Omega Trends

Where to from here?

As we begin a new century, undergraduate chapters must be challenged to look to the future and determine where they are going and how they are going to get there--undergraduates and alumni/alumnae together.

Writer Frank Sullivan once said, "If you don't watch out, you'll end up where you're going." Think about it. Where is your chapter going? Where are you as undergraduates headed in a society, which places more responsibility on the individual than in any other time in history? Do not fear innovation and change, or you will end up where you are going. The only thing worse than changing times is the inability to change with them.

In this new century, membership recruitment must remain a priority. Some chapters may have to amend their recruitment process. Continually innovate your chapter programs, particularly recruitment and pledge/associate member/new member education. Recognize that people change each year and appreciate this by adapting your programs to new times and new people.

Undergraduates often hear speeches encouraging them to return to the ideals and standards established and followed by their founders. They are also encouraged to remember the basic values and ethics taught by their parents.

It bothers me that throughout the country, the basic fraternal movement philosophy adopted by the press and others is one of physical and mental humiliation of pledges, active social programs, all-night drinking, and academic dishonesty. Only we can change our image. In the widely acclaimed comic strip, “Pogo,” by the late Walt Kelly, one of the inhabitants of the Okefenokee Swamp, says, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Nowhere is that eloquent twisting of a cliche more applicable than in the fraternal world.

That is why it is crucial to keep up with the times and complement formal education with scholarly programs. Will Greeks remain an active and vital part of American higher education in the future? Greeks must develop stronger relationships with their alumni and university officials by sharing the positive things they do.

Former National Panhellenic Conference officer, Betty Mullins Jones, said, “The destiny of the university and the destiny of the fraternity are intertwined irredeemingly. We have grown side-by-side. We have not always agreed. We have not always been good to each other, but we have been good for each other.” How long will it take to realize respect and loyalty are earned commodities?

Undergraduates have the chance to select a group of men or women to associate with and of which they can be proud. These friends have a lasting impact on their goals, activities, and interests.

Greek organizations help students adjust to the college environment. Developing friendships, finding oneself, and adjusting to school are among the many benefits of Greek membership. Through scholastic programs, academic records can be developed along with social consciousness. Greek membership gives a person a sense of belonging in new surroundings, while allowing the person their individuality. Greek membership develops these personal ideas and beliefs to a much higher degree. Students also learn a major life skill, how to get along with others!

Greeks and leadership go hand-in-hand. A fraternity or sorority truly offers an outstanding opportunity to develop this quality. Leading business people, scientists, and educators are largely comprised of fraternity and sorority members. Undergraduates can learn from these excellent examples.

Hopefully, Greek leaders will accept this most difficult challenge ahead of them. Do not be afraid to try something new, change the old, and innovate everything you do. Albert Schweitzer gave us the very simple answer. "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." Be an example!

Undergraduate Greeks are challenged and depended on to continue the standard of excellence set in the past. I am hopeful you will have the courage, the vision, and the foresight to set your sights and goals high and perform beyond mediocrity.