Best Fraternities For Future CEOs

Davide Dukcevich, 01.31.03, 12:00 PM ET
article originally posted on forbes.com 

NEW YORK - Don't be surprised if you see your company directors exchanging secret handshakes at the next board meeting. After all, about a quarter of all chief executives on the Forbes Super 500 list of America's largest corporations were members of college fraternities.

Despite what movies such as Animal House suggest, fraternities and sororities are more than just freshman rush and beer busts. The social skills that help students gain admittance into the Greek system are the same aptitudes that can later give them a leg-up in corporate climbing. Plus, once they've graduated, they can tap into the network of past fraternity brothers or sisters who litter all tiers of corporate America.

Big Companies, Old School Ties
These are the ten-largest American companies with fraternity members at the helm. Click on the CEO names for their profiles.

Forbes 500 Rank Company CEO Fraternity
1 Citigroup (nyse: C - news - people ) Sanford Weill Alpha Epsilon Pi
4 American International Group (nyse: AIG - news - people ) Maurice Greenberg Sigma Alpha Mu
12 J.P. Morgan Chase (nyse: JPM - news - people ) William B. Harrison Jr. Zeta Psi
19 Goldman Sachs (nyse: GS - news - people ) Henry Paulson Sigma Alpha Epsilon
21 Procter & Gamble (nyse: PG - news - people ) Alan Lafley Psi Upsilon
24 Wachovia (nyse: WB - news - people ) G. Kennedy Thompson Beta Theta Pi
25 Berkshire Hathaway (nyse: BRKa - news - people ) Warren Buffett Alpha Sigma Phi
27 Home Depot (nyse: HD - news - people ) Robert Nardelli Tau Kappa Epsilon
28 BellSouth (nyse: BLS - news - people ) F. Duane Ackerman Lambda Chi Alpha
29 General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) G. Richard Wagoner Delta Tau Delta
Data from The North-American Interfraternity Conference and Forbes
The numbers certainly seem to back this theory up. A mere 8.5% of full-time university undergraduates are members of either a fraternity or a sorority. Not only have fraternities been the breeding ground of those 120 Forbes 500s chief executive officers, they also have spawned 48% of all U.S. presidents, 42% of U.S. senators, 30% of U.S. congressmen, and 40% of U.S. Supreme Court justices, according to data from The North-American Interfraternity Conference.

Best Fraternities For Future CEOs
Fraternity Members Who Are Forbes 500s CEOs
Beta Theta Pi 11
Sigma Alpha Epsilon 9
Sigma Chi 9
Lambda Chi Alpha 8
Alpha Tau Omega 7

Wachovia CEO G. Kennedy Thompson said that Beta Theta Pi, which he joined while an undergrad at the University of North Carolina, gave him "the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and places, and the connections have continued beyond my university years to my business life."

He is also a member of the fraternity that produced the most CEOs among the biggest 500 companies in the country. Beta Theta Pi can boast of 11 such CEOs, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Sigma Chi are tied in second at nine, Lamba Chi Alpha has eight, and Alpha Tau Omega seven.

Commit to Help End Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is almost over but our commitment continues.

Domestic violence and relationship abuse are serious social problems. Join our national Alpha Chi Omega effort and take a stance against these issues by signing the pledge. Together we can bring hope to many around the world by revealing what’s broken…and showing what’s Real.


Your Commitment

I have the right to be treated with respect.

To know me will be to experience a voice that is respectful.

I recognize that relationship abuse is a problem and commit to stand strong in the courage of my convictions. I will not be silent.

I pledge to educate myself and others about the causes and forms of domestic violence.

I will talk with my friends, family and loved ones about healthy relationships.

I will lead by example and teach that strength, confidence, and worth come from within. On the one hand, I will inspire. In turn, I will be inspired.

I commit to helping build a community that does not tolerate violence.

I acknowledge that all people deserve to live in a safe and loving environment.

I accept the challenge to become part of the solution. Ending domestic violence starts with me.

Alumnae Spotlight: YOU!

We’ve all been there. We all lived it. And we still love it! Beta Eta lives in our hearts, memories, and lives and we’ve created this cup as an expression of that commitment to Beta Eta through Xi Omega Xi. This cup will have its debut at the Homecoming weekend event at the Parade Viewing Party at Potbellys on Friday and again at the XOX Tailgate on Saturday.

Check out the "Homecoming 2010" tab above for the link to the registration form for the 1st Annual Lucky Stars Reunion November 5-7 to order shirts, coozies, or participate in our events. Please fill it out and return to axofloridastate@gmail.com. Spouses, friends, and guests are welcome to join in the fun too.

If you’d like to purchase additional cups, they will be available at the Homecoming events and all future XOX events. Look for future posts on how to purchase outside of events and have these goodies shipped right to your door.

Fall Formal... (french inspired)

This past weekend the chapter celebrated their fall formal, at the local Chez Pierre Restaurant and bar. The event was french themed complete with favors. The ladies took a bus from the chapter house to the venue, where they enjoyed live music/DJ, drinks and food. The event promises to me memorable for all those who attended

Did you go to Florida State in the “Glory Days”?

According to the following article, “Florida State Moving Back Toward Glory Days -- Will Bigger Crowds Follow?” Don’t miss your opportunity to be at the Homecoming game of the season that Florida State is moving back up the polls to gain their seat on the top.

Click on this link for the registration form for the 1st Annual Lucky Stars Reunion to order shirts, coozies, or participate in our events. Please fill it out and return to axofloridastate@gmail.com. Register today to let us know you'll be in town and we'd love to see you on Friday at Potbelly's for the Homecoming Parade or in the evening for the "Decades Waltz" at various local venues including Bullwinkles. Saturday includes the XOX Tailgate at the intramural fields and Seminole football game. Brunch will be hosted at the Beta Eta house on Sunday. Don't miss one or all of these events. Register Today!! Spouses, friends, and guests are welcome to join in the fun too.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Originally posted on October 16. 2010 on http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Good times have returned to Florida State, and it appears the Seminoles' fans have started to return, too.

For the first time in six home games dating back to last season, FSU eclipsed the 70,000 mark at Doak Campbell Stadium for Saturday's exciting 24-19 victory over Boston College.

A fashionably late-arriving crowd of 75,301 filed into the stadium for the sun-drenched noon kickoff. The crowd wasn't as big at kickoff (pictured above) but it arrived in time to watch the Seminoles finish with their fifth consecutive victory to become bowl eligible and take another step toward an Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

Fannies in the seats have plenty of other reasons to cheer.

No. 16 FSU is the highest-ranked team in the Sunshine State for the first time in five years, and the lone ACC representative in the Associated Press Top 25. The Seminoles are 4-0 at home for the first time since 2005, when they last won an ACC title. They improved to 6-1 on the season and 4-0 in the ACC, equaling their best league start since 2003 when they clinched their 10th league title in 11 years.

Happy trails are here again? Well, let's just say the Seminoles are at least on the right trail.

The heavily favored Seminoles couldn't shake the pesky Eagles, however. They overcame four turnovers by battered and bruised quarterback Christian Ponder, who suffered a ruptured bursa sac in his right throwing elbow and showed for post-game interviews with his arm in a sling, and needed Bert Reed's 42-yard touchdown run on a reverse in the fourth quarter to snap their two-game losing streak against the conference's northern-most member.

"Like I've said before, we have not arrived. We have a long way to go as a football team and we have a lot of mistakes we have to get ironed out," FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher said.

"But I did see a football team that would compete, it stayed together, it didn't panic, that made enough plays to win a game. Sometimes great seasons are made on games that you can scratch, crawl, fight and find a way to pull one out. But we have a long way to go."

Fisher and the Seminoles, however, are appreciative that their fans finally appear to be along for the ride.

The decline in FSU's home attendance can be traced to 2008, when the program saw a dip in both season tickets and average home attendance. As recently of 2004, every home game for the Seminoles drew 80,000 or more fans. The single-game record is 84,347 for the 2005 game against Miami.

"Sometimes great seasons are made on games that you can scratch, crawl, fight and find a way to pull one out. But we have a long way to go."
-- FSU coach Jimbo Fisher

A number of factors have been pinpointed as culprits.

There's the poor economy. There's the hot Panhandle weather. There's the lengthy round-trip drive to Tallahassee. Even the early ho-hum home schedule -- Samford, BYU and Wake Forest -- and early game starting times have been cited.

Reality stunned the Seminoles on Sept. 25, when just 61,647 tickets were distributed for the 82,000-plus capacity stadium against Wake Forest. That was the lowest attendance for an FSU home game since 1992, when the stadium's capacity was barely more than 70,000.

"I think there was shock," FSU associate athletic director Rob Wilson told FanHouse as he watched the final seconds tick off the scoreboard on Saturday.

"I think the fans that were here were shocked. Certainly the administration was shocked and I know our players were shocked by how small the crowd was for Wake Forest. I think that probably woke everybody up, including the season ticket holders who sat home for that game and said, 'We have to get out there.' And this team in particular seems really responsive to the crowd."

Road victories at Virginia and Miami last Saturday helped build much-needed momentum for the Seminoles. While FSU's effort might be considered a disappointingly flat performance after a statement victory over the Hurricanes, there were smiles instead of frowns as the Seminoles headed toward their locker room.

Applause filled the air.

"I've seen it all," FSU senior defensive end Markus White told FanHouse.

"I've seen the total opposite of (Saturday) and I've seen sellouts. It's a big difference. When you can hear and can't hear, it's a big difference for the opponents as well. ... it's always a wonderful thing when you have somebody behind your back."

FSU needed the support.

Ponder completed just 19 of 31 passes for 170 yards and three interceptions. He also fumbled once. However, the Seminoles' trio of tailbacks -- Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones and Chris Thompson -- combined for 104 yards on 25 carries and FSU's offense held possession for the final 8:04 of the game.

FSU's defense also managed to slow down the junior BC tailback Montel Harris when it counted, holding him to only 23 yards in the second half after he ran for 168 in the first half. The unit, which came into the game leading the nation in sacks with 26, added four more against the Eagles.

Winning makes everyone's life easier.

Off next Saturday, three of FSU's five remaining games are at home -- North Carolina, Clemson and state rival Florida. That game, for all intent and purposes, is already sold out.

"It's a blessing," defensive back Greg Reid said of the home crowd. "We just kind of want to have fun. We feel like Tallahassee needs it, and that's why we are working hard."

Florida State Attendance

Year	Avg. Attendance	Season Tickets
2000	80,831	45,927
2001	81,441	46,817
2002	81,706	47,441
2003	83,149	46,738
2004	82,841	46,647
2005	82,784	45,818
2006	80,594	46,098
2007	80,603	46,238
2008	77,968	43,606
2009	74,345	38,964

The Brees Standard

This was originally posted on Fraternal Thoughts blog.. and we just had to share.. Drew is truly a great role model on and off the field.

In 1884, a man named Isaac Jordan addressed a convention of the fraternity he founded - Sigma Chi - and laid out his beliefs for what constitutes an acceptable member of the fraternity. The principles he shared became "the Jordan Standard" and it is still used by Sigma Chi as the measuring stick by which potential members are judged. In other words, only men who meet the standard as recruits, should be invited to join.

Drew Brees is the starting quarterback for the NFC Champion New Orleans Saints, and joined Sigma Chi 114 years later. He will lead the Saints in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance this Sunday. Many say that he saved the franchise.

NFL players, without even trying, are role models to young people. But, not every player is deserving of this. How do we know who to emulate, and who to ignore? Where do I as a father gain enough confidence in someone to share their story with my son?

What about the Jordan Standard? Brees was able to meet this standard many years ago when asked to be a member of Sigma Chi. Could we still use this standard as a way to judge him as a man today? Let's look at each of the 7 principles:

A Man of Good Character......
A man of good character can best be defined as someone that others want to emulate. Teammate Pierre Thomas talks about Brees in this way: "If Drew tells you to stay after practice, you're going to have to do it. He's our leader, but he's one of our coaches also. You strive to be just like him. Each and every day you wake up saying, 'What is Drew doing? How can I prepare myself today?' . . . He wants you to learn. He wants you to understand, to get to where the team needs you to be. We're all trying to get on his level."

A Student of Fair Ability......
Brees was one of the best college players of his era, setting Big Ten records and taking Purdue University to the Rose Bowl for the first time in over two decades. Meanwhile, he earned a degree in Industrial Management, and was honored as the 2000 Academic All-American Player of the Year. He also found time to join a fraternity. Not bad.

With Ambitious Purposes......
Brees joined the Saints in 2006, after Hurricane Katrina and a 3-13 season. There was some talk in New Orleans about the team permanently moving to another city – possibly San Antonio or Los Angeles. Brees signed up anyway. "An opportunity to come here and not only being a part of the rebuilding of the organization and getting the team back to its winning ways, but to be part of the rebuilding of the city and the region. How many people get that opportunity in their life to be a part of something like that?" he said. Wanting to carry a broken city on your back is the definition of an ambitious purpose.

A Congenial Disposition......
Brees is considered one of the nicest, most sincere, and most humble all-stars in the NFL. Consider this simple passage from a Sports Illustrated article:

The man has something important to say to Drew Brees. It is a warm afternoon early in the new year and Brees, the 28-year-old quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, is walking through Audubon Park, a 400-acre preserve not far from the century-old home that he and his wife, Brittany, bought last spring in New Orleans's Uptown. The man is walking with his wife and pushing an infant in a stroller. He extends his right hand to Brees as they pass on a walking path. "Thank you for what you've done for this city," he says. "I want you to know that we appreciate it." 

Brees squeezes the man's hand and nods. "You're welcome," he says. "And thank you." 



Now a red SUV passing on St. Charles Avenue honks its horn twice and the driver leans out the window in slow-moving traffic. "Thanks, Drew!" she shouts, waving. Brees smiles and waves back. "That happens 10 times a day, at least," he says. "And it's never 'Good game,' or 'Can I have your autograph?' It's always somebody saying thank you." He looks at the ground and shakes his head, as if again humbled by the remarkable place where he has landed.

Possessed of Good Morals......
Where a man devotes his time and his resources is generally a good indicator of who he is and what he believes. His Brees Dream Foundation has given millions to New Orleans’ causes. Brees has helped build ballfields at schools that lost them in the hurricane. He’s funded playgrounds, participated in Habitat for Humanity builds, and has spent time with kids struggling with cancer. Brees was named the NFL’s Man of the Year in 2006.

Having a High Sense of Honor......
Many NFL players don’t live in the cities they play for. If Brees had just kept his house in San Diego and spent his offseasons there, not many would have noticed or cared. But, if you are trying to help lead a damaged city back to greatness, what’s the honorable thing to do? He and his wife bought and renovated a 100-year-old house in the city limits because, as he told writer Peter King, he’ll be able to do more good if he’s in the city year-round. He's now raising his first child there as well.

and A Deep Sense of Personal Responsibility

When Brees left San Diego as a free agent, he was considering several different NFL teams. He visited the Saints, and they pressed hard to get him to sign. The Saints’ executives could have tried to hide the devastation and despair that gripped the city at the time. After all, shouldn’t you always put your best foot forward when you recruit? Instead, they drove Brees and his wife through the city, which included tours of the areas most devastated by Katrina. This strategy worked because Brees has always carried a deep sense of responsibility. He said, "At some point in the process I started to believe that maybe God put me in this position for a reason. Maybe we were supposed to come to New Orleans and do more than just play football."

He has certainly done more than just play football (although obviously he has excelled at that as well). Brees has lifted a city and has served as a shining example of fraternal values in action. If the Jordan Standard is the minimum, Brees passes with flying colors. He goes beyond the standard to actually reflect words described in the Sigma Chi creed: fairness...decency...good manners...the spirit of youth. The creed asks members to pledge: "I will endeavor to so build myself and so conduct myself that I will ever be a credit to our fraternity." Well done, Drew.

No matter who you root for on Sunday, be proud of Drew Brees - a fraternity man of impeccable character, wearing the fleur-de-lis on his helmet, and carrying the Jordan Standard in his heart.


Sources:
Drew Brees has embraced New Orleans, after being tempted by Miami three years ago by Mike Triplett
Marching In by Tim Layden
My Sportsman: Drew Brees by Peter King
Drew Brees: The New Orleans Saints' Miracle Man by Rolanda Cruz
 Posted by John Shertzer

Alumnae Rocking Purple for DVA

As we noted last Thursday, during the month of October, the color purple is used to show support for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. The ladies of Xi Omega Xi would love to showcase members, legacies, alumnae, families and friends sporting purple and showing the world that they care about DVA....

Please email your photos to axofloridastate {at} gmail {dot} com, and then check your mail for a little something from ΞΩΞ thanking your for your submission.

Monique Jenkins-Craig '97 with husband Dave supporting DVA

 

Jessica Harwood-Bouwsma '97 with her husband Nate rocking the Purple

Lyre love..

  

Check out the amazing hand crafted wooden lyre given to the chapter by the lovely gentleman of Pi Kappa Phi.

It truly has every detail of our brand!

The lyre is currently situated in the chapters informal living room... 

photos of the informal living room will be on the blog next Wednesday.
. so be sure to check back!

Alumnae Spotlight: Jennifer Sue Butler Harris

       Jennifer is an honorary Beta Eta, though she calls the Theta Lambda (Clemson) chapter home. There she served as assistant new member educator, alumnae relations chair, CRSB representative and in various College of Agriculture clubs. After graduating from Clemson, and spending two years in Botswana, Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, she attended graduate school at UMD. Jennifer served as an advisor for Gamma Theta (UMD), an officer in the Alpha Epsilon Alpha alumnae chapter and after graduating with an M.S. in soil science, an advisor for Gamma Iota (UF).

        Since moving to Tallahassee in 2003, she has worked for the FL DEP; volunteered for Refuge House and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of North Florida; and served as the treasurer of the Epsilon Tau Epsilon alumnae chapter, the education advisor for Beta Eta and a reviewer for the Alpha Chi Omega Opportunity Grants for Domestic Violence Committee. Jennifer got married November 2007, where many AXOs shared the day! She continues to receive inspiration from her local Alpha Chi Omega sisters, and hopes sisters everywhere will continually be inspired by the gifts of wisdom, devotion and achievement. 

Parents weekend was a success

Parents weekend was a huge success. Friday night the chapter rented out a local venue, Krewe De Gras. The local tavern provided the drinks and location, and the chapter had Po Boys cater the event.

 Saturday the chapter hosted breakfast at the chapter house, and Sean, from Always 13 Studios take photos of sisters, family members etc. You can view the photos by clicking here, the password is fsu in lowercase

 Sunday the chapter hosted a BBQ at the chapter house, and parents were offered house tours. Additionally, Sorority Spirit was at the chapter house, for collegians and parents to shop!

Overall, it was a great weekend. And the chapter members were thrilled to welcome their parents to their home away from home. We look forward to seeing many parents again in the spring, when we the chapter hosts their annual spring Parents weekend and Par-Tee Charity Golf Tournament.

Alpha Chis have Seminole Pride!

Take a look at these Alpha Chi women and how they showcase their Seminole pride each week!

Whether with sisters in Atlanta...Or babies in Orlando...

Or cheering on the Noles in Miami...

Alpha Chi sisters know how to display their pride for
F-L-O-R-I-D-A-S-T-A-T-E!

Email your pictures of Seminole pride to axofloridastate@gmail.com

Homecoming weekend will be a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your Alpha Chi sisters and cheer on your Seminole football team. Please plan to join us November 3-5 in Tallahassee for the 1st Annual Lucky Stars Reunion for one or all of the exciting events. Check out the Homecoming tab for more information and your way to register.

Alpha Chi Omega Celebrates 125 Years!!!

On this date 125 years ago, Bertha, Estelle, Anna, Nellie, Bessie, Olive and Amy established Alpha Chi Omega as a woman's fraternity. While a lot has changed in the last 125 years, Alpha Chi Omega remains a strong national woman's organization dedicated to friendship, leadership, learning and service. Today Alpha Chi Omega is proud to have 200,000+ Real. Strong. Women. in the bond.

Check out the links below to hear from our founders..
Alpha Chi Omega, The Early Years, Part one
Alpha Chi Omega, The Early Years, Part two

In honor of these remarkable women, the Foundation is once again presenting the Founders’ Day Challenge. Our challenge is to give each Alpha Chi Omega--every alumna and collegiate member--the opportunity to give $7 in honor of our seven Founders.

Please click here now to make your donation and be sure to indicate that your gift is for the Founders' Day Challenge!

ΞΩΞ Members Sportting Purple to support DVA month

During the month of October, the color purple is used to show support for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. The ladies of Xi Omega Xi would love to showcase members, legacies, alumnae, families and friends sporting purple and showing the world that they care about DVA....

Please email your photos to axofloridastate {at} gmail {dot} com, and then check your mail for a little something from ΞΩΞ thanking your for your submission.

BH '98, Aileen Warshaw Thurber with legacy Hailey 

Pink Powder room no more....

Last summer, the chapter worked to upgrade the downstairs powder room. To the best of our knowledge the powder room had not been updated since it initial decoration/coloring from the time the house was built. The chapters wanted a place that they would be proud to show off to guests (all PNM's, chapter guests, etc use the downstairs powder room) and also a place that fit with the rest of the facility.

Chapter Advisor, Britain worked with the house manager, and house director, to finalize plans. The outcome is below:

 

The powder room features a padded bench, with storage underneath. The fabric features mini red carnations. Photos in the down stairs powder room are from the photos taken from the original house grand opening in 1956

The bathroom stalls, feature louvered doors. In each stall a lyre bird print is hung. (will post photos next week of house "art")

The chandelier is the main source of light for the room (other than natural light)

 The corner of the powder room feature a vanity with stools. many out of house sister use this area to get ready for socials/date functions at the chapter house. 

 Above is a close up of the vanity. The cabinets were designed specifically for Beta Eta!

We hope you can stop by and take a chapter house tour!!!



Alumnae Spotlight: Erin Pauley

Erin was initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter in 2002, as a sophomore at Florida State. Throughout college, she was active in the student chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving for three years as the Director of Collegiate Challenge, an alternative/volunteer spring break program. Within Alpha Chi, she was the Community Service chair, enjoyed participating in Line Dance, running in 5Ks with her running buddy, Brittany Horwitt, and dancing in skits for Rush and Homecoming. In 2005, she graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Interior Design.

Upon graduation, she accepted a job at Franco A. Pasquale Design Associates in Tampa and relocated to St. Petersburg. She is still at that first job today, having been promoted to Project Manager in the high-end residential firm and in the last year, becoming a Florida Registered Interior Designer and a LEED Accredited Professional – which equals lots of letters behind her name, to show hard work and multiple tests! Over the past four years, she has been the acting City Center Director and Vice President of City Centers for the Florida Chapter of the International Interior Design Association, gaining valuable connections with designers in the state, as well as additional skills of managing events for over 400 members!

Erin feels very lucky to be surrounded with other Beta Eta alumnae in the Tampa Bay area, including her little sister, Jane King, and grand-little, Allison Parker. When she initially moved to Tampa Bay, Catherine Fly was the first sister and friend she contacted about the area and they still remain very close. She has also been fortunate enough to continue traveling (the bug started at FSU with study abroad programs) to other countries and around the US, including visits to sisters in other states!

Big/Little Reveal

This past week the chapter celebrated Big/Little Reveal. Each day during the week, the new members received a gift, and a clue from their big sisters. The event culminated with Big/Little Reveal. The new members got to know who their big sister was, and meet other women in their "family." Such an exciting event! The ladies are looking forward to the many memories that the future holds.

Do you have a story about your Big Sister and/or Little Sister? Do you remember the day you found out who she was? Please be sure to comment and share your stories!

Enjoy some photos from Big/Little Reveal!!!

Online Fraternites???

This was originally posted on fraternalthoughts blog. While the idea is interesting, The jury is out on if a collegiate chapter could thrive and flourish without the face to face interaction. 

However, virtual alumnae chapters seem to be flourishing... Is this becuase we all have a bond from our collegiate chapter, or the greater fraternity?? just a little something to make you think?? We would love to hear your thoughts..

I hate to do it, but I’m going to be an old curmudgeon.  For the most part, I have embraced our brave new digital world.  I participate in social networking, tweet every once in a while, and blog (of course).  But, I’m growing cynical.  It seems we’re trying to do everything online now, and I’m ready to start fighting back.  We have online colleges, online high schools, online elementary schools, online classes, online book clubs, online game clubs, and so on.  Every new idea in our world seems to have a virtual connection.

It’s time to recall the old maxim – just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should.

About 6 months ago, word spread throughout the internet that a new era had been born – the online fraternity.  A very entrepreneurial student at Florida Tech created Theta Omega Gamma, an online fraternity with a coed membership.  Here is an excerpt from an article on the Huffington Post:

Florida Institute of Technology student Darrek Battle has founded a fraternity whose house lives online.

Theta Omega Gamma currently has 24 co-ed members who use the hub to socialize and coordinate service projects. Battle told Inside Higher Ed that he created the frat simply because nothing else like it existed.

According to its faculty adviser, Theta Omega Gamma is an average fraternity in all respects minus the "going out together and drinking" aspect.

Battle says he hopes to to help other schools start chapters of TOG.

I returned to Theta Omega Gamma’s website recently and there is a homepage, but no links anywhere.  I’m guessing the idea didn’t last. 

Was it a good idea?  Nope.  I give the creators of this organization credit for trying to base it around values and service.  A great number of traditional fraternities stopped doing that a long time ago!  I also appreciate that they wanted to create the fraternity that they couldn't find.  The spirit of the idea was fine.  But, the human element was missing. 

In the end, you just can’t digitize fraternity.

The fraternity experience is so powerful because it places members squarely in the emotional cross-hairs of human relationships.  Social networking sites can help you know the basics about a person – their likes, dislikes, history, Farmville needs, etc.  But can they let you REALLY get to know someone?

We really get to know someone when we can be vulnerable with them, and they with us.  Give me one hour with a brother in need, and I will know more about him than any Facebook page, tweet, or chat room could tell me.  For as digital as we have become, there is still no substitute for reading another person’s eyes and seeing emotions show in their face.  No smiley face can ever take the place of a handshake or a hug. 

Brotherhood and sisterhood happens when we strive to live out the values of our organizations side by side.  And, there is a lot of living that takes place away from a keyboard and monitor.

The electricity of human interaction is what makes our experiences so special.  In her book, Turning to One Another, Margaret Wheatley states: "Truly connecting with another human being gives us joy.  The circumstances that create this connection don’t matter.  Even those who work side by side in the worst natural disaster or crisis recall that experience as memorable.  They are surprised to feel joy in the midst of tragedy, but they always do."

And what about the good times?  Being together in times of laughter and fun is the true definition of the human experience.  I can laugh or chuckle at a Facebook post, and forget it minutes later.  However, I still remember some of the nights with my brothers when we laughed so hard we couldn’t sleep.

Go read online forums for an hour.  Then, go spend the next hour in an airport terminal and see how people greet each other after time apart (or watch the opening scene of the movie Love Actually).  You will see the difference.

Technology can help us do fraternity better, mostly because of its potential for communication.  We can keep alumni members in the loop, raise money for our foundations, have discussions on leadership and Ritual, etc.  It can add to the fraternity experience.

But it can never replace it.

I support progress, and forward movement in our world.  But I just cannot buy into the online fraternity.  It is not a good thing for our movement because it cheapens the definition of fraternity.  Fraternity is that moment when you choose to sit with a brother or sister in silence, just because you know they need somebody there.  It’s the moment when you stand at the front of church with your brother or sister and witness the biggest moment of their life. 

We, as humans, are messy, squishy, confused, terrified, loving, and hopeful baskets of emotion.  The magic happens when we come together – face to face, eye to eye, and hand in hand.  The wonders of our new era of technology cannot change this.

I hope the students of Theta Omega Gamma can find a fraternity that gives them the connection they desire - or perhaps that can create one that isn't online.  

I’m sure there will be other attempts at online fraternities.  Good luck to whoever tries.  They will probably just create a smaller version of Facebook or MySpace, which is great.  

But it ain’t no fraternity.

Posted by John Shertzer

Like to Shop? want to make a difference with DVA? check out below!

Domestic Violence Awareness is Alpha Chi Omega's National Philanthropy. Below are some of the fun things you can buy to show you care. Proceeds benefit domestic violence awareness programs. We are happy to share the following companies and organizations that share our values! and are thankful to the ladies of the MTM Virtual Alumnae Chapter for sharing their finds
mark Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss in m.powerment shades!
Net proceeds go to m.powerment fund (part of the Avon Foundation)
"Glistening shine, sheer color and minty freshness all in one. Lips stay smooth and moisturized, with a slick and sexy finish. *Hook up products: packaged in a convenient mini vial. Applicator included in cap. 0.12 oz. net wt." 
Available in mpowerment peach and mpowerment gold, the lip gloss gets rave reviews on the website and comes with a free Domestic Violence Resource Guide.
$5.50 each - purchase here or from your local Avon representative.
Thank you Cause Shoppe. 


Hellfire Collection offers this beautiful Rain Drop necklace benefiting RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. 
"Dreamy faceted blue chalcedony briolette swings on a sterling silver chain accented with faceted chalcedony beads, the handmade fine silver hook clasp features a triple bead drop at the back of the neck. Length is 16 1/2 inches, pendant is 13 mm wide. $20 from every sale is donated to RAINN"
$60. Order at http://www.hellfirecollection.com/cgi-bin/shop.pl?sku=NEC-155



Please check out all the great products available from the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Store, including this cute flower tshirt $10 (at right), which can be ordered here: http://store.rainn.org/product.cfm?pid=17
Also available are Declaration Necklaces ($6.50 each) and Bracelets ($8.50 each) - each one says Strength, Hope, Courage or Survivor; Umbrellas; Key Chains; and more.


Avon offers this Empowerment Pendant Necklace. "Wear the necklace that could change the world" 100% of the profits ($4.11) will be donated to the AVON Empowerment Fund to end violence against women.
"I am proud to introduce the AVON Empowerment Necklace. Thanks to you, 2008 sales of the Empowerment Bracelet raised over $1 million for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and generated more than $2.5 million in additional funds for local programs in the US and globally to help victims and their families. Purchase the necklace now and let's help stop the violence - together. Thanks for your support." -- Reese Witherspoon, AVON's Global Ambassador.

AVON Foundation. Improving the Lives of Women Globally. Visit us at avonfoundation.org. Order here. $5
Avon's Empowerment Bracelet
Reese Witherspoon introduces the Women's Empowerment Bracelet.

"As honorary chair of the Avon Foundation, I'm very excited to introduceAvon's first global charity productdesigned to save and improve women's lives worldwide.

Purchase the Women's Empowerment Bracelet for yourself and your friends. It's a symbol of unity that represents a future without limitations for all women. It represents everything I love about this company.

Bracelet proceeds will be used to create a newAvon Empowerment Fund.The first $500,000 from bracelet sales will be matched by the Avon Foundation for a totaldonation of $1 millionto UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, for projects that will empower women around the world.

Show your support, show your solidarity, show off your bracelet." Note it also makes a great ponytail holder! $3 Order here.

welcome to Alpha Chi

As many remember from college days.. each year the chapter paints the side walk in front of the house to coordinate with the chapters bid day theme.. See this years side walk below..

 

 

 

Alumna Spotlight: Monique Jenkins Craig

Monique initiated at Beta Eta in the fall of 1997. During her years as a collegian, she served as Social Chair, VP Membership Development, Par Tee Chair, and President. Some of her best memories come from living in the house for four years with sisters. While at FSU Monique was also a member of Order of Omega. She graduated in 2001 with a BS in Hospitality Administration with a concentration in Resort Management.

Upon graduating Monique moved to Orlando to work with the opening team of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. Nine years later, she’s grown into her eighth position with the Palms as Operations Training Manager. She uses a lot of her talents gained through Alpha Chi leadership experiences to succeed in her profession.

She married her college sweetheart, David Craig, in 2003. David is a Sigma Chi from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and currently is a Pilot with Delta Airlines. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2006 their first legacy Mackenzie was born. Madeline followed on September 11, 2009. Alpha Chi sisters were in their wedding and present at both the baby showers.

Monique enjoys keeping up with her local Alpha Chi sisters and their children for play dates and FSU football viewing parties. Monique currently serves as the Special Events Chair for the Xi Omega Xi chapter.

Chapter Helps Paint It Purple with Cupcakes

Friday, some of our advisors from Epsilon Tau Epsilon alumnae chapter came over to the AXO House and together we all decorated cupcakes for Refuge House for the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

I Refuse to Go Alumni/Alumnae Status

another great article from the Fraternal Thoughts blog, that we would like to share

A simple idea occurred to me while attending a fraternity’s international convention. Like most conventions, the attendees were largely undergraduate students, but there were a fair number of alumni as well. This fraternity referred to its undergraduates as their “members” and alumni as “alumni members.” I think this is fairly common in both fraternities and sororities.

Thus, having been out of college for about a dozen years, I was referred to as an “alumni member.”

As a national or international organization, what if you reversed that? What if you started calling your alumni your “members” and your undergraduates something like “collegiate members?” How might that simple word switch change the culture of your organization?

Many sororities already refer to their undergraduate members as “collegiates,” but use “alumnae members” as a term also.

In my experience, when the designation of “alumni member” is conferred upon an individual, either informally or formally, it creates a change in mindset. It creates a sense that the primary work is over, and that one’s involvement in the fraternity is diminishing. That may not be the intent, but it seems to almost always be the result.

How many times have you heard an undergraduate say that they are going “alumni status?” This is code language for “I’m done.” While the experiences of a college student and a graduate are markedly different, somehow the illusion has been created that being an alumnus or alumna means that you are less of a member.

We are lifelong associations, right? Well, if a person lives to be 85 years old, they will have been known as “member” of their organization – in the standard sense – for only 6% of their adult life. Is it any wonder that we have problems with alumni engagement?

It should be noted that most NPHC organizations see tremendous involvement from alumni, especially those who join after the college years. They face less of a problem.

Changing language isn’t enough. It never is. However, for most groups, it can start us towards a new era of greater engagement by our members. It can also give greater meaning – not less – to that critical transition from graduating Senior to real-world adult.

Wouldn’t it be great if alumni stopped saying that they used to be members of their Greek-letter organization? Perhaps, if we give them the right to call themselves members, they will.

I am 34 years old, and have been out of college for 13 years. I don’t believe that I am less of a member of my fraternity now. In fact, in almost every way, I hope that I am a better one.

From now until my last breath, I will proudly be a member of my fraternity.

And the journey continues.