To commence is to begin. That college days end with a commencement ceremony is important. For in finishing the degree, one begins a new adventure. On college campuses all across the country and Canada, young men and women are donning caps and gowns and walking across a stage. They are being presented with a diploma cover. Some of those diploma covers will have actual diplomas in them, but colleges and universities usually wait to make sure all is in order with grades, graduation requirements, and the bursar’s office before handing over the diploma itself.
The tradition of wearing GLO stoles and cords has caught on in the last few decades. The cords are usually intertwined lengths of cording in the GLO’s colors. Some of the stoles are simple with just the Greek letters. Others have chapter names and the graduate’s name embroidered on them.
Graduation 2013 at Westminster College (photo courtesy of Westminster College)
Yesterday I spoke with a grandmother who is going to her granddaughter’s graduation this weekend. A few years ago, the grandmother surprised her granddaughter when she pinned on the badge of her GLO during an initiation ceremony. The grandmother had pledged the same chapter 50+ years before. The granddaughter loved her college experience and was lamenting to her grandmother that she can’t believe it’s almost over.
It’s funny how that happens. At the onset, four years seems like a mighty long time. In a little while, the fraternity and sorority members who are among the graduates, will soon realize that they are among the alumnae and alumni of the organization. (The graduates of the women’s GLOs are alumnae, not alumni). The alums always seemed so OLD! The collegiate part of the journey has come to an end. A few lucky ones have been hired by their organizations as traveling consultants. They’ll spend a year visiting chapters, offering advice, and being ambassadors for the organization they represent.
Fraternity and sorority graduates, please note that this is not the end of the membership journey. It is the beginning of your life as an alumna or alumnus. Seize the opportunity to be a part of the alum life of your organization. If there is an alum club/chapter where you’ll be heading, join it. Give to your organization’s foundation. I know you’re probably strapped for cash and don’t have much money. Give up the cost of two grand venti coffees (make your own, it’s a lot cheaper!) and send it to your organization’s foundation. Give at least $10 or $20 this year, and a little more the next year. Get in the habit of giving.
Work for your organization. It can be as simple as being on the lookout for potential new members. Speak of the good things your organization does. Keep current – read the magazine, visit the web-site, sign up for tweets. Volunteer to work with a chapter, or put your name in the hat for committee work. Every national/international officer once was in the same place you find yourself today.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy life ahead. And remember when you speak of your membership in a fraternity or sorority, say “I am an ABC” not “I was an ABC.”
© Fran Becque, www.fraternityhistory.com, 2015. All Rights Reserved. If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for updates. Also follow me on twitter @GLOHistory and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/glohistory/
