Famous Greeks... or are they???

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

As OTW said, the most complete resource for notable members is the organization webpage.

That is probably true for many organizations, but I know that AOII discourages the listing of prominent members and therefore does not list any on our IHQ webpage.

[NutBrnHair]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

I know that AOII discourages the listing of prominent members and therefore does not list any on our IHQ webpage.

Why is that?

[AOII_LB93]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

Why is that?

Because all of our members have something special to offer AOII, not just the ones who happen to be "famous".

[Senusret I]

*barf*

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

Because all of our members have something special to offer AOII, not just the ones who happen to be "famous".

I like that reasoning.

However...st the same time, it's nice to have a list just so we can put rumors to rest once and for all. One visit to AGD's website clearly proves that Raquel Welch, Madonna, Carole King, and Betty White are NOT AGDs.

[Senusret I]

I think every member has a role that can be defined by their careers.

I wouldn't expect Lionel Richie to be a Regional Vice President, but I appreciate the concert he gave during our centennial (at no charge to the fraternity) as a fundraiser for the foundation.

Several prominent Alphas moderated seminars at the centennial convention. Also, depending on where the general convention is, you might have various local alpha politicians or celebs come and give remarks.

Which is good enough for me.

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by OTW

I like that reasoning.

However...st the same time, it's nice to have a list just so we can put rumors to rest once and for all. One visit to AGD's website clearly proves that Raquel Welch, Madonna, Carole King, and Betty White are NOT AGDs.

I don't have strong feelings about it either way, but I agree that there would be some advantages to having a list. For one, some individual chapters feel pressured to list notable alumnae on their webpages because the other sororities on their campus do. It would give them a concrete, accurate list. Plus, many people misconstrue it to mean that we have never had a notable initiate. I did think it was sort of strange when To Dragma (our magazine) did a feature on Courtney Kupets (the Olympic gymnast who is a member of our chapter at U of Georgia.) It was interesting, but it draws attention to a notable member, which I thought was the point of not having a list. Of course, they also did a feature on GC's own Snowlady, who is not "famous", so maybe it's all cool.

[NutBrnHair]

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

Because all of our members have something special to offer AOII, not just the ones who happen to be "famous".

That's sweet.

I found this thread very helpful:
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ghlight=Famous

[jadis96]

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

Because all of our members have something special to offer AOII, not just the ones who happen to be "famous".

I really like this idea. Don't get me wrong, I think having "famous" sibs is great. I know I get excited when I see someone on TV who I know is my sister, but it's also nice knowing to you IHQ you are just as important.

[ISUKappa]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

That is probably true for many organizations, but I know that AOII discourages the listing of prominent members and therefore does not list any on our IHQ webpage.

My point was more you can't trust individual chapter webpages to have correct info on prominent members. The best resource is the main organization webpage, if they are even listed there (and, as you pointed out, some don't).

[NutBrnHair]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

I know that AOII discourages the listing of prominent members and therefore does not list any on our IHQ webpage.

I wonder if this would hold true if the first woman President of the United States was an AOII?

[aopinthesky]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

I wonder if this would hold true if the first woman President of the United States was an AOII?

I suppose you can make the argument that if AOII had famous-enough alums that we would put them on display. There are a few, but since AOII does not put out a list it would be hard to name more than one or two unless you just happen to know.
I don't think that any AOII is saying that listing famous members is wrong, but I have been an AOII for over 30 years and have never seen a list of ours.

[AOII_LB93]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

I wonder if this would hold true if the first woman President of the United States was an AOII?

I'm sure there would be an article in our magazine about it, and chapters across the country would be proud as would individual members, but I don't think that the international organization would change the tune it's been singing for one member - regardless of whether or not that person is the leader of this country. I mean seriously, "Oh the president is an AOII." Great, fabulous...something to add to a hash mark list of how many famous alumnae there are.

I too have been a member for over 10 years and have never seen a "prominent AOIIs" list - except for the AOIIs in my eyes who are far more prominent that are listed in To Dragma - The ones who donate their time as volunteers, beneficiaries of the AOII foundation, sisters who donate to other sisters in need through the Ruby Fund, and the ones who have been members for 50 years or more. To me that is far more meaningful than, "Amy Actress is an AOII."

[NutBrnHair]

I do understand where you're coming from; however, I think many collegians enjoy these lists (as evidenced by the many chapter websites -- including AOIIs -- where they are listed).

My gripe, as others here have stated, is that many of these lists are inaccurate and it's helpful to point to the HQ website as the final authority.

[TSteven]

Sigma Chi has two honors (lists) on the IHQ website. Nomination and selection for these honors comes from members and are not based on other (popular) perceptions of what may make someone notable.

Exerts of the two are as follows.

Order of Constantine

Each year, the Order of Constantine recognizes a group of up to fourteen Sigma Chi brothers [This year’s pool of nominees warranted that 18 worthy brothers be recognized] for their commitment, dedication and service to the fraternity. Induction into the Order of Constantine is considered to be the highest honor the Sigma Chi Fraternity can bestow upon one of its members. The honor of being named a “Constantine Sig” has been conferred on less than 500 brothers since the inception of the Order of Constantine at the 47th Grand Chapter in 1948.

Each recipient receives a certificate and a medal recognizing him as one “who has worn the White Cross in a manner the seven Founders would have commended.” Those selected have been active alumni for 20 or more years. These brothers are now members of the Order and are known as “Constantine Sigs.”

Each Nominee must receive a minimum of four letters of endorsement, three of which must be from members of the Order of Constantine. Letters of support should only be sought from Sigma Chi Brothers who have personal knowledge of the activities and credentials of a Nominee. That group would include: Members of the Order of Constantine, Grand Officers of Sigma Chi including Grand Trustee & Grand Praetor, President of the local House Corporation, President of the local Alumni Chapter and the Consul of the local chapter.

The Significant Sig Award

The Sigma Chi Fraternity has recognized more than 1,100 brothers since the Significant Sig award's inception at the 1935 Grand Chapter.

Alumni in any profession, occupation or service work are eligible for consideration. Any Sigma Chi alumnus or undergraduate may nominate another for the Significant Sig award. A nomination consists of a completed nomination form and a resume or summary of the nominee's past and present occupations and positions, professional and/or civic activities, and honors or awards received. Service to Sigma Chi as an undergraduate or alumnus is NOT a criterion for this award and need not be listed. If a candidate is selected, a nominator may be asked to assist the Alumni Outreach department with the coordination of an awards ceremony. Only living members of the Fraternity are considered for the award.