How to Write a Sorority Recommendation Letter
Tips for recommending a college woman to a sorority chapter.
As summer nears its end and school starts back up, I find myself getting a few requests every year for recruitment recommendation letters. And, in recent years, I’ve also gotten some requests for a blog post about how to recommend a young woman to a sorority chapter. I actually completed a recommendation yesterday, and I have to say that it’s way easier than it used to be!!
Striped Tee: Vineyard Vines | White capri jeans: Denizen by Levi (can’t find a link, but they were at Target last week) | Sneakers: Superga 2750 | Necklace: Elva Fields
When I was in undergrad, I served my sorority chapter as Recommendation Chair. In those days, as well as when I was a new alumna and an adviser to my chapter, we relied on handwritten letters that were mailed directly to the individual sorority chapters. With stamps and everything! Over the years, this shifted first to “download a PDF, complete it and mail it to the chapter” to the new standard of “complete a quick recommendation form on the sorority’s national website and it will be integrated into the ranking portal. It’s a little less personal, but a whole lot easier — not to mention more reliable and standardized!!! I’ve put together a few tips to remember when writing a sorority recommendation letter. While, of course, I only have first-hand experience with my sorority, Phi Mu, most of these tips should extend to your organization. You may want to check with your sorority’s national website and with the chapter to whom you’re recommending the Potential New Member for specifics!
Keep your purpose in mind!
A recommendation is an introduction. It’s a way of saying to a sorority chapter that you, as an alumna, would like to make an introduction. Think of it as serving as a reference for a job interview — the hard work is there for the applicant to do, but you’re laying the groundwork to make it a little easier for them! Now, a lot of mythology lies around the value of a recommendation letter, and I’ve found that these things vary strongly among individual sorority chapters. Some chapters are rumored to find more value in recommendations from alumnae of their own chapter or from in-state alumnae; others count all recommendations as equal. Regardless of these variations, your recommendation isn’t a guarantee that a potential new member will be invited back to multiple rounds of recruitment parties or that she will be extended a bid. You’re simply alerting the chapter that an alumna vouches for her.
Gather as much information as possible!
Just as with nearly anything else in life, the more prep work you do ahead of time, the easier your letter-writing process will be. Ask the woman whom you’re recommending for digital files of her resume and photo. Be specific — my sorority’s portal asks for high school GPA, high school activities and leadership potential, and any sorority legacy information. This helps introduce the young woman to a sorority chapter and it reinforces that you’re recommending someone whom you actually know! Additionally, make sure you know the recruitment dates for the university where she’ll be rushing, and get your recs in on time!
Be honest!
I know that I shouldn’t have to say this, but be as candid as possible in your recommendation process. Don’t claim to know someone better than you do; you’re doing a disservice to both the rushee and the sorority chapter!
Be gracious!
Again, I know that HerKentucky readers are, as a general rule, a polite and gracious group. But, I do want to remind you to mind your manners when interacting with the sorority chapter. The chapter doesn’t owe you an explanation if the woman whom you recommended is ultimately not invited to join your organization. Remember that recruitment is a very stressful time for collegiate members and recruitment members alike; as an adult who is at a remove from the situation, please ignore the temptation to incite additional drama. It doesn’t matter how involved you were with your sorority during your college years — the sorority chapter has, very likely, evolved since then. A woman who may have been your “rush crush” back in the day may find a far better fit with another organization.
“I believe in pink” — Audrey Hepburn
I hope these simple, common-sense tips help you introduce a PNM to a chapter of your organization. Let me know in the comments if you’ve written a rush letter this year!
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Draper James Shop & Sip
Shop with Draper James to benefit Dress for Success Lexington
I am so excited to be hosting another Draper James Shop & Sip benefiting Dress for Success Lexington this week! On Wednesday, June 12th, from 6-8 p.m., Draper James will graciously donate 15% of the Lexington store’s proceeds to the Lexington Dress for Success affiliate. This event is extra-special to me, as we’re very close to hitting our goal of raising the equivalent of one month of DFS Lexington’s rent through HerKentucky-Draper James events over the in 2018-2019 fiscal year. I mean, how wonderful is that?
I’m so amazed that so many of my friends, colleagues, and kinfolk have come out for these events, and I so appreciate Draper James for giving back to our community in such a wonderful and impactful way! And there is so much cute stuff in store at DJ right now!!
I absolutely love this floral ponte dress; I feel like I’ll be wearing it with sandals, pumps, and sneakers all summer! The material is so forgiving, and the floral print is classic!
Sophie totally photobombed me when we were shooting these photos, and the result was so cute that I just had to share it!
I hope y’all can join me at Draper James on Wednesday night. If you can’t make it in person, you can call the store at 859-618-6785 to place an order and help us reach our donation goal! Here are some of my favorite pieces at Draper James right now!
Odds and Ends
Pretty Dresses
Target Denim Shirt Dress
The perfect casual fall dress under $30!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. }
This dress, y’all. THIS DRESS. It’s my goal to completely sell Target out on this dress simply from my referrals alone. It’s under $30. It’s flattering with sneakers, boots, or sandals. It’s just so easy to wear. It would be perfect for a weekday trip to Keeneland, especially if you’re going to stay in the grandstand or sports bar. And did I mention that it’s under $30?
Bob and I had so much fun shooting these pics in Seneca Park. We found the cutest little stream. And we laughed so hard that I look like I’m going to a Chris Stapleton concert but, as Bob said, “A really fancy Chris Stapleton concert.” Whether you’re loving the “first country music album” vibes or not, you’ll love this dress. I’ve already paired it with boots, sneakers, and Jack Rogers sandals. I’ve worn it with statement necklaces, statement earrings, and scarves. It’s a perfect canvas for your fall style!
I hope y’all run out and get this one. It’s the best.
Shop more denim dresses here!
Draper James Lucky You Sale Favorites
Labor Day Weekend Favorites!
My dress is $40 (also available in navy!!)
(This post contains affiliate links; I will receive a very small commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)
Y'all, the Draper James summer sale is the best LDW sale I've seen (and trust me, I've looked at them all!) There are so many pieces that I've worn time and again, and the prices are insane -- up to 75% off! This bell-sleeved dress has been my go-to all summer because it's just so flattering and easy to wear; it's cut to $40, and I'm thinking of snagging it in navy as well! Here are a few more favorites for you!
Tees
This is a great time to stock up on DJ tees and tops. The striped tops are great beyond Labor Day and the tees are $10! The bell sleeved stripe tee has been a staple in my wardrobe all summer -- it's perfect for easy elegance -- and the What Would Dolly Do tee has gotten more compliments than possibly any other article of clothing I own.
Shoes and Boots
I'm pretty certain that I would wear Jack Rogers sandals every day if I could. I love these logo Jacks -- the Howdy Y'all and the Southern Belle are both adorable! The Soludos espadrilles and Old Gringo boots are great deals, too!
Magnolia Dress
Magnolia dress $50; Elizabeth's dress is sold out. (this photo is an iPhone snap!)
This dress is perfection, y'all. I wore it to the track and to a garden party and I've never felt more Southern in my life. The Ponte fabric is ridiculously flattering, and the print is fabulous. It's down to $50. Trust me, you'll be glad it's in your closet next spring!
Let me know if you score anything good from the DJ Lucky You sale! It runs through tomorrow, September 4th.
Vineyard Vines Run for the Roses Scarf
Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby accessories benefitting Louisville’s Norton Cancer Institute
Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here. Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines
We all see A LOT of Derby attire this time of year. Some is cute, some not so much. And then there's some that has special meaning. Vineyard Vines sent me a couple of pieces from their Kentucky Derby 144 line that I'm so excited to share with y'all today because they're extremely special. You can find these pieces online, of course, but I especially love shopping the selection at the Lexington Vineyard Vines store at The Summit at Fritz Farm! It's so fun to actually see and try on your Derby week pieces before you buy them!
Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here. Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines
The Run for the Roses Scarf is probably my favorite Derby-themed piece I've seen this year. 30% of the proceeds from this scarf will benefit the Norton Cancer Institute through Derby Divas, an organization that helps fund breast health screening services for women who otherwise lack access to these services.
Here's a story that nobody really knows other than Bob: Last year, I had my annual mammogram and a small inconsistency showed up on the image. Let me tell y'all, that's a frightening call to get. My doctor works in the Norton system, and I was referred on to the diagnostic imaging center at Norton Women & Children's Hospital, which bears the Derby Divas logo. The few days between my clinical mammogram and the diagnostic testing were terrifying, and I am fortunate enough to have health insurance, access to excellent health care, and medical professional friends who can answer any question I may think up. I can't imagine how scary it would feel if I found a lump or irregularity and didn't have the means for a screening or anywhere to turn for care and support. In 11 years, Derby Divas has raised $1.5 million to help provide screenings for women who can't afford them. That's not just a logo or a vague commitment to disease awareness; that's directly impacting women's lives.
Last week, I actually had a follow-up annual screening. The radiologist is certain that spot they found is nothing more than a calcification -an irregularity no bigger than a grain of salt that was easily identified through sophisticated imaging. I was once again reminded how fortunate I am to live in a city that has excellent healthcare access, and that there are avenues for less fortunate folks to also gain access to quality healthcare. Louisville is known for its horses and its bourbon, but the Derby City does an amazing job of giving back to members of its community that need it most.
Vineyard Vines has been the official style outfitter of the Kentucky Derby for 8 years now. They've done a wonderful job of creating some meaningful products in this year's Derby Line specifically focused on charitable giving. In addition to the rose-print scarf, there are also Oaks Lily neck ties (in pink and blue) and bow ties (pink and blue). These are the perfect pairing, as $1 for every Oaks Lily cocktail sold on Kentucky Oaks Day also benefits the Breast Health Program at Norton Cancer Institute!
I plan to wear my Run for the Roses scarf as often as possible this Derby season to help spread the word about Vineyard Vines' partnership with Norton Cancer Institute! Head over to the Vineyard Vines store in Lexington this weekend -- they're having a special anniversary party on Saturday, featuring giveaways and the whale mascot! -- to pick up these pieces that share your Derby weekend spirit while providing crucial health services. That's one guaranteed Derby win!!
Check out what other Bluegrass bloggers have to offer this Kentucky Derby season!
- Where to Celebrate the Derby in Lexington / Lex Eats
- Plus Size Derby & Oaks Style / Authentically Emmie
- The History of the Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Derby Facts / Fabulous in Fayette
- Oaks & Derby Looks from Amazon / Munchkins and the Military
- How to Throw the Best Derby Party / The Bliss Between
- Affordable Places to Experience Derby / Loud Girl Big World
- Derby Party Cocktail / Space, Place & Southern Grace
- Horse Cupcakes with Bourbon Icing / Kentucky Girl Ramblings
- Derby Cocktail / House Three Thirty Six
- Beers for Bourbon Lovers / Love Me Brew
- Advice to Survive Derby Week from a Multiple Derby Attendee / Dog Lady Horse Crazy
- Derby Party Appetizers / Fashion, Frappes & Felines
- Derby Recipe / Bourbon & Lipstick
- How to Dress for the Derby / Styled in Blue
- Affordable Derby Outfit / Same McKenna