Page 69 - To Dragma May 1930

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members are so largely in the m a j o r i t y the temptation is to put fraternity affairs
and interests first, and Kappa Omicron's problem is to avoid absorption in group
life to the detriment of college loyalties. W i t h the realization of the power for
good in their hands i f they w o r k together f o r a common cause, Southwestern fra-
ternities can and, I believe, w i l l become a strong constructive force in their college
world. Memphis alumnae were responsible f o r the existence of the college chapter,
and they are strong in numbers and in their interest in the actives. I n addition
they are enthusiastically interested in their new philanthropic work, maintaining
a library for children in the City Hospital. A book case has been donated and
already many books have been received. A specially designed book plate is put
in the books and each week a member of the chapter reports at the hospital to
take in the old books and issue new ones, and also to tell stories to the convalescent
children. The w o r k is done under the Hospital Social Service department and is
filling a need not hitherto met. I t is a most interesting departure since such a
service is rendered in but few places, it can be carried on at little expense or can
be extended indefinitely, it requires personal service f o r its success, and i t gives
to children a pleasure that w i l l remain with them long after they have left the
hospital. I t is well w o r t h the careful consideration of any alumnae chapter which
has not yet established a local w o r k or could profitably extend i t to include this
feature.

Nashville, the Athens of Tennessee, is keenly interested in education, and while
Yanderbilt has not yet whole-heartedly accepted its women students, i t has good
reason to respect their ability. We understand that of the four students who are
candidates for the Founders Medal for highest scholarship two are women, and we
are proud to say, members of Alpha Omicron P i . The averages of all four are over
96 per cent, and only the final examinations w i l l settle the question of supremacy.
Nu Omicron in general has maintained a high record in scholarship, i n fact it won
the scholarship cup last year and still held the highest place the first semester
of this year. Residence i n N u Omicron's house f o r a few days quite upsets the
fallacy indulged in by some chapters that "dating" and high scholarship do not
go together. The chapter, too, has a well organized philanthropic work. Each week
certain girls are assigned to go to Woody Barton, a settlement house, to help the
children w i t h quilting, knitting, fancy work and art work. Both children and
girls enjoy the lessons, and the children are quick to notice and comment on the
fact that they all "wear the same kind of p i n . " N u Omicron's chief problem is
housing as no settled policy has been established between the fraternity groups.
Some have houses and others merely lodges or meeting places. Moreover the number
of girls f r o m out of the city fluctuates greatly. Nashville Alumna? chapter members
have become infected w i t h the interest in a hospital library as a philanthropic work
since they have been feeling the need of something admitting of more personal
service than their present project. The Yanderbilt Hospital authorities are anxious
to establish such a library, and in fact, have several hundred volumes as a nucleus.
They have offered t w o small rooms, well located, f o r the purpose, and the chapter
has accepted the idea w i t h enthusiasm. B y this w r i t i n g no doubt the work has
begun. The chapter is finding luncheon meetings popular, w i t h five girls as hostesses
each time, and is welcoming at least one member of the active chapter as representa-
tive each meeting. This, by the way, is becoming a more general practice among
alumnae chapters situated near an active chapter and is proving most helpful.

They tell me there are three Tennessees, and Knoxville represents the eastern
mountain section, incidentally a most beautiful region. Whether i t is the influence
of hardy Scotch ancestry, or the sturdiness born of mountain environment, or just
chance and hard w o r k , Omicron is another chapter to be commended for its scholar-
ship. For some years they have maintained a high percentage of initiations. Nor
are they superstitious since thirteen girls were initiated during m y visit, on April
Fool's day too. I t was a rarely impressive service and banquet. Knoxville Alumna
could arrange no meeting while I was there but they were f u l l y represented at the
banquet and actively interested in Omicron's affairs. I t was a pleasure to renew
old acquaintance and memories of the convention of 1923 at Whittle Springs.

From Tennessee m y route took me back to Alabama at a time specially planned ,