another retro thread

[oncegreek]

On a hot August day, my dad and I made the long drive to my university, and I moved into the dorm that would be my home for rush week.

Before I continue, I will list the chapters present on campus in 1981, and the code I will use. I chose a mix of eighties references- musical bands, cultural icons, movies, and clothing labels. My mom’s sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, was not at my university.

Here are the chapters:

Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Alpha Theta
Pi Phi
Delta Gamma
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Delta Pi
Chi Omega
Alpha Phi
Alpha Gamma Delta

And now, dear readers, the code:
Nancy Reagan
Izod
Members Only
The Big Chill
Pat Benatar
Billy Squier
Princess Diana
Endless Love
Berlin

I met my roommate, a cool blonde with the sort of long, luxurious hair I dreamed of having. Well, my short hair was blonde too, thanks to Lady Clairol! My roommate was a debutante from a major city, and she was confident that she would pledge Nancy Reagan. The other girls in my rush group were quite congenial. After dinner, we went to an orientation in a lecture hall, where the whole process was explained to us. Later, we played an ice breaker game. We had to give our names, and an appropriate adjective. For example, our rush counselor dubbed herself “Anorexic Antoinette.” (!!!some one had some body image issues!!!) I dubbed myself “Lovable L___” in an excess of self -confidence. The first two days were open houses, with house tours on day 3, and theme day on day 4. Preference was on day 5, with bids being handed out the following day. (If some of this sounds familiar, perhaps from another recent retro thread, it is. That's all I' m gping to say for now!)

[micky80]

Wonder what retro thread she could be talking about?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by TSteven

All three... HOT!



Some fine examples of late '70s early '80s hair.

I bet the girl on the far right was made fun of because of her flat hair.

[oncegreek]

I met my roommate, a cool blonde with the sort of long, luxurious hair I dreamed of having. Well, my short hair was blonde too, thanks to Lady Clairol! My roommate was a debutante from a major city, and she was confident that she would pledge Nancy Reagan. The other girls in my rush group were quite congenial. After dinner, we went to an orientation in a lecture hall, where the whole process was explained to us. Later, we played an ice breaker game. We had to give our names, and an appropriate adjective. For example, our rush counselor dubbed herself “Anorexic Antoinette.” (!!!some one had some body image issues!!!) I dubbed myself “Lovable L___” in an excess of self -confidence. The first two days were open houses, with house tours on day 3, and theme day on day 4. Preference was on day 5, with bids being handed out the following day.

The first house, Members Only was far from campus. I wore my Kelly green Izod tee shirt dress, and navy blue espadrilles. I had no idea what to expect, and waited in anxious silence with the other members of my rush group. The doors burst open, and a huge of group of clapping, chanting, girls emerged. Beautiful girls in matching Hawaiian shirts, singing about their sorority greeted us, and ushered us into their house. I don’t really remember the conversation from this house, but I do remember feeling overwhelmed and intimidated. I know that Members Only was not a place where I felt that I belonged.


Next stop was Berlin. This chapter had only colonized the previous year. The girls sang nervously, but welcomed us warmly. I was so relieved that they were nervous, too! This group was smaller, but I felt comfortable with these girls, and hoped to return.

Nancy Reagan was up next. These girls sang a cute song about their chapter, and wore denim skirts with matching blue oxford shirts. Very preppy, but all I could think was that their outfits resembled uniforms! The girls were nice, but again, I was intimidated. Lots of conversations about vacations. I recall a rather tepid response when I discussed my various part time jobs!

Pat Benatar was the next stop on the rush express! This group struck me as being really well put together. The girls were athletic and enthusiastic, and seemed to be more diverse. They also seemed to get along well with one another. I enjoyed my time at Pat Benatar, and wanted to see more.

Endless Love came next. The house was beautiful, and the sisterhood here felt genuine. I remember good conversations. This, too, was a diverse group. I felt comfortable here, and knew that I wanted to return.

The ladies of Billy Squier were upbeat and friendly, and I had good conversations there that day. Anyway, I hoped to return to Billy Squier, too.

After lunch, we went to The Big Chill. This house was amazing! The girls were gorgeous, and happily sang about their sisterhood. A top house, but I did not feel at home there. I don’t remember the conversation.

By this point, I was getting tired of talking. I don’t remember much of Diana, but after the first day, I was looking forward to returning.

Izod was the last house of the day. A high school classmate whom I admired had pledged this chapter at another school, and I was really looking forward to visiting here. The sisters burst forth wearing pastel eyelet sundresses in different colors, chanting loudly. I was paired with another PNM, and the active spent most of the time talking to her. I felt very left out, and decided that Izod was not for me. (Remember, I was an awkward eighteen year old, with an unfortunate tendency to judge both people and groups quickly)

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by oncegreek

I
Pat Benatar was the next stop on the rush express!

What a great theme for a party!

[barbino]

Originally Posted by TSteven

All three... HOT!



Some fine examples of late '70s early '80s hair.

TSteven!

Where do you get these absolutely fantastic pictures of life at the University of Kentucky from the 70's and 80's (and more)???
I took few pictures while I was there, frankly I'm a little jealous. I'd love to be able to access cool pics like these!

[nate2512]

im a little late on this, but i dont think we ever figured out the staircase. i think its the A from Alpha Phi?

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by barbino

TSteven!

Where do you get these absolutely fantastic pictures of life at the University of Kentucky from the 70's and 80's (and more)???
I took few pictures while I was there, frankly I'm a little jealous. I'd love to be able to access cool pics like these!

Kentucky Cheerleading

Go Cats!

[honeychile]

We had a sister who won a Farrah Fawcett look-a-like contest - she honestly could have been her double! Do I have to tell you that we ALWAYS made sure she was one of the first sisters that the PNMs saw?

There's more to her, but I won't bring down this (great) thread!

[Leslie Anne]

I'm absolutely loving this thread! Yay for the 80's.

Can't wait to hear more. So far I think Pat Benatar sounds promising.

[Benzgirl]

Looks like you became a squirrel right around the time I did. Welcome!!!!

[oncegreek]

yes, it is. are you a Greek from Ucsb, by any chance?

[nate2512]

Originally Posted by oncegreek

yes, it is. are you a Greek from Ucsb, by any chance?

nah, im a croakie and boat shoe wearing greek from the deep south. i just happened to notice that your code names and actual chapter name went in the same order.