school ties
Old classmate connections
School ties are the social bonds and loyalties formed through attending the same school, especially elite or prestigious institutions.
The phrase often implies an old-boy network where graduates favor fellow alumni in business, politics, or social advancement: He got the job through school ties rather than merit.
School tie can also literally mean the necktie worn as part of a school uniform, which may signal alumni affiliation later in life.
Superior select group
- privilegeExclusive right or benefit
- exclusivityState of being limited
- Ivy LeagueElite university athletic conference
- OxbridgeCombined name, two universities
preparatory · old money · aristocracy · upper class · social status · pedigree · connections · influence
Gathering after separation
- classmatesStudents in same course
- graduatesDegree recipients
- homecomingReturning to one's origin
- yearbookSchool memory publication
alma mater · commencement · diploma · class ring · fraternity · sorority · old boys · old girls
Ceremonial repeated practices
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- legacyWhat's passed down
pageantry · crest · motto · blazer · uniform · chapel · assembly · rivalry
Bond of mutual affection
- bondingForming close connections
- brotherhoodKinship among men
- sisterhoodBond among women
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
solidarity · fellowship · esprit de corps · roommates · dormitory · house system · team spirit · inside jokes
State of fitting in
- affiliationFormal organizational connection
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- pinPointed metal fastener
badge · lapel · recognition · in-group · shared values · code of conduct · honor code · alumni network
elite
Superior select group
- privilegeExclusive right or benefit
- exclusivityState of being limited
- Ivy LeagueElite university athletic conference
Oxbridge · preparatory · old money · aristocracy · upper class · social status · pedigree · connections · influence · Eton
reunion
Gathering after separation
- classmatesStudents in same course
- graduatesDegree recipients
- homecomingReturning to one's origin
yearbook · alma mater · commencement · diploma · class ring · fraternity · sorority · old boys · old girls · alumni association
rituals
Ceremonial repeated practices
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
legacy · pageantry · crest · motto · blazer · uniform · chapel · assembly · rivalry · fight song
friendship
Bond of mutual affection
- bondingForming close connections
- brotherhoodKinship among men
- sisterhoodBond among women
loyalty · solidarity · fellowship · esprit de corps · roommates · dormitory · house system · team spirit · inside jokes · lifelong friends
belonging
State of fitting in
- affiliationFormal organizational connection
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
pin · badge · lapel · recognition · in-group · shared values · code of conduct · honor code · alumni network · memorabilia
- boarding schoolsboarding house, dormitory, dormitories, dorm, dorm room
- elite educationEton, Winchester, Rugby, elite universities, Oxbridge
- alumni stuffyearbooks, class photos, class notes, class reunions, alumni networks
- elite schoolsprivate academies, Ivy League, college prep, Harvard, Princeton
school tiesprofessional networking
Cultivating work-related contacts
industry contacts · strangers · business contacts · trade associations · religious fellowship
school tiesmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
self-made success · professional qualifications · work experience · bootstrapping · merit-based hiring
school tiesequal opportunity
Unbiased chance for all
diversity initiatives · fresh perspective · new blood · level playing field · transparency
school, schools, schooled, schooling, schooler, scholar, scholarly, scholarship, scholastic