Tarleton State U (TX) – Theta Sigma started out the school year with its Strike Out Arthritis! volleyball and dodgeball tournaments. Sisterhood retreat was a trip to Mineral Wells, Texas. They spent a day at Bryton and Co. creating murals. The chapter also had an Old Hollywood themed formal. On Service Learning Day, they partnered with Alpha Gamma Rho and did a sock drive for the Foster Home for Children. Texas A & M U (TX) – Tau Mu kicked off the semester with an officer retreat and spring recruitment. Fun sisterhood events included a retreat at the Aggieland Safari, ZUMBA class, spray tans for formal, photoshoot and ice cream at Aggie Park, a Galentine's cookie decorating karaoke party, and a battle of the themes bowling sisterhood. Socials included a Valentine’s Date Party and Rose Ball formal. They hosted a Spike Out Arthritis! sand volleyball tournament. Fifteen teams participated and raised over $8,000! They also did fun PR initiatives in collaboration with Headquarters! Texas Woman's U (TX) – Delta Theta raised around $3,000 at their annual Spike Out Arthritis! and had a successful fall recruitment. They introduced a Sunshine Committee to organize hangouts in each grade and strengthened members' commitment to AOII. Lastly, Founders’ Day was special because alumnae and moms joined. Towson U (MD) – Theta Beta kicked off the school year with a sisterhood retreat where they were able to bond. They participated in their favorite philanthropy event, Jingle Bell Run. Lastly, they were excited to finish with the most CAP Points during the semester, and met their goal. Transylvania U (KY) – Tau Omega raised over $1,000 through Holiday Bingo and $400 through Candy Grams for the Arthritis Foundation. They’ve had painting dates, a CycleBar class, and have two teams playing in the intramural basketball tournament. Sisters loved their spring sleepover and red carpet themed formal. Troy U (AL) – Theta Delta celebrated their 5th anniversary at semi-formal. They held their first Founders’ Day celebration where they heard from Past International President, Carole Jones, and gave out awards and recognitions. It was fun meeting past members of the chapter and sharing experiences. U of Alabama (AL) – Alpha Delta had a year full of philanthropy events including a Strike Out Arthritis! kickball tournament and backyard bash that raised over $32,000. Members participated in sisterhood events including a retreat at a yacht club, a trip to Six Flags, Top Golf, candle making, and Bachelor watch parties. 119 members made the University President’s list and 142 members were on the Dean's list! Tau Mu (Texas A&M) Collegiate Chapter News 51
U of Alabama Birmingham (AL) – Zeta Pi started off the year with a successful recruitment, annual skate party, retreat to the Majestic Caverns, and many sisterhood lunches. They held their annual philanthropy week which concluded with the Strike Out Arthritis softball competition and raised over $5,000! They were proud to host the first in-person Founders’ Day since 2020! U of Alabama in Huntsville (AL) – Delta Tau raised money for The Boys and Girls Club with a Fairy Tale Tea Party. Chai's, Chi's, and AOII's was a philanthropy event where they made coffee, tea, and buttons to raise money for the Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center. They had a can food drive and 500 cans were donated to Manna house. New members went to the Nashville Parthenon and Farmers’ Market for their retreat. U of Arkansas (AR) – Xi Omicron kicked off the semester with their annual Taco 'Bout Mental Health philanthropy dinner. Members of the community were invited to the house to eat tacos and learn how to help end the stigma against mental health. The chapter also hosted many sisterhood events including a Galentine’s sisterhood, build-a-panda, and a goat kissing booth. Four members were recognized for being exceptional students within the Panhellenic community. Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) Delta Tau (U of Alabama Huntsville) Collegiate Chapter News 52 | Summer 2023
Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas) U of Arkansas-Fort Smith (AR) – Upsilon Beta kicked off the school year with their annual Initiation Retreat. They had their 10 Year Anniversary lunch where they shared stories with alumnae. They just recently had a philanthropy event and definitely had a great time crowning their Alpha Male. U of British Columbia (BC Canada) – Beta Kappa started the school year with a successful Formal Recruitment, followed by fun COB events, resulting in meeting campus total and celebrating 25 new members with “Alpha O Rodeo” Bid Day. They raised $1,050 for the Canadian Artists Society and ran a successful clothing drive to support the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, Vancouver, BC, donating ten boxes of items. They closed the year with a Rose Ball celebration at the Shaughnessy Golf Club, honoring members’ accomplishments. U of Calgary (AB Canada) – Kappa Lambda had a spooky Halloween trick or treating and collected 500 pounds of donations for the university’s student union food bank! The fall wrapped up with a semiformal that raised over $1,300 for the Arthritis Society! In the winter, the chapter made kindness bags for the local drop-in center and participated in serving dinner to homeless and low-income individuals. For the last meeting of the semester, the chapter enjoyed ice-cream at an ice-cream shop! Zeta Pi (U of Alabama Birmingham) U of California, San Diego (CA) – Lambda Iota participated in various smaller philanthropies including a Red Cross blood drive and packing supplies for Feeding San Diego. They’ve had many fun sisterhoods like trips to old town for candlemaking, study dates at Pink Rose Cafe, and Dave & Busters. They have also been preparing for their philanthropy, AOPALOOZA. U of Central Missouri (MO) – Delta Pi kicked off 2022-2023 with Bid Day where they welcomed amazing new members! They kicked off Capture the Cure and raised $600 with this flag football tournament! They had fun sisterhood events such as tote bag decorating, a Just Dance tournament, and Spring Formal! Collegiate Chapter News 53
U of Chicago (IL) – Phi Chi held winter formal and various events related to formal recruitment and celebrating their new members, including their annual Valentine’s Day Rose sale and Alpha Games. They wrapped up their year with a spring formal on a yacht. U of Connecticut (CT) – Lambda Lambda hosted their annual Run for the Roses 5k to promote arthritis awareness. They enjoyed each other's company as they cheered on sports teams throughout the semester, networked during GreekExpo, hosted an Euphoria themed semiformal, and participated in other chapters events and UConn's philanthropy HuskyTHON. U of Evansville (IN) – Chi Lambda welcomed new members with a Hannah Montana themed Bid Day. The chapter held three philanthropic events. The fall event was Smoke Out Arthritis! and raised $1,300 by selling food truck tickets for people to play cornhole and enjoy a barbeque meal. Their annual Spike Out Arthritis! event raised $1,000. The spring featured a new event, the Ark Drive, that raises money and collects supplies for the Ark Children’s Crisis Center, a local philanthropy in Evansville that provides free needs-based childcare for kids ages six months to six years. Sisters have also participated in Chi O cornhole, Sigep-a-go-go (a dance competition – that they won), and many mixers. Sisterhood events included Rose Formal, media day, paint night, and a movie night. The chapter has also participated in intramurals and were named intramural basketball champions. Sisters will be dancing their way to the disco at Rose Formal 2023. U of Florida (FL) – Gamma Omicron has pairings with Panhellenic sororities each month, where they participate in activities such as tote bag painting and board game nights. They recently hosted another successful Strike Out Arthritis! event in which they raised $7,739 and had over 300 participants! They’ve had multiple sisterhood events including a Valentine’s Day Picnic and a pool party on their sundeck. They partnered with Project Downtown, an organization that hands out lunches to those in need. They collected blankets and jackets for the organization, and then passed them out the week after. U of Georgia (GA) – Lambda Sigma kicked the school year off with Red Rose Formal in Atlanta! They hosted their annual Slice of Pi event where they raised $15,000+ for the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. Fun sisterhood events included build-a-bear workshop, permanent bracelet making, a self-defense class, and attending the Athens rodeo! Members were proud to win first place at the Greek Grind competition raising $300 for philanthropy. U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL) – Iota started off the year strong with two successful philanthropy events, Tie-Dye and AOPaint, to fundraise $3,600 for Illini Service Dogs. At AOPaint, teams competed in activities like tossing a paint-filled balloon, paint tug-of-war, and more. Sisterhood events included a barn dance, a semi-formal, movie nights, and a white elephant holiday party. In the spring semester, they hosted a Superbowl Sunday party and Galentine’s Day party. They also had an International Women’s Day Photoshoot as well as participated in the “Share the Alpha Love” initiative on National Random Acts of Kindness Day. The chapter hosted a philanthropy thrift event and Strike Out Arthritis! Barbeque Dinner. At the Panhellenic Greek Oscars, they received 2nd place for risk management and 3rd place for philanthropy. U of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA) – Delta Beta started off with the acts of kindness booth which they also used as a recruitment booth! Some sisterhood events included karaoke and a sugar themed retreat. The chapter has academic giveaways, Founder Awards, and Ruby of the Week. Lambda Tau (U of Louisiana at Monroe) Collegiate Chapter News 54 | Summer 2023
U of Louisiana at Monroe (LA) – Lambda Tau started off with AOII Goes Blue Week, where they had a photoshoot, a coke float sale, “Put a Hand on Arthritis”, a Venmo fundraiser, and a giveback night at Newk’s – raising over $1,500 for the Arthritis Foundation! They had interactive sisterhood meetings such as ZUMBA, sisterhood brunch, and read books to elementary students at the West Monroe Community Center. The chapter also received the highest sorority GPA! U of Louisville (KY) – Pi Alpha started the fall semester by doubling their chapter size with 22 new sisters. The chapter went to an advisor's lake house for sisterhood retreat. They continued to grow as a sisterhood by raising $2,000 for a sister getting surgery due to arthritis in her jaw by hosting a volleyball tournament. U of Maine (ME) – Gamma began the year by collecting donations to purchase items from the Amazon wish list for period poverty for the Bangor, Maine Homeless Shelter. The chapter also made making Valentine’s cards and goodie bags for the shelter. They hosted Mr. Fraternity during Greek Week, decorated tote bags and notebooks for an sisterhood event and continued to COB with ‘Taco Bout AOII’ night and Galentine’s Night. U of Minnesota (MN) – Tau kicked off 2022 with Strike Out Arthritis! at a Twins Game and Fall in Love with AOII philanthropy events where they raised $3,000+. They volunteered at Walk to Cure JA where highlights included cheering on the kids and sisters who completed the 5k! In 2023, they welcomed new members with a “There’s Snow Place like AOII” Bid Day fitting in with the chilly Minnesota winter! U of Mississippi (MS) – Nu Beta hosted a golf tournament that raised $18,630 for the Arthritis Foundation and a benefit concert that raised nearly $13,000! Nu Beta has also had many sisterhood events, just a few of which include pumpkin painting, flower arranging, and fun dress-up chapter events! A sister was also Homecoming Queen and Panhellenic Woman of the Year! U of Nebraska at Kearney (NE) – Phi Sigma started the spring semester with their first ever Slam Out Arthritis! pickleball tournament. Forty-six teams participated and the chapter raised almost $2,900. U of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE) – Zeta held several philanthropy events for large organizations such as Toys For Tots and the Arthritis Foundation, while also fundraising for local charities through drives and hands-on volunteer work. Sisterhood events included candle making, flower bouquet making, and renting out a theater for a private movie screening! Sisters also participated in an all-house photoshoot at a park and an officer photoshoot at their state capital. Pi Alpha (U of Louisville) Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) Collegiate Chapter News 55
U of Nevada, Reno (NV) – Delta Nu kicked off last semester with their annual Starch Out Arthritis! and raised over $5,000. Delta Nu held many fun events such as a scrapbook sisterhood and America’s Next Top Model type fashion show with clothes from local thrift shops. U of South Alabama (AL) – Gamma Delta kicked off the school year with their Strike Out Arthritis! kickball tournament and raised over $20,000 for the Arthritis Foundation and Camp M.A.S.H. Fun social events included a Rhyme Without Reason date party. U of South Carolina Aiken (SC) – Chi Phi had a philanthropy event in November with support from the other organizations on campus. They also had many sisterhood events like pumpkin carving, a trip to an adventure park, a semi-formal, and a successful Founders’ Day. U of South Florida (FL) – Gamma Theta kicked off this school year with Dunk Out Arthritis! - a basketball tournament raising more than $2,500. Members were proud to win the 2nd place trophy for the Putting on the Hits dance competition for Stop Child Abuse America. Exciting sisterhood events included a retreat at Busch Gardens Tampa for their Howl-O-Scream event and a country western themed semi-formal called Woodser. The chapter also connected with alumnae chapters at the Founders’ Day brunch. Phi Sigma (U of Nebraska at Kearney) Gamma Delta (U of South Alabama) Collegiate Chapter News 56 | Summer 2023
U of Tennessee Knoxville (TN) – Omicron started the year off with their AOII Barbeque. With over 700 donations, they raised $24,409 for the Arthritis Foundation! They are proud of Emaleigh Bell for being awarded Panhellenic Women of the Year. Fall semester, they placed 1st in Homecoming and 3rd in the Sisterhood showcase! The chapter was awarded 3-stars for meeting the campus’ standards of fraternal excellence and had the 2nd highest overall Panhellenic GPA. Fun sisterhood events included a day at Dollywood, Oak Farms, a pumpkin patch, and so much more! U of Tennessee Martin (TN) – Tau Omicron hosted eight philanthropy events, including an annual golf tournament and Run for the Roses 5K race, and raised $22,610! Members are proud to have won the highest GPA for CPC sororities, Homecoming quad city and pyramid, greek week step show, and numerous intramural sports. Members have grown through sisterhood events like a clothes swap, bonfire with s'mores, tote bag painting, senior celebration, and an 'Old Vegas' themed fall social! The chapter has enjoyed partnering with the UTM soccer team, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and others to do community service projects. U of Texas-San Antonio (TX) – Upsilon Lambda started off the school year with Philanthropy Week concentrating on raising awareness and funds for Sister for Soldiers! They had 17 teams participate and raised more than $1,500! They had exciting sisterhood events which consisted of lighting up lanterns, attending basketball games, and going to the rodeo. They also got to celebrate new members with their theme being Alphas and Roses. Founders’ Day was a success as they invited a role model in their life. Members were proud to receive 3rd place in PHC Black History Month food drive and win other fraternity and sorority philanthropy weeks. U of Toledo (OH) – Theta Psi kicked off the school year with a Freeze Out Arthritis! event and sold ice cream and popsicles and raised $250! They also had their AOPierogis and raised $1,500! Fun sisterhood events included an executive retreat having a great day in the sun, a day trip to Gus Brothers flower farm, a date night to Huntington Center to watch the Walleyes play, and Moms’ Day! Members were proud to place at songfest competition and Greek awards from the U of Toledo! The chapter also plans to partner with the alumnae chapter to host a celebration for recent graduates. Omicron (U of Tennessee Knoxville) U of Toronto (ON, Canada) – Beta Tau started off the year with a Pie a Pi in collaboration with Alpha Delta Phi fraternity in support of the Arthritis Foundation. Their unlimited dessert tables were a hit, in conjunction with sisters getting hit by pies! Throughout the term they had sisterhoods consisting of puppy yoga, ceramic painting, Galantines, and Pizza Day. At the annual Panhellenic awards ceremony they won Outstanding COB. Member loved wrapping up the year with formal! U of Waterloo (ON, Canada) – Lambda Epsilon had an amazing start to the year and were able to raise over $400 for the Arthritis Society of Canada - a number they haven't seen since the pandemic began! They celebrated their 15th anniversary at the Roseball formal where they received outstanding support from Greek life community members and their gracious alumnae sisters. They also placed second in Derby Days raising over $10,000 for The Huntsman Cancer Institute with $2,947 coming from Lambda Epsilon! Collegiate Chapter News 57
U of Western Ontario (ON, Canada) – Iota Chi kicked off the semester with COB events which included a slumber party over Zoom, a cafe chat, skating, and hot cocoa! They had so much fun with sisters doing events from spin classes, to tote bag painting, and catching up at their favorite restaurant, Delilah's, for dinner! The chapter ended the semester with a rose-themed formal to celebrate their achievements and graduates as well as a week-long event of Alpha Omi-Crown! U of Wisconsin (WI) - River Falls – Kappa Sigma kicked off the year with “Meet the Greeks” consisting of events such as axe throwing, a BBQ, and socializing with other organizations. Kappa Sigma also created tight-knit bonds by implementing many sisterhood events including attending the Haunted Hayride, tote bag decorating, a Galentine’s party, and sweetheart competition. Last May, Kappa Sigma participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis and is excited to participate once again. U of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (WI) – Phi Delta started the school year with a fantastic Formal Recruitment and finishing off that weekend with a Barbie Bid Day welcoming fourteen new members! Sisterhood events helped bring the chapter together by doing affirmation jars, apple picking, and movie nights. Fall formal was Gatsby themed, and they engaged in socials, such as a beach volleyball tournament and pumpkin carving. The Phi Delta Chapter was ranked first in GPA among NPC chapters. Virginia Commonwealth U (VA) – Rho Beta started the spring semester with Leadership Academy and Rose Week. Their date function was “Rhyme without Reason” themed. They participated in a school supply drive for Fairfield Elementary School. They had formal recruitment and the chapter was able to bring home nine members. In addition, they had a Valentine’s Day tabling, Philanthropy Week, food fundraiser, and raised money with Pie an AOII. Wagner College (NY) – Theta Pi had many tabling events and their favorite is PieAnAOII. They also love acknowledging other philanthropies, like lupus. Their semesterly formal is always a blast! They are also looking forward to philanthropy games with two other Greek organizations to raise money for philanthropy. They are eager to see what the rest of the year holds for the Theta Pi Chapter. Washington College (MD) – Sigma Tau has committed to campus involvement and their Blue Week, Smoke Out Arthritis!, and Jasmine Queen Memorial 5K have brought the campus together to raise awareness and funds to support juvenile arthritis. and research. Sisters are involved in campus organizations from a capella choir to theatre to athletics and student government, in addition to winning awards for Excellence in Recruitment and Retention, and Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusion. They celebrated sisterhood with a relaxing waterfront retreat and a pink disco Rose Ball. Washington State U (WA) – Alpha Gamma held multiple successful philanthropies including AOII Goes Blue, Redbull Days, and their upcoming Alpha Male and Strike Out Arthritis! One notable sisterhood was Family Holidays where sisters exchanged gifts with their Greek families and celebrated before winter break. Theta Pi (Wagner College) Collegiate Chapter News 58 | Summer 2023
West Virginia U (WV) – Sigma Alpha started the year off strong with Parents’ Weekend for a WVU home game. They had six fun date parties, as well as ten socials with affiliated fraternities and other student organizations on campus! They ended the fall semester off with their annual Kick Out Arthritis! soccer tournament, raising $1,200. They have had a ton of fun sisterhood events including bouquet making, going to an art bar, bracelet making with another sorority, and tote bag painting. Western Kentucky U (KY) – Alpha Chi kicked off the year with Strike Out Arthritis! at the bowling alley. This semester they have hosted philanthropy events such as AOII HOP (for all you can eat pancakes), a benefit day at a coffee shop, a benefit night at a Mexican restaurant, a raffle ticket event to win a basket with fun prizes, and a blind date event. The chapter also hosted a mental health awareness week and proceeds went to the Jed Foundation. They had a sisterhood retreat where sisters painted pottery and participated in team building activities. They have hosted several DEI speakers and recently completed a chapter strengthening project to show everyone’s contributions. They placed 2nd overall during the KD Shenanigans competition. Western Michigan U (MI) – Kappa Rho started off the spring semester with their annual Pie an AOII and had a blast while raising $150. In March, they had a sisterhood event at a roller-skating rink. The sisters are proud to have placed second in Airband for Greek Week - the theme was Disney Channel Original movies! Wingate U (NC) – Alpha Epsilon started the school year off with recruitment, in which they got the largest new member class on campus. They were also able to assist their local philanthropy, Turning Point, Inc., in cleaning their shelter and providing a meal for residents. The chapter also hosted a Founders’ Day event and have been preparing for Greek Week where they will be raising money for a homeless shelter. Wright State U (OH) – Kappa Delta started the year jumping into Formal Recruitment where they doubled their chapter size! They hosted their annual Backyard Bash raising over $1,000 for Sisters for Soldiers! The members enjoyed sisterhoods with other Panhellenic chapters including visiting a pumpkin patch and a craft night! They proudly celebrated a Founders’ Day tea with the Dayton Alumnae Chapter. In February, they enjoyed a Galentine's sisterhood together! Youngstown State U (OH) – Phi Lambda hosted their annual Strike Out Arthritis! Bowling Tournament. They put together teams and arranged for raffle baskets. Sisterhood events included making friendship bracelets, and a retreat where they went hiking and bonded more closely with one another. They loved hosting an Under The Stars-themed spring formal. Members were proud to receive awards for obtaining above a 3.0 GPA and placing 3rd overall in Greek Week. The chapter also mixed with other chapters on campus and bonded with their members. Alpha Epsilon (Wingate U) Sigma Tau (Washington College) Collegiate Chapter News 59
Things We Love 60 | Summer 2023 LOVE Healing, nourishing products for you, made by healing women’s hands. Shop Thistle Farms to help provide meaningful employment for women survivors of traffi cking and exploitation and revenue for their mission to heal, house, employ and advocate for women survivors. Love Heals Collection — thistlefarms.org/collections/love-heals-collection DIFF Eyewear is motivated to molding a world where everyone has access to the vision care they need. Through their global partnership with Sightsavers, the gift of sight has been provided to 3 million people (and counting). Each pair of DIFF eyewear purchased makes a DIFFerence by providing sight-saving treatments to people in need through eye exams, surgeries, medicine, and more. Shop DIFF Eyewear and provide better sight for someone in need — diffl eyewear.com Gently worn bridesmaid dresses purchased from Birdy Grey are able to be shipped back to be donated to their partner, The Princess Project, a non-profi t that promotes self-confi dence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school teens who cannot affl ord them. Learn More about Birdy Grey x The Princess Project — birdygrey.com/pages/donate THINGS WE giving back edition LOVE
Things We Love 61 Thrive Causemtics is a beauty brand that was created with the intention to give back. Founded in 2015 by Karissa Bodnar, the vegan DTC luxury cosmetics brand partners with a variety of womenfocused organizations. Currently, with every product purchase, the brand will donate a product to a woman in need. We love their award-winning, best-selling tubing mascara that doesn’t clump, fl ake or smudge AND gives back to help communities in need thrive! Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara — thrivecausemetics.com/products/liquid-lash-extensions-mascara Adriana Carrig, Founder & CEO, started making bracelets in college for herself and her Delta Zeta sisters as a wearable affi rmation of their worth. Her community is called Nice Nation and is living proof that one kind word can change everything for the better. Each bracelet is intended to be worn as a reminder of self-love and kindness, and eventually be passed on to someone who needs it more. Their Big Impact collections are available year-round to support a group of causes they love, and each bracelet purchased gives back 25% of net proceeds to a diffl erent nonprofi t. Big Impact Collection — littlewordsproject.com/pages/big-impact So many of life’s moments can be celebrated with a joyful toast or reminisced over a shared meal with family and friends. Now, AOII is giving you, our alumnae, the opportunity to do both with our newest alumnae-focused Fraternity offl ering, Ever Blooming Napa Valley, created exclusively for Alpha Omicron Pi members by our new partners at Fairwinds Estate Winery. Twenty percent of the proceeds from all wine purchased goes directly towards alumnae programming, events and Fraternity services. With subtle nods to our beloved AOII woven throughout the wine offl erings, alumnae will fi nd themselves sifting through the fondest memories brought on the famous words of A Rose Ever Blooming, “An AOII now and forever I’ll be, for AOII means more than the world to me.” Shop Ever Blooming Napa Valley Wines — everbloomingnapa.com/shop
Jaclyn Gallo | Keynote Speaker ALUMNAE LEADERSHIP C O NFER ENC E EMPOWERING WOMEN & CELEBRATING SISTERHOOD: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2023 ALUMNAE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The 2023 Alumnae Leadership Conference, hosted on Zoom on April 15th, was an extraordinary event that brought together alumnae of Alpha Omicron Pi from across North America. With a lineup of inspirational speakers, educational tracks, roundtable discussions, and exciting activities, the conference aimed to empower women, foster leadership skills, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The conference featured a captivating keynote by Jaclyn Gallo made possible by a grant from the AOII Foundation. Advocating for women's empowerment, Gallo's thought-provoking speech focused on the importance of self-image, self-talk, and self-perception in shaping one's personal and professional journey. With her empowering words, she inspired attendees to embrace their strengths, overcome self-doubt, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. To cater to the diverse interests of attendees, the conference featured 12 educational tracks aligned with AOII's Ends of ambition, leadership, empowering women, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. These tracks delved into various topics, including personal and professional development, career advancement, entrepreneurship, wellness and self-care, community engagement, and social justice. Attendees had the opportunity to select tracks that resonated with their individual goals, enabling them to gain valuable insights and skills from industry experts and experienced leaders. The conference also provided a platform for meaningful discussions through roundtable sessions. Attendees had the chance to engage in conversations on topics such as Ritual education, lifetime engagement, generational communication, and exchange ideas with the Executive Board. These interactive sessions fostered connections, allowed for the sharing of experiences, and facilitated the development of strategies to strengthen the AOII community. 62 | Summer 2023
Recognizing the importance of fostering sisterhood and connection, the conference kicked offl with a social networking hour. Special guests from Ever Blooming Napa Valley, AOII's wine club, joined the event to provide an enjoyable and relaxing environment for attendees to socialize. This dedicated time allowed sisters to bond, strengthen existing friendships, and forge new connections while enjoying the company of alumnae members. The conference also emphasized giving back to the community through a charitable initiative. To support a worthy cause, the event included a workout session led by fi tness expert Lori Goede, with the proceeds benefi ting the Arthritis Foundation. This philanthropic effl ort not only promoted health and well-being, but also demonstrated AOII's commitment to making a positive impact beyond their sisterhood. As the conference drew to a close, it was time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of both attendees and alumnae chapters. This uplifting and joyful session recognized the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of individuals and chapters within the AOII community. It served as a reminder of the lifelong bond that AOII members share and the limitless potential they possess. The 2023 Alumnae Leadership Conference was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on attendees and reaffi rming AOII's commitment to empowering women and fostering leadership. This focus on alumnae development provided a platform for personal and professional growth, sisterhood, and the celebration of achievements. By equipping women with the necessary skills and resources, AOII continues to show the commitment to life-long learning and pave the way for a brighter future. ALC 2023 Recap 63
Lynda Given, an alumna of Omega Chapter (Miami U), made one of her earliest gifts to the Foundation to establish a special fund for the chapter’s use to pay it back and to pay it forward. “As Omega Chapter President in 1976-77, I was painfully aware of the fi nancial challenges the chapter faced,” Lynda says. “Paying for sisters to attend Convention and other signifi cant expenditures posed strains on our cash fl ow. I wanted to provide a fund that would enable the chapter to pay for leadership experiences for its members and alleviate some of the fi nancial stress.” The creation of the fund for Omega Chapter introduced Lynda to the Foundation and led her to serve on the Board Development and Governance Committee. That experience allowed her to work with the Foundation's leadership and staffl and learn even more about the Foundation and its needs. “Several years after creating the fund for the Omega Chapter, Foundation staffl and leadership let me know that the fund had grown to an extent that would more than adequately meet my objectives for the benefi t of the chapter, and that a portion of the fund could be reallocated to meet other Foundation needs. I worked with staffl to rework the terms of my gift to provide funds for the new museum at Headquarters and for the Foundation's general purposes. To know that my gift now serves not just one, but three purposes, is very rewarding.” Lynda’s hope is that each of our sisters felt and continues to feel the warmth and love that she experienced from AOII, both as a collegian and as an alumna. She adds, “Sisterhood means supporting one another - sometimes with one's time, a kind word or perhaps fi nancially - for a lifetime. That's what sisterhood means to me. The Foundation is key to providing that support.” Emily Black, Xi Chapter (U of Oklahoma), echoes that desire; to feel a part of a cause where sisters rally to support sisters. As gardeners know, growth requires time and nurturing. When seeds are planted, watered, and exposed to light, plants will increase in size and fl owers will bloom. With many of us, our ability to develop as donors and grow our philanthropic plans is much the same. It requires commitment, planning, and attention. Some of our AOII Foundation donors recently shared how they started and continue their philanthropic journey, from the seeds of their fi rst commitment to nurturing growth. Emily Black, Xi (U of Oklahoma) Lynda Given, Omega (Miami U) Foundation Focus 64 | Summer 2023 Foundation FOCUS
“Giving Tuesday was my fi rst call to give to the Foundation and it set me on a path of feeling inspired to give to AOII both with my fi nances and with my time as a volunteer,” she says. She advises others to give to the Foundation in the spirit of "Paying it Forward." Emily adds, “See it as an opportunity to give back to an organization that supported you through some challenging, foundational, and impressionable years, and as a way to pave the path for those that will come after you. It is women supporting women, and sisters supporting sisters.” She adds, “It is important to remember that it is not always the amount you choose to give, but the spirit of love and sacrifi cial heart you do it with.” For many sisters, their fi rst donation to the Foundation may be the purchase of a Rose Tribute to honor a special sister. That is true for alumna and Fraternity staffl member, Abby Mason, Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U). When she attended the 2001 International Convention in Palm Desert, California, she wanted to honor her Chapter Advisor and other chapter sisters who traveled with her. “I was a junior and received a few Rose Tribute stickers for my name tag and thought that was so cool. Then I would pass a sister in the hall with 20+ on and think “Wow, that lanyard is more like a necklace valued at $100,” Abby says. Abby’s donor journey has grown through the years. This year, for example, she made gifts to the Ann Gilchrist Scholarship Fund and the Archives Museum Campaign. Her Pi Day donation celebrated her 25th anniversary and she once again purchased Rose Tributes to help adorn those lanyards at Convention. “I now better understand the role the AOII Foundation has in making so many programs available to members and I want to have a part in ensuring those opportunities endure,” she adds. Taylor Beckham, Delta Epsilon (Jacksonville State U), describes her donor journey as Abby does, “I give what I can, when I can”. From her childhood, the importance of giving back was instilled in her and AOII further inspired her to give to others. “I had been supported by the Foundation during my senior year of college receiving a large scholarship that allowed me to graduate debt free. I wanted to help play a small role in helping others achieve that goal as well.” Passionate about educating women, Taylor is even more passionate about promotion of scholarship among sisters. “I want to see AOII women thrive and ultimately change the world with their knowledge and skills!” She sums up the sentiments of many Foundation donors, “The Foundation is a worthy cause. Women supporting women!” Our giving grows thanks to sisters like these and these gifts grow the support our sisters need. Scan the QR code to start your donor journey. Abby Mason Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U) Taylor Beckham Delta Epsilon (Jacksonville State U) Foundation Focus 65
1 Shop now at aoiiemporium.com BACK TO SCHOOL IN Style 2 66 | Summer 2023
3 4 1 A Diamond is Just a Piece of Charcoal Crewneck – $34.00 2 Sparkling Tote – $12.00 3 Bold Alpha O Sisterhood Crewneck – $34.00 4 Ambition Club Crop Tank – $25.00 5 Circle Around the Infinity Rose Tee – $25.00 6 Etched in Sand Crewneck – $34.00 5 6 67
The Fraternity is excited to present Alpha Omicron Pi’s new premium wine brand, Ever Blooming Napa Valley, in partnership with Fairwinds Estate Winery. AOII alumnae have the unique opportunity to support our organization with this amazing program. With every purchase, members of the Jacqueminot Club advance strategic initiatives that focus on alumnae membership, events, Fraternity services, and strengthen our sisterhood. Alpha Omicron Pi will receive 20% of all sales. Members of the Jacqueminot Club will receive two shipments per year (three or six bottles each) of handcrafted Napa Valley wines made exclusively for Alpha Omicron Pi. You can cancel or change your membership at any time, and there is no long-term commitment. everbloomingnapa.com everbloomingnapa.com | @everbloomingnapa JOIN TODAY! NEW FALL 2023 RELEASE COMING SOON GIVE BACK TO AOII BY JOINING THE JACQUEMINOT CLUB TODAY! This fall, you’ll be introduced to The Founding Virtuoso—an artful, red blend named after Founder Helen St. Clair Mullan and becomes the third wine in our Founders’ series; Remember Together, our premium, mediumbodied Chardonnay; and a favorite from our collection, 1897 Reserve, AOII’s magnifi cent Napa Valley brut, perfect for any occasion that calls for a vibrant bubbly celebration. Enjoy these latest additions as you celebrate the season with sisters and loved ones!