Non Member Wearing Badge

[Sciencewoman]

I am inclined to agree with you. Also, I now have a valid reason to make contact, without having to say that her student reported it to me...since she is wearing the badge so obviously, it invites a contact. My first thought, before I recognized the name as being the same professor, was, "oh, there's a Gamma Phi!"

I'll let you know how it goes....

[homeward*bound]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Would she be suitable for alumnae initiation?

Seriously - this could be an opportunity. She's winning awards, so obviously distinguished in her field. Thanks to the connection with her mother, she already has a relationship with Gamma Phi. It could be a win-win.

I don't see anyway to wrest the badge away from her without it being very awkward. Take those lemons and make some lemonade, IF she meets membership criteria.

She may well not realize exactly the implication of wearing it - non-greeks often don't.

I absolutely agree with this. As Greeks, we understand the meaning behind badges and the significance of wearing them. I don't think the average non-Greek understands any of that.

I lost my mother when I was a very young adult. It's hard to express how much comfort I received from wearing her jewelry, and I can understand how it may make your colleague feel.

She's probably unaware of our alumnae initiation program. Although I obviously don't know her personally, given her tie to our sorority, ties to your school, and professional accomplishments, she sounds like the kind of candidate we might be interested in approaching.

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

I am inclined to agree with you. Also, I now have a valid reason to make contact, without having to say that her student reported it to me...since she is wearing the badge so obviously, it invites a contact. My first thought, before I recognized the name as being the same professor, was, "oh, there's a Gamma Phi!"

I'll let you know how it goes....

Good luck! I'm eager to learn how things turn out.

[Sciencewoman]

Originally Posted by homeward*bound

I absolutely agree with this. As Greeks, we understand the meaning behind badges and the significance of wearing them. I don't think the average non-Greek understands any of that.

I lost my mother when I was a very young adult. It's hard to express how much comfort I received from wearing her jewelry, and I can understand how it may make your colleague feel.

She's probably unaware of our alumnae initiation program. Although I obviously don't know her personally, given her tie to our sorority, ties to your school, and professional accomplishments, she sounds like the kind of candidate we might be interested in approaching.



Good luck! I'm eager to learn how things turn out.

Before I e-mailed her, I spoke with another sister/faculty member who I thought might know her...she said she was "nice" and although she didn't know her well or know about the badge, she said to use her name when I contacted her.

I heard back from her this morning, and I believe her situation is very similar to yours, homeward*bound. She lost her mother to cancer several years ago and she wears the badge in her memory. I don't think she realizes that wearing the badge is inappropriate.

She suggested meeting for lunch or coffee, so that will be the next step. I think it is looking positive.

I sponsored an AI a couple years ago, so I am familiar with the process, and it is involved.

[naraht]

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

I sponsored an AI a couple years ago, so I am familiar with the process, and it is involved.

I'd like to compliment on the way that you are handling it. Of all of the possible situations that might fall under "Perp", this is about as good as it can be.

For organizations without AI (like mine), I think my first positive thought would be having the women become an advisor to a chapter at the school, which would also give the right to wear the badge. I don't know if that is another possible solution with G Phi B.

Whether a chapter service project related to the type of cancer than her mother died from would make her feel more comfortable or if it would be viewed as "sucking up" would be something that would have to be decided after meeting with her.

Again, keep us informed of what happens, I'm curious as well.

[SWTXBelle]

Only initiated members may wear our badge.

I know of several alumnae initiates who went on to become chapter advisers.

[naraht]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Only initiated members may wear our badge.

I know of several alumnae initiates who went on to become chapter advisers.

Hmm. Advisors are not initiated members of Gamma Phi Beta? From a Risk Management standard, I'd want Advisors to be able to attend all rituals, but perhaps G Phi B has made another choice.

[momof4girls]

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

She suggested meeting for lunch or coffee, so that will be the next step. I think it is looking positive.

Have you had that lunch or coffee meeting yet?