Greek life is central to many students’ college journeys, especially for those with family ties, known as ‘legacies.’
Editor’s Note:
This article has been updated to include a graphic.
Sitting in a basement, surrounded by boxes of keepsakes from a generation before, a mom and daughter, Mia and Heather Tomlinson, sift through photos, hats and ping “ZTA.” As she hands her daughter these heirlooms, she passes down an important family legacy.
For Mia, along with other students, joining a sorority or fraternity means continuing a lineage before them. These students, known as ‘legacies,’ are biologically connected to an alumnus or alumna from the organization.
‘Legacies’ embrace traditions steeped in camaraderie and philanthropy while navigating the journey of establishing their own identities, adorning the letters their relatives wore years before them.
Mia, MU freshman and newly inducted member of Zeta Tau Alpha, stepped into a legacy that runs in her family. Her mother, Heather Tomlinson, was also a Zeta at MU from 1992-1996. Tomlinson recalls her mother’s supportive approach during the rush process.
“I’m very close to my mom, so I called her every day after rush and talked to her about houses,” Mia said.“She was very much like, ‘trust the process with rush, you’re gonna find your place, and if that’s not Zeta, that’s totally okay. Everybody is different.’”
This balance of guidance and independence allowed Tomlinson to forge her own path within Greek life, a sentiment echoed by many legacies at MU.
Shared Values and Traditions
As members navigate their own experiences, they often find that the values of their Greek life organizations resonate deeply with their personal and familial beliefs.
Delta Gamma member Audrey Rohlfing is a triple legacy. Her mom and two older sisters, Paige and Lily Rohlfing, all graduated from MU and rushed Delta Gamma.
“Our entire motto is, do good, DG. I think that was something that I just really connected with because I have always tried to be a really positive person and do good deeds for other people,” Rohlfing said. “…Small acts of kindness can really make a difference, and that’s something that DG really focuses on as a chapter.”
Similarly, Andrew Montgomery, an MU sophomore in Beta Theta Pi emphasized the importance of shared values within his fraternity. Montgomery’s uncle, father and older brother were all members of Beta Theta Pi.
“My father’s work ethic is a value that is really reflected by the house,” Montgomery said. “I feel like that’s a virtue that is really promoted by everyone in the house.”
Lifelong Relationships
A large part of the Greek life experience is establishing bonds with sisters and brothers that last a lifetime.
“I could not have found a better house for me at all,” Mia said. “We always joke that it was like four days in, and I’ve met my best friends ever. We always say these are our bridesmaids.”
Going to college as an only child, Mia emphasized the importance of connecting with her mother.
“I think it’s honestly so amazing for her to feel that connection that I’m going through, I’m in the same sisterhood and community that she was in,” Mia said.
As the countdown commenced on bid day, everyone began opening their cards to run home. Rather than taking off when she found out she had received a bid from Zeta, Mia’s first reaction was to text her mom.
Her mom, little to Mia’s knowledge, was closer than she thought. Heather and Mia’s grandma had driven to campus to surprise her.
“[I remember] running home and seeing her standing in front of that house,” Mia said. “She was crying and she was so excited.”
In that moment, the excitement of sorority life intertwined with the love and support of her family, reinforcing the idea that these relationships would be her foundation as she navigated this new chapter.
Looking to the Future
As students embrace their roles in Greek life as legacies, many express hopes of growing the family tree for future generations.
Addi Sambo rushed Zeta Tau Alpha in fall 2023, carrying on a cherished family legacy. Her mother, Julie Sambo, was also in Zeta and graduated from MU in 1999.
“It would be really cool to have a daughter and have her join Zeta – and even cooler if it was at Mizzou, but you can’t predict how rush will go for anyone,” Sambo said “I would definitely encourage it though knowing how much me and my mom both enjoyed our experiences here.”
As members navigate their Greek life journeys, they carry forward the legacies of those who came before them, while also creating their own paths filled with connection, growth and lasting impact.
Edited by Molly Levine | mlevine@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Chase Pray and Emma Short | eshort@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com