My sorority is gone.
No, that's not a joke, it's a travesty. Seriously, it's gone.
In 1936 local institutes started Lambda Delta Sigma, the sorority. It served as the Latter Day Student Association for a number of years, and in 1967, Sigma Gamma Chi, the fraternity was founded. They both served as friendship organizations within college institutes for more than 50 years.
Then, about 20-30 years ago* most of the sororities and fraternities were dissolved and turned into Institute Women's Association (IWA) and Institute Men's Association (IMA). There was one place in the country where Lambda Delta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Chi still existed: The Salt Lake Institute of Religion. That, by the way, is where I've been for the last year and a half.
Then, in May of this year, Church authorities started reorganizing the entire single's ward structure for the country. They realized that many students were choosing institute activities over ward activities, and they wanted to place more emphasis at the ward levels. All institute run organizations were ended. This includes IWA, IMA, and LDSSA, which is the student government within the Institute.
I understand this. I really do. The fact is, it's way more fun to do stuff in institute than it is in church. I agree that there needs to be more emphasis in the wards.
That doesn't make it any less hard.
So, Delta Darlings, here is a tribute to some great times.
The eating contest
Retreat
Barn Dance
Battle of the Chapters
Fall Rush 2010
Minute to Win It
Spring Rush 2011
If moments can last forever, let those moments be these. It's been a great run, sorority. We'll stay friends forever.
*I am actually speculating here. If you know more about this, feel free to send it to me in the comments.
