SAM]

I think its great you are still involved. After I graduated in 2004, I had the wonderful opportunity of going to work for my organization. I now serve as our Regional Governor. I oversee our groups in the New England area.

[RhoPsiDST]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

It is of no surprise to people when I tell them because it's kind of like "you better be living your lifetime commitment." Yet people still smile and want to know what my alumnae chapter is doing.

For many organizations it is expected for us to be involved at the alum level. When I meet NPHCers, for example, I expect for them to not only be able to tell me their chapter and year of initiation but to often mention their alum/grad chapter affiliation or if they are financially a member-at-large. I've even had NPHCers come at me wrong if they assumed I graduated 7 years ago and haven't contributed to my organization since.

Of course this expectation is especially the case with my Sorors. Over the past 7 years I've been involved in making sure Sorors who aren't financial and active are reclaimed either as a member-at-large or through alumnae chapter affiliation.

right right.....

[AGDLynn]

It's funny/sad when people say that they never hear from the collegiate chapter..well..we've been in the same dorm since 1972 and have had the same post office box and how many times have you moved, changed email addresses, stayed in touch with anyone you knew in college much less the collegiates??

And btw, we may be moving in 2008 so you might see a whole different decorating scheme if you try to come by Boykin,.

Back to the 1st post...when I go into a Greek store to buy stuff, the question is "Oh, is your daughter an Alpha Gam?..I just thought of the perfect line....


No, but my 100,000 sisters are.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by RhoPsiDST

right right.....

Hello, stranger.

[FatalDSTination]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Hello, stranger.

Hey ChOAs.... <-- you know i had to do that for old time sake

Long time....

[Tom Earp]

I always find it is fun when people come into my shop and I see a College tag on their car and ask oh, I see you went to ABC school.

Were you in a Fraternity/Sorority? They will say yes I was a so and so at ABC. How about you and I always say I am a LXA from ABC and am still active. I always found it amazing how much warmer people were after we talked a while about the Greek Days back when!

Just to name a few:

BTP
DDD
STG
KS
OSPhi
AKA
AKL
XO

While from different Organizations, there is still a common bond.

[AXiDTrish]

Anyone who is friends with me knows that I am involved as an alum. Most of the time I get no reaction, but most often people say I'm not the type....haha, if they only knew!!

My company hired a new saleswoman last year. While at lunch we had to tell her a little bit about ourselves. I gave her the basic information then my VP shared that I was also involved with my sorority and did a lot of volunteer work. Needless to say I was surprised (but perhaps I shouldn't be because she's a Junior League person and quite involved herself), but then the saleswoman asked my affiliation. It turns out she is an Alpha Xi Delta too! And a former chapter president as well!!! It's funny, because we instantaneously clicked!

Than again, a sister that I initiated with and advise with now got married in April. Her husband is becoming evermore resentful of her involvement as an alumnae. I cannot wrap my head around it because did he assume the minute they said the vows she would stop her involvement? Why can't he accept her involvement as something that she ENJOYS and that it gives her a sense of purpose and satisfaction of giving back to an org she loves? She certainly accepts his need to go to every UGA event and local basketball league games that he's in. Why should she give up her own interests? It's totally selfish! Sorry.....venting!

[AXiDTrish]

Originally Posted by apd76

It is an odd topic for me. We are all inducted and told that we are members for life. My fraternity experience was different than most of the people on this board. I was inducted in 1976 into a small national fraternity on a large impersonal urban commuter-college campus. So my fraternity brothers were also the only close friends I had on campus, which is probably why I'm still in touch with some of them.

I don't know if I really consider myself a member of my fraternity so many years later. I'd say the best thing is to slowly break contact with your undergrad chapter but keep in touch with fellow alumni if only via email as I do now.

It may sound bad and I apologize, but I feel sorry for you. Your statement makes me really sad. As alumni, we have so many opportunities to mentor young men and women during these formative years as they are becoming responsible (hopefully) adults. Although you, and many others, have not been involved for a long time, there are so many opportunities to educate members in the chapter....not on stuff relating to our orgs, but just life. The other benefit...the collegiates enrich your life as well!

That said, at least you keep in touch with the people you were in chapter with. We did join orgs to create lifelong friendships and that's exactly what you did.

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by apd76

I've never really mentioned my alum involvement at work because it's hard to explain to people who were not in a fraternity or sorority. I was in touch with my undergrad chapter for a few years after graduation but that was +25 years ago.

As the years go on I'm much less active in that I don't see alumni or attend alumni association meetings anymore. I am still in touch via email with a few brothers, some of whom I've know for 30 years.

It is an odd topic for me. We are all inducted and told that we are members for life. My fraternity experience was different than most of the people on this board. I was inducted in 1976 into a small national fraternity on a large impersonal urban commuter-college campus. So my fraternity brothers were also the only close friends I had on campus, which is probably why I'm still in touch with some of them.

I don't know if I really consider myself a member of my fraternity so many years later. I'd say the best thing is to slowly break contact with your undergrad chapter but keep in touch with fellow alumni if only via email as I do now.

Just a couple of questions:

1. is your chapter still there.
2. is your Fraternity still viable as a Orgnaization.

While it may seem hard, and I congratulate on keeping in touch, is there a chance of expansion that would be a building momento for others?

While I kind of laugh at your date, I have been involved since 1965.

I have become great friends with all of the younger Brothers and many from other chapters. We have a common bond and do help each other with jobs and inter working in later life.

Take a second look and see what you may be able to do if you so desire.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by FatalDSTination

Hey ChOAs.... <-- you know i had to do that for old time sake

Long time....

The power of Christ compels you!!!

*throwing Holy water*

[AlethiaSi]

I graduated this past May from my school, and I am now joining my sorority's housing board and I remain a "go-to" person for the active girls, offering advice, encouragement and counseling. When I left, 14 other girls left with me, so it has been a large majority of the younger girls running things, which is why I didn't want to fall out of the picture, in case they needed me.

My parents don't get it, my friends in my new town don't get it either. My dad tells me to grow up, especially because I still wear my charm necklace, he tells me to get over it. I tell him over and over again that this is something that matters to me, and he'll just have to respect that.