December, 1971 Number 4 Betty Luker Haverfield (Mrs
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(hristmas I jecemher 1971 mmk By DAWN CASINELLI, Alpha Gamma ^uest Editorial University of Nevada The Grip That Grabs "I never thought you'd join a sorority." ing our own traits and helping others develop theirs. What "Oh I've heard all about sororities. You don't have to ex better tools do we have to break down the shells of lack of plain to me." communication and understanding than our own personalities? "Sororities are for snobs and status-seekers. Me� I'm too If interest in Greek systems is down, we must revive it or start much of an individual to be interested in them." gathering the towels to throw in. And on and on and on. It is truly a rare sorority woman who Now we must consider the stand that Greeks are snobs and has not heard at least one of the above statements. It is more status-seekers. (.\nd if you think we are exempt from such be probable to say that most of us have heard more comments havior, and you ask why we should even consider this question, than these. Well, so what? We know the values of membership you are your own best answer.) Some Greeks are not snobs; in Gamma Phi (although anti-sorority comments are not some Greeks are. It is really quite simple. What is not so sim aimed at any one sorority in particular) and we know sorori ple is recognition of the problem created by not believing we ties are not for snobs and status-seekers alone. But is that good can be snobbish. If we act aloof simply because we belong to a enough? What do these comments really mean and what can sorority, we are excellent advertisement for the entire house. they tell us about the Greek system�if we listen. What would cause someone to "ride his high horse" so to speak The first concept which must be accepted is that Greeks have just because he belongs to an organization? If he has made an an "image." This is inevitable. Now, whether the image is a outstanding contribution to community and college and house, true one or not is another question. To start at the roots of a perhaps he can hold his head up a little higher than the non- sorority image, we must consider the members, since they are participating members (Yes, Virginia, we do have non-partici the most important aspect in fostering the outward appearance pating members.) of what the entire house represents. (How simple, you may But it has been my experience that the members who have think. What's the point of all this?) Therefore, when faced made exceptional contributions are those who are the very best with the cold facts that Rush sign-ups are steadily going down examples for the house. I hey tend to attract attention to the and Greek chapters of not only sororities but fraternities are fact that Greeks can be well-rounded members of their envi closing, it is time to test the validity of anti-Greek comments ronment and can be extremely personable and individualistic. made by non-Greeks. No, it is usually the semi-active members who have an aura of Because we are not a closed organization and because we de "holier than thou" about them in the Greek system. The prob pend on new membership for our continued growth, we are lem here lies in a complete lack of understanding of what a forced to take an interest in the people who do not select to sorority is. consider Greek membership� not because we advocate member These members still have not developed to the point that ship for everyone, but because we can learn if we are inadver they can contribute to their house, but rather let the house tently scaring off potential members. contribute to them. These people believe belonging to a house So�to consider one .side of the issue, let's assume that the entitles them to act like snobs (perhaps because this is their claims about Greek snobbery and status-seeking are false. The concept of what a sorority entails) and so a process of re-educa problem is still there. Because we are constantly interacting on tion by other members should take place, for the simple fact and olf campus with non-Greeks, we have excellent opportuni that we cannot afford to foster behavior which adds to the de ties to show what membership is all about: a place for individ clining number of girls going through Rush. Can we? ual growth and development within the atmosphere of other Gainma Phis, on the threshold of their Centennial .Anniver individuals. We are not little identical cookies cut from the sary, are an example of the incredible changes which have same cutter of with the same ideas and interests. We are not so taken place in the past 100 years. With a small beginning stuck on ourselves that we have no interest whatsoever in peo four women with a beautiful idea of sharing a small part of ple who are not in our house or in the Greek system. We are their lives with each other, Gainma Phi has been able to not all giggles and socialites who came to school only to drink change and grow, gaining some chapters and losing a few and have parties and catch a husband (although we cannot along the way. Maybe the past century has been a better ancl deny th:it w-e have members whose goals are exactly these). easier time and place to grow in. Maybe not. The excitement And if we do think we are special people, it is because we are and enormous challenge to us today is such an adventure that willing to work together for something we are usually all inter we perhaps are in the best time right now. People everywhere ested in and because most of us can understand the lack of are screaming that there is no place for the Greek system on are understanding about why we belong in the first place. the modern campus. I am a Greek. In essence then what they Most people are special in some respect. Because we belong saying is that there is no place for me. Don't bet on it. to a group perhaps we can iiave the added benefit of dexelop- J J J THE CRESCENT or Gamma Phi Beta Editor Volume LXXI December, 1971 Number 4 Betty Luker Haverfield (Mrs. Robert W.) 507 Medavista Drive 2 This is YOUR Gamma Phi Beta Columbia, Missouri 65201 4 Alumnae Leaders Learn How 6 Our Panhellenic Leaders Alumnce Assistant Editor 7 Where the Joanne Sallee Kernitz Action Is: Central Office (Mrs. Charles A.) 319 Mill Road Oreland, Pa. 19075 lu Those Daring Young Girls in the Flying Machines iZ Can Meetings Come to Order? 14 Come Sail With Us: Convention '72 Business Manager Eleanor Sieg J. 16. 1874 Box 186, 630 Green Bay Road Nostalgia: Kenilworth, Illinois 60043 1 o Foundation Zl Tomorrow's Woman Today 24 Love Is . Camping in Colorado Subscribers: Send all questions and changes of address in regard to the Directory of International Officers, Zl Challenging Careers chapter list, membership chairman, chapter presidents' lists and In 31 Books by Gamma Phi Betas Memoriam to Central Office, Box 186, Kenilworth, Ilhnois 60043. 35 Our Active Alumna; 54 In Memoriam 56 Directory COVER: The stylized Christmas tree is the brainchild of artist Martha Hustod Huestis [Minne sota) of Meridian, Mississippi. THE CRESCENT is published quarterly, in March, May, September and December, by the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 630 Green Bay Rood, Kenilworth, Illinois 60043. Printed by the George Banta Company, Inc., Menasha, Wisconsin 54952. Second class postage paid at Kenilworth, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Please send notice of undeliverable copies on Form 3579 to Gomma Phi Beta, Box 186, Kenilworth, Illinois 60043. -V r^l .'�� (. about your voice on the Convention floor that will bring changes. Gamma Phi Beta is your Sorority. In the first, and the last, analysis, it is you who decides how our organization shall func THIS IS tion. All important decisions, innovations and structural changes are decided by vote of the Convention, represented by delegates from each Greek-letter and alumnae chapter. When you receive bulletins about proposed bylaw changes, read them carefully, discuss them at your chapter meeting and come to Convention fully prepared to be a vocal and contributing dele gate. Do not hesitate to let your voice be heard, even though you may feel in the minority. Only with your well-studied thoughts can Gamma Phi Beta become an organization to serve the purposes of all of its members. Tour The interim is conducted the business of the Sorority by Grand Council, seven women whom you elect to office. The GAMMA slate of the nominating committee is sent to each chapter long before Convention. This slate contains not only the names of the proposed officers but a list of their experience and qualifi PHI BETA cations. Study it carefully, talk it over with your chapter and be prepared to vote intelligently. THE CRESCENT OF GAMMA PHI BETA / DECEMBER 1971 It's not all fun and games when the Grand Council meets. Some problems are grave; the challenges are many, But, here your elected Council members take time out to hear some of Barbara Hiscock's humor. From the left are Eleanor J. Sieg, Elna Simons, Virginia Hustad, Grand President Audrey Shafer, Mar garet Maguire, Marjorie Lundin and Mrs.