Southern Greek Orgs - Prestige?

[AXiDTrish]

This is a really silly question, but I am curious!!! I've heard how competitive recruitment is in states such as Mississippi, Louisianna, and Alabama. That some girls are double and triple legacies to sororities within the south and recruitment numbers can go up to 1200+ (NPC).

So where does the huge draw come from with those states? Is it old family money? Does it have to do with Cotillion and Debutants? Is it that sororities were historically recognized (and still can be) and considered for high society women?

Someone recently told me that struggling chapters at some of these large schools just need to get some "old money" and prominent girls to survive. Is this really true? It seems incredibly superficial to me, but it also sounds like such a different sorority culture than what I am used to.

Anyone have any comments?

[Angels&Arrows]

Originally posted by AXiDTrish

So where does the huge draw come from with those states? Is it old family money? Does it have to do with Cotillion and Debutants?

Anyone have any comments?

Many times, money has little to do with being selected as a deb. I have seen young women from "poor" families selected... over "rich." History, mothers/grands/great grands, etc. play a role in many clubs, before money.

Not to be rude, but I refuse to comment on the other questions... no disrespect meant to you. I am just tired of the stereotypical BS regarding the south and rush that comes up on this website.

The same percentage of women pledge (actually more) each year at Ole Miss, that pledge at northern schools such as PSU. I find it ironic that many boast at the "Funny reasons that did not pledge a chapter," but baulk at "Reasons that a young lady might have been dropped from a chapter; or quite frankly anything to do with Southern Sororities."

Many of your questions have been answered on GC; use a few keywords under search. I am sure someone else would be glad to answer your questions, hopefully someone from a Southern School, who is actively involved in their chapter (actives or alumnae). I also hope this thread will stay respectful, and not become another Southern vs. Northern Sorority member thread.

[AUDeltaGam]

From a big southern school perspective:

I think alot of it has to do with tradition. One sorority I'm thinking about in particular at Auburn (I'll call them AB) is one of the oldest, and each year, they literally have hundreds of legacies come through. Many girls come through recruitment with the mindset of "my mother, grandmothers and all of my female family members are XYZ, so I want to be one".

As far as struggling chapters, again-history. Girls know some of the reputations of groups, and some might not want to be associated with a struggling group.

From my perspective as an alumna of the youngest chapter on campus (this will be our 3rd formal recruitment)-I know we've had to work extra hard to put our name out there and establish a name for ourselves. Needless to say, we've done quite well

And that's my $0.02

[WhiteDaisy128]

Not to be rude, but I refuse to comment on the other questions... no disrespect meant to you. I am just tired of the stereotypical BS regarding the south and rush that comes up on this website.

I think this comment is silly when the person who made this thread is just searching for answers. She is trying to find out the reasons stereotypes exist in these traditionally Southern groups. It's a valid quiestion if you are from a Northern school or a school with out Greek life...I am from a school kinda in the middle...6 NPC groups, about 500 PNMs rushing each year. I, too, love to hear about the strong traditions in the south. To me it's wild that some schools have 15-20 NPC sororities and 1200+ PNMs going through Rush...Information seekers should not be shot down (perhaps it's the teacher in me that believes that).

[Angels&Arrows]

Originally posted by WhiteDaisy128
I think this comment is silly when the person who made this thread is just searching for answers. She is trying to find out the reasons stereotypes exist in these traditionally Southern groups. It's a valid quiestion if you are from a Northern school or a school with out Greek life...I am from a school kinda in the middle...6 NPC groups, about 500 PNMs rushing each year. I, too, love to hear about the strong traditions in the south. To me it's wild that some schools have 15-20 NPC sororities and 1200+ PNMs going through Rush...Information seekers should not be shot down (perhaps it's the teacher in me that believes that).

I agree, and I did not shoot her down. I said I would not answer the question about sororities. I have been a member of GC for many years and in that time have rarely, if ever, shot someone down or been rude (honest, but not rude). I did, however say...

Originally posted by Angels&Arrows
Many of your questions have been answered on GC; use a few keywords under search. I am sure someone else would be glad to answer your questions, hopefully someone from a Southern School, who is actively involved in their chapter (actives or alumnae). I also hope this thread will stay respectful, and not become another Southern vs. Northern Sorority member thread.

This subject has been discussed multiple times, most of the "Big Southern" schools have their own threads discussing this very topic. I normally am bothered when people do not help out new posters and just simply refer them to the "search" feature. This very subject has caused many a fight and discouraging words within our own GC community.

[Sister Havana]

One note: Indiana University, hardly a southern school, generally has about 1800+ women sign up for formal rush. We have 19 NPC sororities and only about half the women who sign up end up with bids.

[AXiDTrish]

I promise I am not trying to be the southern versus northern person. I live in the South (if that's what you can call Atlanta anymore!) and when to a school with 6 sororities and 200 PNM's in recruitment. I have read other threads, but didn't get the answers I was looking for.

I do understand "tradition" and can identify with it. I am amazed that Indiana Univ has only about 50% that get bids! What an amazingly high number!!! At least to me anyway!!! Does this school have the same high legacy numbers? I would assume, but I have found it is better not to these days.

[Zillini]

As a born and raised Midwesterner who moved to Bama more than a decade ago, I may be able to provide a bit of insight. (I grew up in Illinois. I didn't even know I was a Yankee until I moved here. )

Personally I think that in general the South believes in traditions alot more in all aspects of life. From Sunday dinner at Mema's (meaning Grandma, that was new to me) to "Every female in my family is/was an ABC and I'd be disowned if I even looked at XYZ". (Ok I know I'm being extreme, but I have seen some of these situations.)

Something else and this has strictly been my personal experience, but it seems to be much more common to hear someone from the North, Midwest or West say "I'm the first woman in my family to go Greek". Another thing to consider is that Southern GLOs generally are still growing in numbers while on many other campuses across the country Greek numbers are shrinking. I can't explain either of these. Maybe someone else could shed some light.

[Taualumna]

I would assume tradition is key in the south. This isn't a Greek thng, but up here in Toronto, I've told many of my friends that any daughter I have will go to my old high school. Most of my friends, especially those who didn't go to private school, just think I'm a nut case.

Legacies, generally, are the best at donating to the organization.

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by WhiteDaisy128
She is trying to find out the reasons stereotypes exist in these traditionally Southern groups.

But she's trying to get at the reason for stereotypes by perpetuating more stereotypes. I think that might be what Angels & Arrows is trying to point out.

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by Taualumna
I would assume tradition is key in the south.

This is the best and most succinct answer to the original question. Thank you, Taualumna, for getting to the point.

[aopirose]

I agree that a lot has to do with tradition. Is it a Big Deal? Only for those who think it is and that’s OK. It’s relative.

In some families, it is just expected that you go through recruitment. Just like it is expected that you go to college in the first place. A lot of girls want to go through to either fulfill a legacy or to start one; especially, if people in their family are involved. Involvement can range from volunteering to regular lunches with sisters. Even now 4-year-old, my son asks, “Mama, are we going to see the Pi’s today?” He also asks the same of my husband since he is a Pi Kappa Phi.

As far as cotillion and debs are concerned, I agree with A&A that you don’t have to come from money to do this. Certain clubs, maybe depending on membership criteria, but mostly, it is family ties rather then money.

Regarding struggling chapters, it is going to take a lot more than “old money” to turn things around. It takes hard work and dedication. It is silly to think otherwise.