Has the tradition of Legacies outgrown its usefulness?

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Then we would run into the issue of asking "how involved is involved enough to be considered a Super Legacy?"

I can just hear the moms now:

"I was a housemom for 20 years, yet Amy Alpha's mom serves as National Officer for 5 and is a Super Legacy?! *^%^%$5%!!"

I promise I'm not nitpicking, just adding to the discussion. I don't have a better solution, lol.

I actually really like the idea of a "Super Legacy," because it indicates that the member has made a commitment to the organization. I'd prefer the "Super Legacy" idea to the idea that the daughter some woman who hasn't done anything for her sorority since college would get the same consideration as the daughter of a committed volunteer.

It wouldn't be THAT much of an issue, since even on a not-so-active alumnae level, most people are familiar with the local and national "Big Squirrels" (to steal a term from AGD) or a sorority's equivalent, that if their names came up in rush-related discussions, it would not be a surprise and that their daughter or sister would be considered a "Super Legacy." I know it's done in college admissions--the children of big donors and high-level alumni volunteers (class presidents, regional club presidents, interviewing chairs) do indeed get a second look.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I actually really like the idea of a "Super Legacy," because it indicates that the member has made a commitment to the organization. I'd prefer the "Super Legacy" idea to the idea that the daughter some woman who hasn't done anything for her sorority since college would get the same consideration as the daughter of a committed volunteer.

It wouldn't be THAT much of an issue, since even on a not-so-active alumnae level, most people are familiar with the local and national "Big Squirrels" (to steal a term from AGD) or a sorority's equivalent, that if their names came up in rush-related discussions, it would not be a surprise and that their daughter or sister would be considered a "Super Legacy." I know it's done in college admissions--the children of big donors and high-level alumni volunteers (class presidents, regional club presidents, interviewing chairs) do indeed get a second look.

I wasn't saying that I disagreed with the idea (I actually do think it would be good). I'm not a fan of the whole "I haven't lifted a finger for my sorority in 25 years but heaven forbid my daughter not be extended a bid" bit myself.

I'll probably get all kinds of flack for saying this, but I would fully support a system in which a dedicated alumna volunteer's daughter receives a higher legacy classification than the daughter of an alumna who hasn't been involved at all since graduation.

Just saying that I am pretty sure it would ruffle some Mommy feathers, as does anything that implies that someone else's kid gets extra consideration over their precious little darling.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I'll probably get all kinds of flack for saying this, but I would fully support a system in which a dedicated alumna volunteer's daughter receives a higher legacy classification than the daughter of an alumna who hasn't been involved at all since graduation.

Just saying that I am pretty sure it would ruffle some Mommy feathers, as does anything that implies that someone else's kid gets extra consideration over their precious little darling.

This system has pretty much been in effect for selective colleges and universities for some time now and, for the most part, it works pretty well. There will be the occasional angry alumna/alumnus threatening to pull donations but chances are they weren't giving that much in the first place. Those who have worked hardest as a volunteer or donor understand how selective things are and are less likely to cause a fuss. I expect the same thing would happen with the "Super Legacy" system.

People might get ticked off for a day, but they'd get over it.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I actually really like the idea of a "Super Legacy," because it indicates that the member has made a commitment to the organization. I'd prefer the "Super Legacy" idea to the idea that the daughter some woman who hasn't done anything for her sorority since college would get the same consideration as the daughter of a committed volunteer.

To play devil's advocate on that...there is also the "gorgeous man and gorgeous woman produce ugly baby" concept. I wouldn't be suprised if there are a few daughters out there of "Super Alums" who deeply resent all the time their mom gave to the sorority and are only grudgingly going through rush to please them, and who are going to be lukewarm at best members.