1964–65 Volume 89 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

20 THE SCROLL of Phi Delta Theta for SEPTEMBER, 1964more personal impact of the student body onthe townspeople. In a door-to-door survey, theresults showed that 63% of the city's populationthought fraternity membership helped developleadership ability; 45% would encourage theirson to join a fraternity, while 22% would not.(The discrepancy in the total is due to 33% sayingthey had no opinion.)In summation, of those surveyed, the majoritythought the fraternities were "of value" to students.One last statistic which was just reported bythe Stewart Howe Services, Inc.: "Approximatelythree out of every four of the chief executive officersof the nation's 750 largest corporations,who have attended college at an institutionwhere men's college social fraternities exist, aremembers of those organizations."I think that's about enough statistical background,Woody. As you yourself say, you neverhad the opportunity of attending a school wherethe fraternity system was in operation so youneeded basic factual information as to theirworth. Although I have taken a pragmatic approachto the answer to your question, I wouldbe remiss if I did not, however, say somethingabout the spiritual values of a fraternity. FirstI use the word "spiritual" in a religious sense.You will find that most fraternities have somenon-denominational religion involved in theirrituals. They also involve religion in their everydayfraternity life, to a greater or lesser degree.In other words, in soirie chapters they might notdo more than say grace before meals. In otherchapters I have known, occasionally there arestrong religious overtones such as lectures fromministers, etc.As far as the emphasis of the word "spiritual"meaning "friendships,'' I feel I can speak fromthe heart. Although I was an only child, I nowhave thousands of "brothers." While I Was inschool I made friendships which have enduredthrough the years within the fraternity, and sinceI have been active in alumni affairs I have madefriendships that I'm sure I would not have madewere it not for this strong bond that existsamong those who belong to a fraternity.STAN BROWN, Nebraska-UCLAI find it difficult to write to you about theseintangible values of a fraternity. They reallymust be experienced to be understood and remembered.It has been said that a fraternity is where youserve a four-year apprenticeship to life. I believethis and I believe your son would enjoy his lifebetter in both material and spiritual things if hewere to join a fraternity.Most cordially yours.p.s.